Over 400 young people attend history lesson at Igman Mosque

(Patria) - On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Igman Mosque, activists of the Youth Network of the Islamic Community Assembly (MIZ) Sarajevo visited Igman today.

More than 400 young people walked from the Mrazište location to the Igman Mosque, where a history lesson was held for them. 



The chief imam of MIZ Sarajevo, Dr. Abdulgafar Velić, during his address to those present, emphasized that coming to the Igman Mosque is an opportunity to learn some important life lessons.

“Here in 1993, Bosnia and Herzegovina was being defended, and that was the most difficult time for our homeland. Here a line was formed that was impenetrable, and at this place a significant and decisive defensive battle took place, which is why the traditional prayer gathering here is called ‘The Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina’,” said Dr. Velić.

He assessed that the fighters' decision to build the mosque testifies to their ideals and values based on which they acted.

“Those young men already had a mosque in their hearts, so the desire and decision to build the mosque confirmed that. What we can do today is come to this place with ablution, prostrate to the Lord, and learn from this environment,” said the chief imam of MIZ Sarajevo. 

On this occasion, Brigadier Zijad Rujanac, who is also the author of a book about the Igman Mosque, also addressed the youth.



“In all areas occupied by the aggressor army, crimes and genocide were committed against Bosniaks. The war in Bosnia and Herzegovina was not fought only for territory. Based on available and analyzed data, it is evident that it was a religious war. Everything that was not Orthodox and Serbian was killed and expelled,” Rujanac reminded. 

During the history lesson, imam in the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Mr. Haris Hadžić, also spoke, who, recalling the importance of organizing the defense against aggression, pointed out the importance of belonging to the congregation. 

“About 100 imams became martyrs during the defense against aggression, and about 400 of them passed through the Army of the Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina. One of the hallmarks of the success of our defense is that we had good and strong congregations. You are congregation members today; preserve the congregation because it is still the only safe and stable organization,” said Efendija Hadžić.

Knowledge of the past is linked to one's stance in the present, so in that context, Efendija Hadžić offered several appropriate pieces of advice to the youth. 

“It is important that you know who you are and what you are. He who does not have his own ID card will be given one by someone else. Therefore, take good care of the trusts you have assumed,” Efendija Hadžić urged. 

The head of the Religious Affairs Service of the Sarajevo Muftiship, Dr. Samed Omerdić, pointed out the importance of strengthening awareness of the homeland, to which a program like today's can contribute. 

“We are a people, and as a people we have a homeland. Your belonging to our people and homeland is testified by you as future generations who will serve Bosnia and Herzegovina, and also by the fighters who defended Bosnia and Herzegovina within its integral borders,” said Dr. Omerdić.

In the form of advice, he told the youth not to allow three voids in their own lives: a void in free time, in reason, and in the heart. 

Today's excursion is one of the activities marking the 30th anniversary of the Igman Mosque during this month.