President Rumen Radev was a honorary host of an official iftar-dinner

On May 8, this year, the President of the Republic of Bulgaria Rumen Radev was a honorary host of an official iftar-dinner as a sign of respect towards the Muslim community in our country and its religious holidays and customs.

The official event on the occasion of the beginning of the Sacred for the Muslims month of Ramadan was attended by the Chairman of the Supreme Muslim Council (SMC) Vedat Ahmed, the Grand Mufti of the Muslims in Bulgaria Dr. Mustafa Hadzhi, the Deputy Grand Muftis Ahmed Hasanov, Birali Birali and Murat Pingov, as well as regional muftis and other officials of the Muslim Denomination.

Among the invited at the iftar of the President were also representatives of the major religious communities in Bulgaria, representatives of diplomatic corps 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 Rumen Radev said in his address to all guests.

He emphasized the importance of directing of efforts towards working with young people with the words: “We should teach the youths that the future of our society lies in mutual respect, tolerance and solidarity. 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 Grand Mufti Dr. Mustafa Hadzhi in his turn thanked for the kind Ramadan reception which already traditionally takes place every year on behalf of the Bulgarian Presidency. The leader of the Muslims in Bulgaria focused on that the iftar-dinner brings people closer together, no matter what religion they profess and which ethnic group they belong to.

“We will be stronger and happier only if we replace hatred, envy and the willingness to revenge with affection, love and understanding - said the Grand Mufti. – “If the followers of all religions try to reconsider the messages of their writings, a great part of the problems will be resolved” - he further added.

Author: L. Chausheva