Mosque in the village of Ravno on Kupres ceremonially opened: A common good for the people of this region

(Patria) - In the presence of a large number of believers from all over Bosnia and Herzegovina, the renovated mosque in the village of Ravno, municipality of Kupres, was ceremonially opened today.

The ceremony was attended by the Reis-ul-ulema of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Husein-ef. Kavazović, who stated that this mosque is a common good for the people of this region.

– The construction of any facility that serves people and life is of great importance to the place where it is built. This certainly brings joy to the heart of every person – emphasized Reis-ul-ulema Kavazović.

He particularly recalled the important social role that religious buildings should have in everyday life.

– If a religious building truly fulfills its role and calls people to the values of faith that God has revealed to people, then it is a symbol of both mercy and humanity, and it illuminates the entire region with the light of love and warmth – noted the Reis-ul-ulema.

In the presence of the Ambassador of Palestine to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Reis-ul-ulema Kavazović sent a message of solidarity with the Palestinian people who are being subjected to genocide.

– We are a people who have experienced genocide. We know and feel the injustice being done to the people of Palestine. Unfortunately, we are not in a position to help as much as we would like, but with our prayers, we can ask God to help this people with His power – said the Reis-ul-ulema.

The mosque in the village of Ravno was built in the 17th century and destroyed during World War II.

It is one of the reminders of the evil that drives destruction, but also of noble values, the results of which are construction and creation.

– We never advocate hatred, nor do we say that our differences should result in aversion – said the Mufti of Travnik, Dr. Ahmed-ef. Adilović.

He noted that today's ceremony is an opportunity to ask ourselves what our mosques teach us.

– Among other things, they teach us cleanliness, order, discipline, keeping our word, unity, and being among those who promote good and work to suppress all that is bad – emphasized Mufti Adilović.

The initiator of the renovation of this mosque is Zukan Helez, Minister of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who recalled that examples of mutual respect and assistance are and should remain the true image of our homeland.

– This mosque shows how much we can achieve when we are united with sincere intention. The construction of this mosque will contribute to the improvement of life in these areas. Like any house of God, we will need it in the future, just as we did during its construction, for which I am immensely grateful to all of you – said Minister Helez.

The chief imam of the Islamic Community of Bugojno, Kemal-ef. Tokmić, following the examples mentioned, noted that the opening of this mosque is a reminder of the renewal of spirit, faith, and identity.

– Faith can be attempted to be eradicated, but it cannot be torn from the hearts of believers. The fact that members of all confessions helped in the renovation of the mosque is an indication that humanity comes before everything else when it comes to good – said Efendi Tokmić.

He emphasized that mosques are spaces from which those values are carried that are necessary for various aspects of everyday life.

– A mosque is much more than a building. It is the heart of the community, a school of upbringing, a home for prayer, a refuge for the poor, encouragement for the young, and support for the elderly. It connects man with his Lord, but also people with each other in love, respect, and trust – emphasized Efendi Tokmić.

Among the numerous guests who experience every mosque opening as a celebration, there are many who are personally connected to the mosque.

One of them is Muhamed Žigonja, a student of Elči Ibrahim-paša Madrasa, who performed his Ramadan practice in this mosque.

Today, he and his friends Vedad and Amar have volunteered their services. They feel this as a special honor and responsibility.

– The community breathed in a special way during Ramadan; the renovation of the mosque after 85 years meant a lot to everyone.

For me, it is certainly a special imamate experience, because of everything the mosque means to all the locals, and as far as I can see, to believers from all over the country – Muhamed told us.

As the program participants themselves testified, the renovation of the mosque, as well as today's program, in a specific way combines faith, tradition, and a sense of patriotism.

– It is our honor and pleasure to be able to convey and show a touch of our Bosnian tradition at such an event – said Dženana Bešo, artistic director of the Cultural and Artistic Society "Karaula".

During the program, thank-you notes and plaques were presented to the donors, and the prayer at the end of the program was delivered by military mufti Nesib-ef. Hadžić.

Until its reconstruction, the remains of this mosque were a kind of witness to the passage of time and a picture of a past life.

Its renovation is the fulfillment of the wish and hope of the locals, a symbol of resistance to oblivion, and a message of lasting memory and dignity.