16th traditional iftar of the Armed Forces of BiH held at "Kozara" barracks in Banja Luka

(Patria) - The traditional iftar organized by the Support Command of the Armed Forces of BiH was held tonight at the "Kozara" barracks in Banja Luka, with the presence of numerous guests from the Armed Forces of BiH, NATO, representatives of EUFOR, and representatives of socio-political life.

Mufti of Bihać, hfz. Mehmed-ef. Kudić, said that he felt a special honor to be present in Banja Luka tonight as the envoy of the Reis-ul-ulema of the Islamic Community in BiH, Husein-ef. Kavazović.

He emphasized the importance of remembering that the month of Ramadan is not only a time for individual worship and personal spirituality, but also an opportunity for community and sharing the values of fasting with others.

- First and foremost, I want to convey the Reis-ul-ulema's message about how important it is that we do not experience Ramadan only as individual worship and an act of our spirituality, but also as a time of community.

It is important that we share these values with members of the Armed Forces, just as we share them with our community members on other occasions - said Kudić.



He adds that the Armed Forces of BiH, as a unified institution, represent all peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina, emphasizing that the Islamic Community also operates throughout the country, gathering its members.

- This is an important indicator of unity and responsibility towards our homeland - stated Mufti Kudić.

Mufti of Banja Luka, Ismail-ef. Smajlović, points out that the Ramadan gathering in Banja Luka is an opportunity to strengthen mutual understanding and share the joy of iftar with colleagues and guests.

- This is once again a Ramadan gathering in Banja Luka where our Military Muftiate, in cooperation with the command structure, organizes an iftar at the "Kozara" barracks, on the occasion of Feth. It is certainly an opportunity for Muslims to share the joy of iftar with their colleagues and guests - said Smajlović.

He notes that Ramadan, through its messages and values, encourages the building of healthy and quality interpersonal relationships.

- Such gatherings send a message of mutual respect and quality relationships that Ramadan, through its duration, cultivates and implements among people - stated Mufti Smajlović.

Military Mufti Nesib-ef. Hadžić emphasized that the gathering in Banja Luka carries a strong symbolism, especially in the days leading up to the end of the month of Ramadan.

He also states that the arrival of believers in the mosque and the joint celebration of these Ramadan days serve as a reminder of the importance of inner purification and spiritual renewal.

- I am glad that we are here tonight in Banja Luka, at the beginning of the third third of Ramadan, as the night of Feth approaches.

We want to remind that Fethul-Mekke symbolizes liberation from all internal weaknesses and bad impulses that a person may have, and which later manifest in our behavior towards others - added Hadžić.



According to him, the joint arrival at the Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque carries a message of desire for spiritual purification and liberation from bad qualities.

- We want to cleanse ourselves of everything bad within us so that in the third third of Ramadan we are ready to seek the night of Laylat al-Qadr and welcome the end of the fasting month with cleansed hearts, ready to receive God's mercy, blessings, and love - stated Military Mufti Hadžić.

Chief Imam of the Islamic Community Council of Prnjavor, Fikret-ef. Čelenka, emphasizes that the traditional iftar at the "Kozara" barracks carries a strong message of unity and equality for all citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

- The message of this 16th traditional iftar here at the "Kozara" barracks, organized by the Armed Forces of BiH, is that Bosniaks, like all other citizens living in our homeland Bosnia and Herzegovina, should feel free and equal on every inch of it - said Čelenka.

He also notes that this event also sends a message to Bosniaks to return to Banja Luka.

- This is also a message to Bosniaks to return to their city, Banja Luka. I am one of those who remember the first iftars organized here at the "Kozara" barracks, and I am glad that tonight I can participate in this project of the military mufti and the Armed Forces of our homeland Bosnia and Herzegovina - stated Čelenka.