Upon the recommendation of the President of the Islamic Community of Kosovo, Mufti Naim Tërnava, a joint sermon was held today in all mosques in the country on the topic "Kosovo's Independence and Our Religious and National Responsibility".
The sermon emphasized that believers are on the eve of the holy month of Ramadan, linking the spiritual dimension with civic and national responsibility.
"We are on the last Friday of the month of Shaban and are slowly approaching the blessed month of Ramadan, the month of mercy, forgiveness and spiritual purification. Ramadan is a divine gift for the believer, an opportunity to get closer to Allah, to strengthen our faith, patience and moral responsibility," the message says.
Citing the Quran and Islamic teachings on justice and self-defense, the sermon also mentioned Kosovo's path to freedom, with particular emphasis on February 17th.
"February 17, 2008 is not an ordinary date, but the conclusion of a long path of sacrifice, pain and endurance. Independence did not come as a gift, nor by chance. It came after decades of oppression, denial of rights, persecution, imprisonment, massacres and a pure liberation war, which aimed at a single goal: freedom, dignity and the right to live freely in our land", it is further emphasized.
The message mentioned the injustices committed against the people of Kosovo, describing them as "clear oppression", while adding that the history of the liberation war is "the history of resistance to oppression".
The role of the Kosovo Liberation Army as part of the country's history was also appreciated.
"The Kosovo Liberation War was a war for survival, for freedom and for honor. The Kosovo Liberation Army is a glorious chapter in our history. The best sons and daughters of this country rose up to defend the people and the homeland. The sacrifice of the Jashari family, led by the legendary commander Adem Jashari, is a rare example in history of faith, perseverance and sacrifice," the sermon states.
On the eve of the Independence anniversary, the message called for unity and responsibility in relation to the state.
"As believers, we are obliged to protect our state with wisdom, prudence and responsibility, contributing to strengthening institutions, maintaining order, unity and stability. We dare not become an obstacle to our state, but its support," it emphasizes, among other things.
Finally, support was also given for the protest march "Freedom has a name", which is expected to be held on February 17 in Pristina, in support of former KLA leaders who are being tried in The Hague.
"We, as believers and as citizens of this country, have the right and moral obligation to raise our voices for justice, dignity and historical truth. The Islamic Community strongly supports the march, urging citizens to respond to this march in a peaceful, calm and dignified manner," the message says.
The sermon concludes with a call for Kosovo's Independence to be preserved as the trust of the martyrs and the generations to come, with the prayer: "May Allah bless Kosovo, strengthen our unity, and preserve our freedom won through sacrifice! Amen!".
