Reisul-ulema at the funeral of hfz. Halil Mehtić: His presence among us was a blessing

(Patria) - The Reisul-ulema of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina addressed the funeral of dr. hfz. Halil-ef. Mehtić in Zenica today, who passed away two days ago at the age of 72, speaking about the significance of life, death, and spiritual preparation for meeting the Lord, highlighting the greatness and work of the late hafiz Halil Mehtić.

– The characteristic of the world we live in is: birth and death. Every living creature will taste death. We are obliged to prepare for that moment. Our late hafiz Halil-ef. Mehtić knew this and, as far as we know, prepared his entire life for his final hour. Now, he has experienced it and passed through the Gate of Death – said the Reisul-ulema.

In his address, the Reisul-ulema emphasized that the community is bidding farewell to a man of exceptional morals, knowledge, and devotion to faith.

– Today, we bid farewell to our dear hafiz Halil-ef. Mehtić, husband, father, relative, colleague, neighbor, friend, dignitary, scholar, professor, educator... We bid farewell to our high authority in faith, a pious and righteous person. His presence among us was a blessing, and his knowledge and wisdom inspired many – said the Reisul-ulema.

He reminded that hafiz Mehtić will be remembered as a man who dedicated his life to truth, knowledge, and service to the community.

– We will remember him as a man devoted to God's word, as a fighter for truth and justice, as a son of this land whom he loved and for whom he fought, as a scholar who truly lived his knowledge and faith. Even the greatest life trials did not shake him, did not break him, nor hinder him; he moved straight, persistently, and steadfastly – emphasized the Reisul-ulema.

He also stressed that the hafiz's kindness, compassion, and closeness to people left a deep mark on the hearts of many.

– Hafiz Halil Mehtić, with his goodness and compassion, touched the hearts of all of us who knew him. He was there for everyone, regardless of the circumstances. His smile was a medicine, and the warmth of his words offered comfort in difficult moments. Many came for his advice, and he was always ready to listen and help, using his great life experience. He was always aware of the responsibility he carried as a promoter of God's word, and he never spared any effort to give his best to his community – said the Reisul-ulema.

According to him, his passing to a better world is not just the departure of one of us, but also the departure of a part of our community's soul.

– We will miss his absence, as well as his wisdom and serenity. In these moments of farewell, let us remember his words, his strength, and his unwavering faith. To truly honor him, we must continue his mission – said the Reisul-ulema.

– The earth (people) mourns for one who walked upon it humbly, who prostrated to Allah on it and did good deeds with which the Gracious God tasked him, it mourns for one who remembered and glorified his Creator, respected His word, because when such a person leaves the Earth, it remains in sorrow, it loses a dear being who contributed to its pleasantness, because he attracted God's mercy. Heaven remains without someone who filled it with blessings of good deeds, remembrance, and prayers, so it too remains in sorrow; it weeps for this loss. Because nothing that is entirely devoted to the Earth ascends to heaven. They give no gift to heaven. The Prophet, peace be upon him, after reciting the verse: Neither heaven nor earth wept over them, said: "Indeed, neither heaven nor earth weep for an oppressor!" – the Reisul-ulema reminded of this narration.

He assessed that hfz Mehtić spent his entire life in worship and everywhere exalted the Word of God, respecting it by acting upon it.

– We believe that heaven and earth are also mourning his departure. We are mourning too, hafiz. Your family, friends, and all of us will miss you. But, we hope to meet again – where the end of all our journeys lies! May Allah forgive your sins and admit you to His mercy, and grant your family beautiful patience – said the Reisul-ulema at the end.