CONCLUSION

One can understand Islam only as a grand and complex religious system defined not only by its metaphysical principles and ethical requirements but circumstances and conditions in which its followers - Muslims as individuals and their Communities as organised groups - live in today’s world.^[1491]

Dr Marko Babic, 2014

The rise of contemporary Islam in Bosnia has been a slow and eventful process.

1. the Hanafi school of fiqh and relevant Sufi orders;

2. the Ottoman Islamic culture and its strong religious authority;

3. the Islamisation of pre-Islamic Bosnian practice;

4. Islamic reform through ijtihad;

5. the Islamic Community religious institution; and

6. an existence within a secular state.^[1492]

While the Constitution promotes a secular government and legal system, Shari’ah continues to play a significant role in the life of Bosnian Muslims. It provides Bosniaks with a code of ethics by which to live their life as Bosnia continues to find its feet on the world stage. Furthermore, it is an avenue through which Muslims can openly demon­strate their religion.

While the Salafi minorities have at times caused disunity amongst the greater Bosnian community, they must be credited with kick-starting the initial revival. The mujahidin and Saudi instruction turned around the lives of those emerging from Yugoslavia with drug, alcohol or other like vices controlling their lives.^[1493] It is for this reason that the pluralist

Progressive Islam in Europe 427 approach headed by Ceric has proven so effective. It encourages the integration and participation of all Islamic communities. It has shown that in the absence of state institutions and religious laws, an Islamic identity can and has been be preserved through simple but fundamental liberties and rights. This outcome can be replicated, with time, in other European States, particularly in the wake of increased migration from the Middle East and Africa. All that is required is an open mind. The acceptance that Islamic faith comes in all shapes and sizes is the first step in properly understanding and benefiting from Muslim participation within a secular society.

18.