Mostar Mufti issues fetva to protect Lakišića vakuf

Mostar Mufti Salem Dedović has issued a fetva regarding the protection of sacred spaces, specifically the Lakišića harem, to contest construction projects by the Croatian National Theatre (HNK) in central Mostar. Dedović maintains that the religious decree is grounded in the Law on Freedom of Religion and the Law on the Special Protection of Sacred Objects and Spaces in Bosnia and Herzegovina. He argues that public authorities cannot manage such spaces without the Muftiate's input.

The Council of the Congress of Bosniak Intellectuals (VKBI) has criticized the City of Mostar and HNK, stating their actions violate the rights of the Islamic Community to autonomously manage its own vakuf (endowment) property. They assert that the Lakišića vakuf is a sacred space protected by law.

Critics, including HNK director Ivan Vukoja, have characterized the fetva as an attack on the constitutional order, suggesting it attempts to place Islamic norms above the Constitution of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Dedović has dismissed these claims as “islamophobic” and “lies,” asserting that Sharia is a part of the daily lives of Muslims and that the community seeks only the consistent application of existing laws.