Ramadan Bayram, which follows one month of fasting and spiritual development, is an opportunity for Muslims to forget and free themselves of any resentment they might hold, and share happiness with their family, friends, coworkers and neighbours.

Prayers at the central bayram ceremony at the Slovan sports hall in Kodeljevo, Ljubljana, were led by Mufti Nedžad Grabus. He stressed that God's light gives warmth and light to all people, regardless of the colour of their skin or ethnicity, and that God is the creator of all people.

The Mufti assured that what he said also refers to those belonging to different religions. If he had wished to do it, God could have created all people to be members of the same religion, but he did not do that.

That is why Mufti Grabus finds it strange, that some followers wish to convert others by force, or even persecute them because of their religious belief. "That's gruesome and unacceptable behaviour. Muslims, Christians, Jews and all people, regardless of their ethnicity or religious belief, are God's creations. Only by respecting the plurality created by God, will we understand the wisdom of God and the messages of Islam," said Grabus.

"Insisting on violence makes the lives of many Muslims difficult"
Grabus also criticized the self-proclaimed believers, which are egoistic, arrogant, intolerant, violent and act outside the general interest of the religious community. "Violence is in complete contrast with the Islamic concept of life. There is no excuse for violence in the name of faith. It is violence against faith itself. Those, which refer to some violence as being Islamic, do not understand the basic principles of Islam. And every insisting on violence makes the lives of many Muslims more difficult," said Grabus

The Mufti also touched on the current state of affairs in the Islamic community in Slovenia. Big challenges lie ahead for the community, which is transforming itself from being invisible to visible. Grabus reminded that a mosque is being built in Ljubljana, which means that there will be a bigger presence of the community in the city. Grabus said that would be another challenge.

"Our duty must be clear – to help everyone, be close to people, stress the values that connect, and accept differences with tolerance," called the Mufti and wished all the gathered followers a holiday full of happiness and family warmth.

A. Č., translation: K. J.