ZAGREB, February 9, 2019 - "Understanding Islam", a book by the head of Croatia's Islamic Community, Aziz Hasanović, was launched in Split on Friday, on which occasion he said the institutional form of Islam in Croatia was a Croatian brand which could serve as a model to the East and the West for regulating the status of minority communities.
"The institutional form of Islam in Croatia has existed for more than a century and is a big Croatian brand, and this book promotes the message that Croatia can serve as a model in resolving the status of Christian minorities in the East as well as Muslim minorities in Europe," said mufti Hasanović.
Croatia is a "bright example" of how to treat the Islamic and Muslim communities, he said, adding that there were "big campaigns against Islam" in the world, notably in Europe.
"This book is aimed at strengthening relations between people and strengthening dialogue between religions," the mufti said, adding that the book also analysed Sharia and "the difference between Islamic and Muslim countries."
Hasanović said he was proud to have attended in Abu Dhabi the signing of the Declaration for World Peace and Living Together between Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Sheikh Ahmed At-Tayyeb.
Asked if the declaration would have a positive impact on Christian-Muslim relations in the Balkans, Hasanović said that it would. "I expect us in the Balkans to practice and follow the declaration too."
More news on the Islamic Community in Croatia can be found in the Lifestyle section.
