Martyrs' Prayer in Solun on August 20: Remembering the Martyrs of the Olovo Battlefield

(Patria) - At the musalla of the mosque in Solun near Olovo on Tuesday, August 20, starting at 11:30 AM, the Martyrs' Prayer program will be held.

The Majlis of the Islamic Community (MIZ) Olovo organizes the Martyrs' Prayer on August 20, the day when the first martyr was buried in the cemetery in Solun. Traditionally, on this day, members of martyrs' families, as well as other congregation members and believers, visit the cemetery and remember the martyrs.

- The martyrs' cemetery in Solun is our reminder of the recent past, a landmark in preserving the values of defense, a comfort in the peace of mind and soul. In this way, we highlight the significance and contribution of the martyrs of the Olovo battlefield - said the chief imam of Olovo, Esaf-ef. Pepić, for the MINA Agency.

In the martyrs' cemetery in Solun, 150 martyrs are buried, and Efendija Pepić emphasized that one of the messages of this year's Martyrs' Prayer is that the martyrs' tombstones remind us of heroism and the defense against evil and crime.

- We have an obligation to permanently remember those who built their lives into the foundations of our homeland. Our gathering at the Martyrs' Prayer is a reminder of everything they have entrusted us with - said Pepić.

Let us recall, in the area of the Majlis of the Islamic Community Olovo, there are 21 traditional prayer sites, and the recitation of prayers begins at the end of May, from the prayer at the Kurban Stone above Glavično, where, according to traditions, Sultan Mehmed II Fatih slaughtered his kurban, to the prayers at Jasik, Careva Ćuprija, Martinovići, Čuništa, and Memagića Stijena. The last one recited is the Martyrs' Prayer in Solun.

- At our prayer sites, we nurture our tradition, express faith in the One God, whom we ask for forgiveness of our sins and salvation of our faith and people. Prayers are directed to the Dear God to grant us abundance in the year, love in the family, companionship and help in society, security in the homeland, and hope for a safe and better future - added Efendija Pepić.

He announced that the program will be performed by reciters of the Qur'an and ilahis, and that a suitable lecture will be given by Dr. Samed Omerdić, head of the Service for Religious Affairs and Education of the Sarajevo Muftiship.