The Bosnian Muslim Community Celebrates Arrival of New Religious Leader

June 15, 2007

Author: Carole Mikita

Source: ksl.com

http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=1356357

The Bosnian Muslim community in Salt Lake is celebrating the arrival of a new religious leader.

Dozens from the Bosnian community came to worship at 427 E. 3300 South. Friday is their holy day. There are presently 150 members.

The new Imam spoke to the members about one of the five pillars of Islam--prayer.

Not very long ago, he said he could not have imagined leaving Bosnia to come to Utah. But when he heard about the desire and need for a religious leader, it touched his heart.

When asked why Bosnians worship separately from the Shia and Sunni Muslims, he replied it's because the country of Bosnia is isolated in Eastern Europe from the Middle East, and there is very little contact between the Muslims.

Imam Serif Delic of the Islamic Society of Bosnia said, "The other reason is the language itself. It's easier for the people to come and to understand, and they feel more comfortable when they speak to an Imam in their own language."