Historic Charter Unites Islamic Community in Serbia

The Islamic Community in Sandžak and Serbia achieved a historic moment of unity. Its representatives visited the leadership of the Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The delegation, led by Mufti Mevlud-ef. Dudić, met Reisul-ulema Husein-ef. Kavazović in Sarajevo on August 20, 2026. This visit celebrated the signing of the Charter on Unity for the Islamic Community in Serbia.

Reisul-ulema Kavazović congratulated all involved. He called this step "historic" for Muslims in Sandžak. The decision to unite institutionally delighted Bosniaks worldwide. It also gained support from global Muslim institutions. The Islamic Community in Bosnia and Herzegovina, led by Kavazović, pledged full support for this process. All present expressed confidence that unification would progress quickly.

The Charter on Unity was signed on August 14 in Novi Pazar. Representatives from the two previously separate Islamic communities in Serbia signed it. Imams, business leaders, and delegates from the Islamic Community in BiH and Turkey's Diyanet attended. This signing officially ended decades of division among Muslims in Serbia. It began a new era of cooperation.

Reisul-ulema Kavazović shared his joy about this newfound unity. He thanked everyone who contributed to the Charter's signing. He declared, "For us Bosniaks, this is a great event." He considered it the most important event for the Islamic Community and the Bosniak people in recent decades.

Kavazović acknowledged that much work remains. This includes integrating structures that operated separately. He confirmed the Rijaset of the Islamic Community in BiH would provide full moral and material support for this integration. He hoped for a successful completion.

The Charter establishes the Islamic Community as the supreme religious body for all Muslims in Serbia, regardless of nationality. It affirms that only one united Islamic Community can exist in Sandžak and Serbia. This community will be based in Novi Pazar. It will maintain strong spiritual, cultural, national, and institutional ties to Sarajevo and the Reisul-ulema. Signatories committed to working until all parallel religious activities across Serbia cease.

Mufti Mevlud-ef. Dudić emphasized the Charter's significance for Muslims in Sandžak and the wider Islamic Community. He stated it ended 19 years of injustice against the Islamic Community in Serbia, clarifying that only one such community is recognized by law. Dudić highlighted the strength found to sign this Charter, rooted in the Islamic Community's Constitution in Serbia. He urged all members to work together for the benefit of Islam and Muslims throughout Serbia.

Dudić also noted that this unity benefits Serbian state institutions. It provides a clear representative body for Muslims and their affairs in Serbia. He hailed it as a victory.

Senad-ef. Halitović, former president of the Islamic Community of Serbia, described the Charter as a blessing and honor for Muslims in the region. He remarked on the 19-year wait for this event. He called it one of the most vital events in recent Muslim history there. Halitović stressed that Muslims should now live "with each other," not just "next to each other." He confirmed that Muslim unity in Serbia has finally been achieved.