The head of the Islamic Community of Kosovo, Naim Ternava, delivered the traditional Ramadan message on Wednesday, linking it also to Kosovo’s biggest national celebration, February 17 – Independence Day.

He emphasized that hearts in Kosovo beat the same for both faith and homeland.

“Our history shows that faith has been a source of inspiration for civic and national engagement, especially at key moments such as the declaration of Kosovo’s independence on February 17, 2008, which crowned a long sacrifice for freedom, justice, and dignity,” he said.

The Mufti highlighted that Ramadan is more than fasting; it is a month of mercy, forgiveness, and solidarity that purifies the heart, strengthens character, and unites people around high spiritual and national values.

“Ramadan is the month when the Divine Word descended as a light for humanity, guidance for hearts, healing for souls, and mercy for the worlds. It is the time when hearts open to God’s Book and souls humble themselves before His Majesty. It teaches patience, forgiveness, and solidarity, reminding us that the greatest strength of a person is a pure heart and a helping hand. The Almighty says: ‘The month of Ramadan [is] the month in which the Qur’an was revealed’ (Al-Baqara, 185). This blessed month calls us to the right path, teaches us justice, compassion, and high moral values, and guides us toward inner peace. Ramadan is the school of the soul, where the believer is purified from mistakes, strengthened in faith, and grows in devotion,” Ternava stressed.

He also said that love for faith and homeland complement each other. According to him, fasting is an act of sincere devotion, and Ramadan is a path toward peace, unity, and social responsibility.

“Love for faith and homeland are not in conflict; they complement one another. Faith shapes character, while the homeland gives it space to act. Ramadan calls us to strengthen our connection with God and our responsibility to our country, institutions, and shared future. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the most special acts of worship, because it is performed solely for the Creator, with full conviction, free will, and deep spiritual sincerity. It is not just abstention from food and drink, but a pure act of devotion that comes from the heart and demonstrates true faith. For this silent and sincere sacrifice, the fasting person has a special reward from God,” Ternava emphasized.

The head of BIK also called for tolerance and unity in values.

“The message of Ramadan is peace. It purifies the heart from hatred, prevents insults, and raises respect as the foundation of coexistence. It is a call for self-restraint, brotherhood, and active love that brings social harmony. Inciting hatred is a grave sin and a betrayal of the spirit of this month. Let us preserve our brotherhood and nation with a pure heart and determination so that love triumphs over all division. Let us pray that this Ramadan finds us more united in values, stronger in faith, and more committed to protecting our freedom. Let it be a time of reflection to deepen our love for faith as a source of light and for Kosovo as a legacy of our ancestors and a responsibility toward future generations.”

The Mufti reconfirmed that Ramadan in Kosovo is observed according to the calendar followed by 98% of the world.

“Nowhere in Europe has fasting begun a day early. Everywhere, fasting begins tomorrow. Across Europe and 98–99% of the world generally. There are a few countries that have already started; they are few, in the Gulf region, and have begun fasting today. Meanwhile, the remaining countries, meaning 98%, will begin tomorrow,” he said.