Muftiate Mostar Rejects 'Sharia Law' Claims, Cites Religious Freedom

Mostar, August 25, 2026 – The Mostar Muftiate today responded to local media reports claiming that they were "introducing Sharia law in BiH." The Muftiate called these claims false and malicious. They said the reports aim to create tension against the Islamic Community and Muslims in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Muftiate clarified that the reports referred to a document titled "Fatwa on the obligation to preserve the inviolability of sacred spaces of Muslim harems and other sacred sites in the Mostar Muftiate area, with special reference to Lakišića Harem in Mostar." This religious edict was made public on June 24, 2025. It is not a secret document but a publicly available fatwa.

The Muftiate stated that the Islamic Community has the right to determine the religious status of its traditional spaces. This right aligns with the Law on Freedom of Religion in Bosnia and Herzegovina. This is a matter of religious authority, not an attempt to bring Sharia law into the state. State bodies and courts decide any legal effects of such religious statuses, following BiH laws.

The Muftiate expressed concern that these claims surfaced during an ongoing court case about Lakišića Harem in Mostar. They criticized the media for trying to pressure the court with biased, selective quotes and sensational headlines. The Muftiate argued that serious journalism should present the full fatwa and its context. They challenged the media to show which part of the fatwa changes BiH laws or its Constitution. The Muftiate believes that selective quoting and dramatic headlines in Mostar only increase tension and mistrust. They vowed to continue fighting for truth, justice, and respect in Mostar for all citizens.