Reis Kavazović at the commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the 'dr. Ahmed Smajlović' Gymnasium: We responded to savagery with culture

(Patria) - The Reisul-ulema of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Husein-ef. Kavazović, stated today in Zagreb that Bosniaks responded to the brutal aggression and savagery they experienced in the nineties with culture and soared to heights, rising above that human downfall in which Muslims faced their physical annihilation.

This is evidenced, as he recalled, by several 30th anniversaries marked in a very short period: the 30th anniversary of the renewed Behram-beg's Madrasa in Tuzla, the 30th anniversary of the Behram-beg Library in Tuzla, and the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Mešihat in Novi Pazar, which would then renew the work of Isa-beg's Madrasa and establish the Faculty of Islamic Studies.

"Here in Zagreb, we are marking the 30th anniversary of the madrasa, or rather, the current Islamic Gymnasium dr. Ahmed Smajlović. We are very proud of all these anniversaries, they fill our hearts with joy," said the Reisul-ulema to those present at the ceremonial academy in the Cinema Hall of the Student Center in Zagreb.

He added that all the aforementioned educational institutions were founded in extremely difficult circumstances, in circumstances when Bosniaks as a nation were exposed to brutal aggression aimed at their physical annihilation, their property was destroyed, cultural institutions were burned, and the people were mercilessly persecuted and killed.

"We responded to that savagery with culture, showing a desire to rise above that mire, that human downfall, and soar to the heights. And we soared: to date, thousands of students have graduated from these and other educational institutions. And not only that: numerous elite students emerged from them, who then completed various faculties and took on
responsible positions in society, strongly contributing to its development - material, spiritual, and cultural. They are, therefore, our shining products. Thanks to precisely such an orientation, we resisted the temptation to take revenge on those who attacked us and inflicted pain and suffering on us, terrorized us, destroyed our religious buildings, killed our children and loved ones, which many expected and perhaps desired," stated the Reisul-ulema.

He conveyed that such educational institutions are still needed today, because "as time goes by, and humanity increasingly clearly slides into downfall, they are more and more necessary." "I would even say they are essential. Namely, they are all imbued with the spirit of the Quran, God's revelation which we have in its authentic form in our hands, and which was sent to us - us humans - from the very root of Existence as guidance and a cure for what burdens our hearts, what torments us. It tells us that the Prophet, peace be upon him, was sent 'to purify you and teach you the Book and Wisdom.' And our schools have precisely this task: to provide students not only with quality, or rather, excellent knowledge and education, but also to raise them on authentic principles of morality and high standards of culture. The students of our educational institutions, in this regard, thank God, are at the forefront and demonstrate high values," said the Reisul-ulema.

Speaking about the importance of knowledge, he recalled that it is mentioned 375 times in the Quran, and that in many places it is emphasized that those who know and those who do not know are not equal, and that those who have deep knowledge fear God the most and respect Him the most.

"Knowledge stays with a person. When the Quran speaks of the creation of man, it notes that God Almighty 'taught him the names of all things.' Knowledge, therefore, is an essential characteristic of man; its acquisition was enabled by God himself. The question is whether man would have any higher meaning without knowledge. The revelation of the Quran began with the call to learn, read, and study - in the name of God, i.e., in the name of the highest value. Islam is actually based on knowledge and requires man to constantly acquire knowledge, to engage in this process. Knowledge, therefore, is not something static, but a very dynamic process that should occur continuously," stated the Reisul-ulema.

However, as he explained, knowledge without awareness of God and without a moral foundation can be used for dishonorable, even evil purposes, and can cause great harm to life.

"Therefore, it is very important that it is acquired in parallel with spiritual and moral development, in accordance with the Quran. Our educational institutions do precisely that: they produce educated and moral staff, with a highly developed awareness of the purpose of man and his task on Earth. That is why they will always retain their relevance and be our great
need," said the Reisul-ulema.

In the end, he conveyed that he firmly believes that graduates of Islamic schools will always establish good communication with graduates of Christian and Jewish schools, as well as with graduates of other schools, and that they will maintain good and correct relations with them.

"The time in which we live is burdened by numerous crises, challenges, and threats. However, even in such times, there must be those who will be above it all, who will represent hope and be beacons of goodness and humanity, building bridges of cooperation. No one is more called to be that than those who pass through our schools. So let them be beacons! Let them be at the forefront of those who spread and call for good and spread love among people! Congratulations to today's celebrants. Thank you for gathering us in such an impressive number. I ask Almighty God to reward those who founded this school, who maintain it, and who contribute to its work and duration in any way. Thank you all, may God bless you," said the Reisul-ulema.