Grand Mufti: Avoid all kinds of populism, fanaticism

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Bosnia’s Grand Mufti Husein Kavazovic said that Muslims should preserve unity and adhere to the pillars of Islam, which are to do good and to inspire others to do good. His message was delivered during the central Eid Al-Adha ceremony of the Islamic Community of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo’s Gazi Husrev-Beg Mosque.

“He who is set upon the right path by Allah cannot be misled by anyone, and he whom Allah leaves in their in delusions can never be directed in the right path,” Kavazovic said at the beginning of his Eid message.  

“Millions of faithful from across the world are headed towards Mecca to witness the oneness of Allah and to remember the common fate of Adam’s kind. Regardless of our differences, we are all Allah’s creatures. We all came from one mother and one father,” Kavazovic pointed out.  

“Today, when divisions between us are ever more advocated and encouraged, we need God's guidance, we need a pure faith in the merciful God, which will gather us around the common origin and meaning. We need Ibrahim and Ishmael’s prayer that will soothe us and bring us together as one family, as one humankind.”

“Our faith teaches us that if we want our deeds to be acknowledged by God, they must be pure in their intent and act. I appeal to all Muslims and others to adhere to these values from which we always gathered our strength,” Kavazovic recalled.  

He warned that this is not the time to underestimate the dangers before us, but also not to fall for the ever-present provocations. He said that this must be countered by constant strives to maintain the safety and security of people and their property, where ever they are.  

“We must show our undivided determination in the fight for truth, for a fair treatment towards every member of our society, for the rights of all women and men to live in human dignity, regardless of the real od artificial differences between us,” he noted. “The election that is before us is an opportunity to confirm our commitment to live in a free and democratic country. Bosnia needs responsible policies. We must avoid all kinds of populism, fanaticism and easy promises. The country should be led by those who have the knowledge and a sense for the Bosnian people and homeland.”

“To all the Muslims on this country, I wish a blessed Eid Al-Adha, especially to those who have been expelled from their homes, and to the sick and weak with a prayer to the Almighty to help them.” 

“Eid Mubarak,” Kavazovic concluded.