Živinice: Independent congregations will talk to the Islamic Community, but are not sure they will close so easily

The chief imam of Živinice, Sedin ef. Karić, will talk today with the leader of an independent congregation from Gračanica, after the Islamic Community in BiH called for the closure of all congregations in BiH that are not part of it, by the end of the month at the latest, writes the Patria agency.

Fikret Durić, who signs himself as the imam of the independent congregation from Gračanica, said that they will respond to ef. Karić's invitation. However, judging by Durić's reaction, the process of closing this congregation will not be so simple.

- The chief imam has correctly informed us that our congregation must practically be abolished, because in the future there must be no adhan, prayer, Friday prayer, sermon, in fact, none of the usual religious activities.

We believe that Bosniak unity cannot be achieved through force and blackmail, but that it must be built on a voluntary basis, respecting everyone's right to be a member of the Islamic Community – said Durić.

He accuses the imams of the Islamic Community of driving them out of the congregations, that the IC now wants to take away their properties, and that they want to take away their freedom of religion...

Durić claims that he is ready to comply with the order of the Islamic Community, but he is seeking legal grounds and a moral reason for banning the work of independent congregations.

The Islamic Community in BiH has called for the closure of all congregations in BiH that do not operate within the Islamic Community, writes Patria.