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Mostar Islamic Community issues controversial binding fetva
The Mostar Islamic Community has issued a fetva regarding the construction of the Croatian National Theatre, sparking a debate over the intersection of religious rulings and state law in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The document, signed by Mufti Salem Dedović, asserts that the religious ruling should be considered a binding act for public administration authorities.
Critics, including political representatives and legal experts, argue that this move attempts to introduce Sharia principles into the state's constitutional order and represents a step toward political Islam. They contend that making religious norms binding for secular public officials undermines the rule of law.
The Islamic Community has defended the document, stating it is an internal religious act intended to protect sacred spaces, specifically the Lakišića harem, which they consider a vakuf. They maintain the fetva does not change national laws or the constitution but rather outlines religious obligations for Muslims in social and political roles.
Entities
Bosnia and Herzegovina · Croatian National Theater · Croatian National Theatre · Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina · Lakišića harem · Mostar · Mostar Islamic Community · Salem Dedović
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Mostar Islamic Community issued a fetva stating that its interpretations are binding for public authorities regarding the construction of the Croatian National Theater. rtv-hb.com · hms.ba
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Mostar Mufti Salem Dedović signed a document stating that public authorities must accept the fetva's interpretations as binding for decision-makers. hms.ba
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Lawyer and councilor Slaven Bevanda described the attempt to make a religious act binding for public authorities as an attack on the rule of law. rtv-hb.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The fetva calls on Muslims in socio-political and religious positions to seek justice for the Lakišića harem vakuf. hms.ba
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Damir Džeba, an envoy in the House of Peoples of FBiH, stated that the fetva introduces political Islam and poses a constitutional problem. rtv-hb.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Mostar Muftiate maintains that the fetva is a religious authority act within the Islamic Community and does not change state laws or the Constitution.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Islamic Community maintains the fetva is an internal religious act regarding the protection of the Lakišića harem sacred space.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Mufti Salem Dedović signed a fetva stating that public authorities must accept its interpretations as binding for decision-makers. hms.ba
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The document calls on Muslims in socio-political positions to ensure a just solution for the vakuf and seek compensation. hms.ba
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Lawyer Slaven Bevanda described the attempt to make religious norms superior to BiH law as an attack on the rule of law. rtv-hb.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Damir Džeba stated the mufti's position introduces a constitutional legal problem and political Islam. rtv-hb.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Mostar Islamic Community issued a fetva in September 2025 regarding the construction of the Croatian National Theatre building. rtv-hb.com