Marking the Day of Asura is a proof that we can live together in peace

“It is an honor for me to be all here today together, in the day when the Almighty through the messenger Nuh (Noah), peace be upon him, gave a second chance to the mankind, in order to make everything possible in terms of the understanding and the love between us” said the Grand Mufti Dr. Mustafa Hadzhi in his speech on the occasion of the marking the Day of Ashura in Sofia. The event was organized on the capital’s square “Banski” from the Grand Mufti’s Office and Regional Mufti’s Office – Sofia with the kind assistance of the other monotheistic religions and Sofia municipality.
The Grand Mufti said that there are enough events in this day which deserve to be mentioned, such as the salvation of the messenger Yunus, peace be upon him. The history witnesses also for not so nice events which make us sad, namely the killing of the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, Hussein in Karbala.
“It is our duty, as people, to repeat and keep the good and to prevent the mistakes of our ancestors”, further said the Grand Mufti. In his words the celebration of holidays together for us in Bulgaria is not something new and the presence of representatives of the different denominations is indicative for that we can live together in harmony and we can be an example for all who want to live happily and freely.
“I am glad of the fact that in this holyday for you we are here together. I am here to send regards from His Holiness the Bulgarian Patriarch Neophyte, who wishes you a lot of joy in this day, because you celebrate one event related to all of us when seeking our roots in our forefather Noah”, said Father Angel, a representative of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church and of His Holiness. In his words it is indisputably that this city is a bearer of wisdom, the temples of the monotheistic religions in this area witness for this. “I do believe that love and peace always are that same power which can build the bridges between us, and in this way to demonstrate in front of all the world the possibility to live together in happiness”, further said Father Angel.
“I am honored to welcome you for this holiday which is celebrated for a first time in such a format. We see in front of us white, black and red difference which in this case is a symbol of the good”, said Mustafa Izbishtali, Regional Mufti of Sofia. According to him the quadrangular of tolerance has not been chosen by chance, for the celebration of this day, but namely as a symbolic continuance of this tolerance. He recalled for the aggressive attack in front of the mosque “Banya Bashi” from the pseudonationalists, but he pointed out that the society has condemned this aggression. “The celebration of the Day of Ashura with all other denominations is one more proof for this that we are together and we pray for the prosperity of our country”, further said the Regional Mufti
“This is another event where we all are together, and this means that it is already a tradition. Today we celebrate the end of the deluge and this means the beginning of one new world. God has given us with this deluge a second chance to build a better world where we all to live in peace and harmony. I do hope that we all will manage to keep this chance as I have not heard for the existence of a third one so far”, said Robert Jerassi, Chairman of the Central Israelite Religious Council. According to him the municipality have to rename the square “Banski” to square “Tolerance”, because it a symbol of that we are all together.
Guests of the event were diplomats, representatives of the academics society and citizens. The prepared for the occasion dessert ashure was given to the guests and the citizens at the square.