Funeral prayer held in Graz for murdered Hanna Akmadžić

(Patria) - In the full prayer hall of the "Bošnjak" mosque in Graz, the funeral prayer was held today after Friday prayers for the girl Hanna Akmadžić, who tragically lost her life in a terrible crime at a school in Graz earlier this week.

Thousands of people attended the funeral – members of the Islamic community from all over Austria, representatives of religious communities, local authorities, friends, neighbours, schoolmates and numerous citizens who came to show solidarity, sympathy and to pay their last respects to the late Hanna.

The Friday prayer was led by the Mufti for Western Europe, Senaid-ef. Kobilica, who delivered a sermon filled with deep messages of hope, faith and a call for peace. After the Friday prayer, Mufti Kobilica received the Akmadžić family, to whom he expressed his deepest condolences. On behalf of the Grand Mufti of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Dr. Husein-ef. Kavazović, he conveyed greetings and words of comfort, strength and brotherly support.

Before the funeral prayer, the imam of the "Bošnjak" congregation in Graz, hfz. Sabahudin-ef. Hašić, addressed those present, reflecting on the values of togetherness, patience and hope, and thanked everyone who came to share the pain and support the family in this difficult moment.

– Little Hanna, a girl from a respectable and God-fearing family, whose life was an example of integrity and exemplary behaviour, remains a permanent reminder of the sanctity and pricelessness of human life. By killing such a pure, young soul, the foundation of our common humanity has been violated, because violence has no place in spaces where dreams and the future are born – in schools that must be and remain safe havens for learning, growing up and friendship – said Mufti Kobilica.

He called for mutual trust and solidarity, stressing that only in this way can we prevent hatred and divisions from threatening the stability of European society.

He particularly emphasised that, at a time when many young people face loneliness and alienation, it is our responsibility to be present in their lives and build bridges of intergenerational understanding and care.

– The Office of the Mufti for Western Europe and the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a whole stand at the disposal of the grieving family, but also of the entire society, as truly dedicated partners in building a society of peace, trust and security for all, especially for our young people – said Mufti Kobilica.

After him, those present were addressed with emotional and dignified speeches by: the President of the Islamic Community of Bosniaks in Austria, Adis Čandić, the envoy of the Mayor of the City of Graz, Mr. Horst Alic, and the President of the Islamic Community of Austria, Mag. Ümit Vural.

All speakers highlighted the importance of mutual solidarity, the fight against violence, and the necessity of building a society in which children can feel safe, loved and protected.

The funeral was also attended by a delegation of the Embassy of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Austria, led by Deputy Ambassador Šaban Forić.

In moments of deep sorrow, it was shown how much closeness, support and sincere sympathy mean, especially when words can no longer express everything we carry within us.

Hanna's premature death is a wound on the conscience of society, but also a call to all of us to do more – for safety, for justice and for love among people.

The attack at the school was also condemned by the Grand Mufti Husein-ef. Kavazović, expressing his sympathy with the families of the murdered young lives and calling on officials of the Islamic Community in Austria to be of use to the entire society, especially to our families whose members were killed.