Reisul-ulema Kavazović: If we do not renew our spiritual life, we are approaching an abyss from which there is no return

(Patria) - Reisul-ulema of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr. Husein-ef. Kavazović, warned today about the need for spiritual awakening in a time of increasingly pronounced human alienation from universal values of goodness.
Speaking at the ceremony marking the opening of the renovated Behram-beg Mosque in Tuzla, the Reisul-ulema reminded that the renovation of the mosque must not be just an external act, but an opportunity for internal, spiritual renewal of every individual and the community as a whole.

– If we do not renew our spiritual life, just as we have renewed this mosque, we are getting closer to an abyss from which there will be no return. We have reasons to be concerned, because the deafness to God's word is growing, and it seems we no longer heed the call of the muezzin and the church bell – said the Reisul-ulema.

He emphasized that material progress without a spiritual foundation leads to the inner impoverishment of man and society, and paid special attention to global injustices and hypocrisy that characterize the modern world.

– Every day, innocents are killed, without consequences. Murderers have become heroes, they are sent weapons and support, while victims are denied food and water – said the Reisul-ulema, adding that today's deafness to the evil and suffering of others is becoming frightening.

Reisul-ulema Kavazović reminded those present that man, as a being to whom God has breathed His spirit, bears responsibility not only to himself but also to the community and the world in which he lives.

He called for strengthening moral consciousness and actively building a better society.

– Let us be brave and determined to persevere on the path of good, to make ourselves, our families, and the community in which we live better, safer, and more prosperous – said the Reisul-ulema, emphasizing that the strength of the community stems from individual and collective faith-based responsibility.

Referring to the importance of religious buildings as places of gathering, learning, and spiritual development, the Reisul-ulema said that the Behram-beg Mosque should be “our inspiration to rise in our constant endeavor to strengthen ourselves and be steadfast servants of Allah”.

On this occasion, he thanked everyone who contributed to the renovation of the Behram-beg Mosque.

– May Allah reward its founder Behram-beg and all those who maintained it and those who renovated it. On behalf of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, I thank our brothers from the Republic of Turkey, the General Directorate of Foundations headed by Director Sinan Aksu. Also, I would like to thank our Waqf Directorate and its director Dr. Senaid Zajimović, the Mufti of Tuzla Vahid-ef. Fazlović, the president and chief imam of the Islamic Community Majlis Tuzla and the Jamaat Committee of this mosque, as well as the contractor and everyone who contributed to its renovation in any way – said the Reisul-ulema.

In the end, he said that peace is the greatest value to strive for, because peace is the primordial good to which the Almighty calls us.

– I expect those who take care of this mosque to do so. May fresh winds of spirituality blow through this mosque and may those who will enrich our lives and make them more beautiful and pleasant grow in it. God, grant it a long life and make it dear and attractive to human hearts – said the Reisul-ulema, officially declaring the mosque open.