Redžematović for NAP: Reis Kavazović should launch a platform for joint action of all Muslims in the region

Interview by Delvin Kovač

We have always suffered from Serbian-Russian influence. The war, by all accounts, is not over yet. But, allow me to note that we are suffering from various influences.

Nor the Croatian-Western influence on Muslims, and especially Bosniaks in BiH, is at all harmless or well-intentioned. Moreover, it is more insidious than the Serbian-Russian one.

This was stated in an Eid interview for the Patria News Agency by the chief imam of Podgorica, Džemo Redžematović.

Mr. Redžematović, what is the current legal and social status of Muslims in Montenegro? Can it be said that, despite all the problems and hardships they face, they have nevertheless managed to preserve their own identity?

Redžematović: The social and legal status of Muslims in Montenegro is regulated by the Constitution and positive law, and I believe it is a good framework within which Muslims can exercise their religious and other rights. Of course, rights and justice must be pursued proactively, as it is unlikely that anything will come to us "on a silver platter." And this is a continuous process. "A constant struggle."

Muslims are fighting for their rights within their capabilities; the situation can always be better. What is positive is the fact that our situation is better than 30 years ago in terms of personnel and infrastructure. Muslims today have many mosques, they have madrasas, they have their national and cultural institutions through which they fight and realize their constitutionally guaranteed rights.

How would you assess the cooperation between the Islamic Community in Podgorica and the state of Montenegro? What can be improved?

Redžematović: It is a correct cooperation. And as in everything in life, there are ups and downs; I fear that today we are witnessing a drastic decline in the trust of Muslims in the institutions of the system, because it is evident that Montenegro and all its citizens are facing a general onslaught of clerical fascism and historical revisionism.

We are aware of this. But, we are at home in our own country, and I believe that in every aspect of our lives, we should recognize the good in others and not make a drama out of it. We should by no means expect help from outside; rather, we should fight for a better social and cultural status with our own capacities. We have excellent intellectuals among us, and our biggest challenge, in my humble opinion, is to gather them in one place and for all of us to contribute to a better life, far from politicking.

What issues would you highlight as particularly important for Muslims in Montenegro?

Redžematović: I believe that one of the important issues is the education system. Today, incorrect history is taught in Montenegro; historical revisionism is underway, and instead of the nominal Bosnian language, our children are learning foreign literature and writers, and they are being served a false image of their identity. Montenegro is the only country in the world where there are Muslims with a capital "M," as well as other deceptions that are evident on the census forms, where there were even 8 columns for our national affiliation!

You once stated that Montenegro must break free from nationalist shackles. How much do Muslims suffer due to this obvious Serbian-Russian influence in Montenegro's political life?

Redžematović: We have always suffered from Serbian-Russian influence. The war, by all accounts, is not over yet. But, allow me to note that we are suffering from various influences. Nor the Croatian-Western influence on Muslims, and especially Bosniaks in BiH, is at all harmless or well-intentioned. Moreover, it is more insidious than the Serbian-Russian one.

Let me remind you that Dayton, which was not created in Russia, established a genocidal entity in BiH! So we don't have many friends in the East or the West. That is why Bosniaks in BiH, as well as in other former SFRY republics, should turn to themselves. However, as things stand, I fear that they would currently harm each other the most.

In addition to external malignant influences on Muslims, I believe that Muslims in Montenegro and elsewhere should be better friends with each other, that they should not be bound only by political interests, corrupt practices, hiding behind Islam and the mosque, which is indeed the case. The biggest problem of our Muslims are Muslims, and the greatest friends of Muslims are again Muslims. We should not constantly look for the culprit in others. To a large extent, thanks to the votes of our Muslims, Serbian-Russian influence is spreading. Just as I see no justifiable reason for Muslims in Montenegro or BiH to be collateral damage in Western-Russian relations.

We are witnessing increasing alienation among people due to the fast-paced lifestyle and the emergence of modern technologies. How much time do we have for each other today, for socializing, coffee, visiting relatives, friends...

Redžematović: Today's civilization has long been in danger from the inadequate use of technology and technological progress. It seems that instead of contributing to the progress of society, it contributes to the dehumanization of man. How to deal with this is more a question for sociologists and psychologists, although we imams and the Community in general also play a significant role in practical terms, because through sermons and lectures, we can influence our congregants, if not others who do not attend the mosque, to be more oriented towards each other, to visit each other more, and now is a good opportunity for Eid to be more solidary and closer people.

I read somewhere a statistic that imams talk and write the least about the obligation to maintain family ties! I think these issues, especially in the age of mobile phones and the internet, need to be discussed much more. It is regrettable that Muslim societies have kindergartens and nursing homes.

You recently had a meeting with the reis-ul-ulema of the Islamic Community in BiH, Husein-ef. Kavazović. How do you assess the cooperation between the Islamic communities of Montenegro and BiH, as well as from other countries in the region?

Redžematović: The Islamic Community in Montenegro, led by our reis Rifat ef. Fejzić, has good and quality cooperation with the Riyaset of the Islamic Community in BiH. Of course, good cooperation with other Islamic communities is also a characteristic of the Mešihat of the Islamic Community of Montenegro. The Muslims of Sandžak are of particular concern to us. We are one. I hope that reconciliation will occur between the alternative communities there and that they will return to the path of progress and prosperity instead of mutual accusations and accusations of betrayal.

In our community, there are Bosniaks, Albanians, Roma, as well as other peoples, but in essence, we cooperate very correctly and contribute to its prosperity. In Sandžak, there are only Bosniaks, and it is incredible to me that they cannot agree on common interests among themselves. I would like to know why a platform for joint action is not created, so that we can also get involved? I believe that such a platform should be launched and designed by the reis-ul-ulema of the Islamic Community in BiH, Husein ef. Kavazović, whom we consider our religious authority and spiritual leader.

Cooperation with the Riyaset in BiH is very good; we usually send our madrasa graduates to study at FIN, as well as at other faculties in BiH, and we believe that this is the most optimal solution and the most adequate in terms of personnel functioning. Because it often happens that students who graduate abroad bring more confusion than harmony and real contribution.

At the end of this interview, what is your Eid message to all readers of the Patria News Agency?

Redžematović: I want to convey a very simple message: use your time by spending it with your parents while they are alive; talk to them, because conversation is medicine. Cherish your children, raise them within our customs. May this Eid be the happiest for you, may it bring peace to your surroundings, especially to Palestine, which is a second homeland for us Muslims.