State leaders issue Ramadan greeting to Islamic faithful

Mosque in Zagreb (Photo: Sanjin Strukic/PIXSELL)

On the occasion of the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan, the Croatian President, Prime Minister and Parliament Speaker issued their greetings to the Islamic faithful in Croatia.

Domestic Domagoj FerenčićMay 23, 2020, 2:33 p.m.

In his statement President Zoran Milanović said that the religious observance should also foster closer ties between religious communities in Croatia.

"Following a month of prayer and abstinence, I wish you joyful moments of family and religious unity. Let this festival of sacrifice and abstinence also serve as an inspiration for the promotion of mutual understanding and respect to the benefit of the society we live in," President Milanović noted.

For his part Prime Minister Andrej Plenković noted the strong ties between the Islamic community in Croatia and the Croatian executive branch.

"The good relations between the Croatian Government and the Islamic community in Croatia are rooted in history. May this continue to serve as an impetus for us to contribute to preserving mutual understanding, respect and religious tolerance, for the well-being of our homeland and the society we live in."

Parliament Speaker Gordan Jandroković expressed his sorrow that the coronavirus pandemic had tainted this year’s Ramadan celebrations.

"Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, you were forced to observe this year's month of Ramadan, a time of spiritual well-being, under different circumstances than in previous years. However, I am convinced that in spite of the absence of traditional group prayers and sharing iftar, you succeeded in finding internal spiritual strength, patience, peace, harmony and joy."

Source: HRT