History has shown that not differences are humankind’s problem, but division, which purposefully instilled, causes radicalization and fuels the fears of difference. The role of the state institutions and the leaders of denominations is to avoid external, foreign to our traditions influences which would endanger the built up for centuries model of understanding and unity. This is what President Rumen Radev said at the beginning of the solemn Iftar dinner on the occasion of the beginning of the sacred for the Muslims month Ramadan.
The Bulgarian Head of State is host of the festive dinner as a sign of respect to the religious holidays and traditions of the Bulgarian citizens of Muslim denomination. It was attended by the representatives of the traditional denomination in the country – eastern Orthodox, representatives of the basic religious communities in Bulgaria, representatives of the diplomatic corps, scholars and culture activists.
“The Iftar dinner is a symbol of forgiveness and tolerance, this evening fits in a special way in the whole series of significant events which took place in our country with Pope Francis’ visit. The Bulgarian people in the person of all its citizens professing different religions showed to the whole world that it has created a sustainable culture of tolerance,” the Head of State said. We all sent to the world an important message for peace and human compassion. However, even more important is the message for the wisdom we need to defend and build the latter, the President added.
The Head of State emphasized that with its history the Bulgarian people has proved that it has always been hospitable to those that have come with peaceful and compassionate intentions to those who suffer and live in poverty. “We have not only preserved this attitude, but today we are a model to follow as a people that has established ethnic and human tolerance and compassion,” the Head of State added and called for putting efforts to help the young Bulgarians who need spiritual support and encouragement. “They want a better environment in which to ensure that they pursue their career development and studies and that they remain in our country,” Rumen Radev added.
The President said that the upbringing and education of our young people are the common task and shared goal not only of the state, but also of the religious institutions. “We should teach the youths that the future of our society lies in mutual respect, tolerance and solidarity,” Rumen Radev said. In his words, only if the youths are proud of their identity and respect the differences of the others, they would destroy barriers rather than build them.
The Iftar dinner held this month brings people closer together, no matter what religion they profess and which ethnic group they belong to, the chief Mufti Mustafa Hadzhi said in his address and expressed gratitude to the presidential institution for hosting the dinner. We will be stronger and happier only if we replace hatred, envy and the willingness to revenge with affection, love and understanding, the chief Mufti further said and stressed that Ramadan is the time for purification. “If the followers of all religions try to reconsider the messages of their writings, a great part of the problems will be resolved,” Mustafa Hadzhi added.