Reisul-ulema: We All Need to Care About the Security of Our Country

Reisul-ulema of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina Husein-ef. Kavazović today ceremoniously presented the murasela
to the newly appointed military mufti Nesib-ef. Hadžić, on which occasion he stated that the presence of religious authorities in public institutions, and especially in military structures, is extremely important.

The ceremony was held at the Armed Forces Hall in Sarajevo, where the reisul-ulema addressed those present.

"Two and a half decades ago, an agreement was signed between the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina on the establishment of the Military Muftiship. Thus, this form of organized and regulated care for the religious life of Muslims, members of the Armed Forces and employees of the Ministry
of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina was created. Today, the third mufti in succession takes the helm of this Muftiship. We are pleased that on such occasions we can express our satisfaction with the functioning of this service in the Armed Forces, both for Muslims and for followers of other faiths," said the reisul-ulema.

The institutions of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the religious communities operating within it should develop good relations based on democratic standards and the achievements of modern democratic states and societies, assessed the reisul-ulema.

"Despite the fact that, due to the unwillingness of some policies, the Islamic Community has not yet signed an agreement with the state, our cooperation with the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces is at a high level. However, improvements and enhancements can also be made there.

There are also some open issues concerning the basic rights of Muslims who are members of the armed forces. Namely, it is known that the ban on wearing the headscarf violates the basic religious right of a Muslim woman. It was introduced by a certain normative act of the Ministry of Defence, which we still believe should be reviewed and corrected," stated the reisul-ulema.

He urged that we all need to care about the security of our country, to build it and make it beautiful and pleasant for living.

"We should especially do everything to encourage young people to stay and live in their homeland and be proud soldiers in the Armed Forces, to rejoice in their good results while training to protect it," emphasized the reisul-ulema.

We live in a time of open conflicts between great powers and a moral crisis of humanity, both individuals and communities, and in many segments of life, believes the reisul-ulema. Therefore, the presence of religious authorities in public institutions, and especially in military structures, is extremely important, since these authorities develop and nurture the highest virtues of individual and social life of people, he emphasized.

"We are deeply convinced that a sincere attitude towards the moral values inherited by all religions can ennoble the soul and life of every individual and make him a better and more useful member of the community. The Prophet of God once traveled with a group of companions. Some of them were fasting, and some were not. When they arrived at an oasis, those who were fasting
immediately sought shade and lay down, while those who were not fasting unloaded the mounts, pitched tents, and watered the horses and camels. Upon this, the Prophet said: 'You have earned great reward and recompense today.' This narration indicates that serving people is valued at the level of the highest degree of piety. Those who serve others are free from deviation and weakness, from self-interest and selfishness. They do not seek this world, fame, or gratitude," stated reisul-ulema Kavazović.

Today, Nesib-ef. Hadžić assumes the duties of military mufti, and as the reisul-ulema said, he is characterized by dedication, commitment, and responsibility.

"He is a good organizer, with a particular inclination for communication and encouraging associates to action and perseverance. I am convinced that he will continue to improve religious life and develop the Military Muftiship, and achieve quality cooperation with everyone in the Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence of Bosnia and Herzegovina. To the previous mufti, Hadis-
ef. Pašalić, who formally hands over the duty today, I sincerely thank him for his diligent performance of this honorable and responsible duty. A well-organized religious life of members of the Armed Forces and employees of the Ministry of Defence marked his mandate," stated the reisul-ulema.

He wished the new military mufti every success. "Respected Nesib efendi, direct your intention towards God, sacrifice as much as you can, be worthy of receiving God's blessings and sharing them with those who deserve them, thus you will earn God's mercy, gain respect, and bring good to people. May dear God help you," concluded reisul-ulema Husein-ef. Kavazović.