Message from the Reis-ul-ulema to Bosniaks of Kosovo on the occasion of the upcoming census

(Patria) - The Reis-ul-ulema of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Husein-ef. Kavazović, sent a message tonight to Bosniaks in the Republic of Kosovo on the occasion of the upcoming population census.

The MINA agency conveys the Reis-ul-ulema's message in its entirety:

„Dear Bosniaks of Kosovo, brothers and sisters,

as you know, the population census in the brotherly Republic of Kosovo begins these days. Our people, in their historical journey, have paid a high price for their freedom. They have long denied us, prevented us from freely declaring who we are, committed genocide against us, and tried to divide our homeland. Today, it is up to us how we will declare ourselves and what kind of future we will build for the generations to come with God's help.

The people of Kosovo have also paid a high price for their freedom, and it is time for you to create a better future for all of us in this part of Europe in unity. Therefore, on this occasion, I want to emphasize once again the need for our national identification as Bosniaks, for nurturing our Bosnian language, and for declaring our Islamic affiliation in this time. 

I note that the population census is a very important process, both for determining our actual numbers in the Republic of Kosovo and for realizing constitutional rights in state and local institutions, which is directly related to our percentage participation in the total population.

For all these reasons, it is very important that we all contribute to the census of every member of the Bosniak people in the Republic of Kosovo, as well as our diaspora, i.e., all those who have the legal right to do so, in its entirety and without exception.

Inform yourselves about the census procedure and regulations, be at your registered addresses during the census days. Organize yourselves with your representatives so that the census is successfully conducted. We are also working these days to encourage our compatriots to respond en masse and freely declare that our national name is BOSNIAK, our religion is ISLAM, and our mother tongue is BOSNIAN.

The census results will guide many developments in your homeland, the Republic of Kosovo. Build your homeland and your community together with other peoples and citizens of Kosovo, and be proud representatives of your faith and people.

In all that you do, rely on the Merciful, purify your intentions, and let there be no room in your hearts for evil, contempt, or hatred towards anyone. This is what our faith teaches us, and may Almighty Allah help us in this.“