Reisu-l-ulema Kavazović warns: We live in a time of pronounced populism and deconstruction of moral values

(Patria) - A ceremony for the awarding of muraselas to imams and muderrises from the area of the Tuzla Muftiship was held today at the Bosnian Cultural Centre (BKC) in Tuzla.

The murasela, a written authorisation by which holders of religious authority are empowered to interpret the teachings of Islam in accordance with the Maturidi creed, the Hanafi school of law, and the constitutional values of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, was presented by reisu-l-ulema Husein ef. Kavazović.

Imams are the guardians of folk tradition and cultural values. They know both of these elements of their people's identity best. They teach knowledge and wisdom to new generations and influence the shaping of the ethical framework in the community. It is not only about teaching religious rites, but also moral principles and everyday life decisions. Imams are there to encourage community members to follow the truth, to think critically about everything around them, and to build their own understanding of the world in which they live - the reisu-l-ulema told the attending imams and muderrises.

As he noted, the imam's call to togetherness is of particular importance in a world that is rapidly changing and stratifying, and which faces religious, moral, political, economic, cultural and identity challenges.

We live in a time of pronounced populism, the dissolution and deconstruction of the moral values on which our world was built. We see this every day even in our small communities. Corruption and crime, prostitution and drugs, influence peddling and double standards in the judiciary are destroying the institutions of society and the state. We must seek and insist on the implementation of measures to separate the healthy from the sick part of our society - said the reisu-l-ulema.

He reminded that one of the obligations of the ulema is to point out where divisions and particular interests lead, whether it concerns following religious practice and tradition, or political foreign influences, or changes in the cultural paradigm and identity of the people.

Accepting the murasela is a great honour and responsibility for each of us. Your dedication and knowledge of the faith, together with your morality and ability to encourage others to do good, make you leaders of the people in your congregations - emphasised the reisu-l-ulema.

The Mufti of Tuzla, Dr. Vahid ef. Fazlović, stated that the imam's mission in this solemn moment is seen in the symbolism of the reflection of the ahmedija and the uprightness of the jubba, as well as in coherence and endeavour in daily work.

The eternal Truth of Allah's religion was carried by all prophets and messengers. After them, this trust was inherited by a host of scholars throughout the entire spiritual and intellectual history of Muslims. Bosnian alims, imams and muderrises have also devotedly cared for the mission of teaching and leading their people, in accordance with the clear Hanafi and Maturidi ritual and doctrinal teachings - emphasised Mufti Fazlović.

He also reminded of the fact that the mission of an imam in the Islamic Community today contains a wide range of obligations.

Some of these, in addition to regular religious-educational tasks, are closely linked to the cultural and national values of Muslims, but also to the concrete existential issues of congregation members. It is certainly a role in our people and Community that is both responsible and honourable - noted Mufti Fazlović.

Reflecting on the work of imams, the mufti stated that congregations bear witness to their dedicated and high-quality work.

The role of imams in congregations to which our believers returned and rebuilt their everyday lives after the brutal aggression and genocide is marked by its specificities and numerous challenges. Their determination in a difficult mission and their devotion to their people deserve great gratitude and respect - emphasised Mufti Fazlović.

The ceremony was also attended by the Director of the Department for Religious Affairs of the Riyasat of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, hafiz Dr. Mensur ef. Malkić, who reminded that the murasela connects the attending imams and muderrises with the chain of trust of the ulema all the way to the Prophet, peace be upon him.

Diplomas from madrasas and faculties, master's and doctoral degrees confirm your expertise, and the murasela also speaks of your moral dignity and responsibility. Therefore, preserve this trust with humility, wisdom and gentleness. Be close to your congregation members. Be their support and light - said Dr. Malkić.

As explained by the Head of the Service for Religious Affairs and Education of the Tuzla Muftiship, Dr. Mensur ef. Husić, muraselas were awarded today to 263 imams and 20 teachers of religious subjects and educators at the Behram-begova Madrasa.

Upon the completion of all planned procedures, muraselas will also be awarded to the remaining imams, while muraselas for 165 religious education teachers will be awarded on 6 January 2026, reports Preporod.info.