Reis Kavazović: I hope the Islamic Community will soon sign an agreement with the state

(Patria) - The Grand Mufti of the Islamic Community in BiH, Husein ef. Kavazović, stated today that he hopes good interfaith relations and cooperation will continue to yield positive results and contribute to the good order of BiH.

A conference titled "20 Years Since the Adoption of the Law on Freedom of Religion (2004-2024)" is being held in Sarajevo, organized by the Commission for Freedom of Religion of the Riyasat of the Islamic Community, where Reis Kavazović also addressed the attendees.

As he pointed out, there is no need to particularly emphasize the significance of the Law on Freedom of Religion, adopted in the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina 20 years ago — "we rejoiced at its adoption and we rejoice at everything it has achieved so far."

- I also rejoice that other religious communities in our country have signed an agreement with the state that more precisely regulates the application of this law and specifies the rights and obligations of both parties, with the hope that we, the Islamic Community in BiH, will soon sign that agreement as well.

I wish to note, however — because it is not insignificant — that the aforementioned law on freedom of religion was to a significant extent adopted thanks to our good interfaith relations and engagement in its adoption.

Therefore, I hope that our relations and cooperation will continue to yield good results in the future and contribute to the good order of our country — to the joy and satisfaction of all people in it — Kavazović stated.

He emphasizes that a person is closest to those who resemble him, and thus people of revealed monotheistic religions are closest to each other.

- We share a large number of the same or similar values and easily understand one another. The result is that we first find common ground and achieve the best cooperation, which is also a great pledge for our future.

That is why the work of the Interreligious Council of Bosnia and Herzegovina is of essential importance for all of us, and for establishing order in our country. I believe it is the nucleus of much good and that this council should be well preserved — the Grand Mufti believes.

He pointed out that order is the foundation of the functioning of every system, both natural and social.

- In the Qur'an, this fact is pointed out in many places. In one place, people are called upon to 'not cause disorder on Earth after it has been set in order' (Al-A'raf, 56). Order, in the case of the human species, is maintained through upbringing and enlightenment, but also through legal regulation of life segments, in accordance with the Revelation of the One God.

Any action contrary to the principles proclaimed by God causes disorder, confusion, and disrupts natural harmony. If we paid more attention to this, we would see that it is indeed so.

These two things: upbringing and legal regulation, are not inseparable, but if they are separated, the effect is weak, which is confirmed time and again in the reality of life — the Reis says.

Among other things, he also states that religious communities are the most called upon and most responsible for the upbringing and enlightenment of their believers.

- If this is also regulated by good laws, life will be much more beautiful and pleasant, and people closer to each other. I wish the conference successful work. I hope we will have many more similar conferences and mutual meetings — concluded Reis Kavazović in his address.