Reisul-ulema Kavazović in Austria: Our imams and muallims do an honorable and responsible job

(Patria) - Imams and muallims, leaders and shepherds of our communities, at places of collective gathering of Bosniak Muslims outside their homeland, do an honorable and responsible job, stated today the Reisul-ulema of the Islamic Community Husein-ef. Kavazović in Tulln, Austria, at the ceremony of awarding muraselas to imams and
muallimas and consent to presidents of community executive boards.

He said he was happy and satisfied to have the opportunity to be at a gathering
like this, because it makes Bosniaks proud, "considering everything our people and our Islamic Community have gone through".

"In such a solemn and dignified manner, we, as citizens of Europe, in the heart of one of its member states, the Republic of Austria, show the fullness of our national and religious identity," said the Reisul-ulema.

He conveyed that, integrated into this European society, they should use the freedom and legal security that Austria has offered them, to preserve their religious identity and identity connection with the tradition and culture of the people to whom they belong, as well as with their homeland, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

"This is a ceremony at which I will present you with a murasela and thereby transfer to you the authority and trust, so that, above all, you can interpret Islam and its application within our traditional Islamic practice," said the Reisul-ulema.

A murasela is a document by which the Reisul-ulema tasks an imam, khatib, and muallim to conduct community rituals and care for the spiritual well-being of believers in a certain area in his name.

"The moral values of the community in general and of individual believers depend on the kind of spiritual leadership that the imam, khatib, and muallim receive in trust in this way. By fulfilling this important trust, the holders of the murasela should help believers to understand themselves and their relationship with others more deeply. Correct guidance of people in faith can foster spiritual growth in an individual and prompt them to re-examine their actions and aspirations," explained the Reisul-ulema.

He emphasized that leading the Muslim community is an obligation that prophets also had in their prophetic mission, and that this leadership is based on justice, knowledge, and morality.

According to him, the presence of imams and muallims in the community brings
security and hope, especially in delicate times and societies where centuries-old traditional patterns of life are problematized and called into question.
"Imams and muallims, especially in diaspora communities, are often the sole guardians
of national tradition and cultural values. This is because they best know both the tradition and culture of their people. They pass on knowledge and wisdom to new generations and help shape the ethical framework in the community. It is not just about teaching religious rituals, but also about moral principles and everyday life decisions. Imams and muallims 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 they live in," said the Reisul-ulema.

In his address, he also spoke about the consistency and alignment of words and practice of imams and muallims in the context of strengthening the community's trust and motivating its members to consistently follow this postulate.

"It is important for imams and muallims to foster open and sincere communication in
the community. In this way, dialogue and exchange of ideas are opened. All members of the community must be treated justly and with dignity," he conveyed.

He also spoke about how religious teachings should be adapted to time and place, providing
believers with opportunities for learning and deepening knowledge through wisdom and kind words, while understanding the modern context and Bosniak Islamic tradition, and that the responsibility of imams and community leaders requires transparency, consultation, and making life easier for believers within the boundaries of faith.

"We must be aware of our responsibility for spoken or unspoken words, for actions or inaction. The decisions we make must be clear and transparent and must not be solely ours without consultation with other community leaders," said the Reisul-ulema.

He emphasized that responsible leadership of the community is key to its preservation and is a sure way to build it as strong, cohesive, and just.

"Every person is important to us. In a rapidly changing world, the imam's call for unity and togetherness, for solidarity and good, is of crucial importance. This is expected of us. It is up to us to open our people's eyes and make them aware of where divisions and particular interests lead, whether it concerns following religious practice and tradition or changes in the cultural paradigm and identity of our people. Among Muslims, we must recognize those who are sincere and dedicated to values, decisive, brave, and persistent, and build our community with them.

Let us never forget that God's promised help is for the community of Muslims," said the Reisul-ulema.

In the end, he conveyed that accepting a murasela represents a great honor and responsibility.

"Your dedication and knowledge of faith, along with your morals and ability
to inspire others towards good, make you shepherds and leaders in your communities.

I hope that your leadership and care for our community will bring blessings, peace, and good to all. Being an imam and muallim means taking on great responsibility, but it is also an opportunity to positively influence people. May Allah grant you strength, patience, and wisdom in this important mission," concluded Reisul-ulema Kavazović.