Ef. Botonjić lectures on Oman in Zemunik Base
The Croatian Air Force and Air Defence Command, in co-ordination with the Public Affairs and Publishing Service of the Croatian Ministry of Defence, organised a lecture on “The Islamic Customs and Culture of the Sultanate of Oman” for the members of the 93rd Base and the Training Centre “Rudolf Perešin” on 6 March 2014
The lecture was a part of the preparation of the Base staff for the flight training of 18 members of the Royal Air Force of the Sultanate of Oman to last until late December 2014. It was delivered by the Secretary of the Mešihat of the Islamic Community in the Republic of Croatia, Nermin Ef. Botonjić, who visited the Base with the Imam of the Zadar Muslim Community, Čamil Ef. Bašić.
The lecture comprised the topics related to Islamic customs and tradition, addressing the particularities of the Sultanate of Oman, primarily the Ibadi Islam – a denomination different from the Sunni and Shiits, as the dominant religion in the country. The Imam of the Islam Community of Zadar, Ef. Bašić pledged to actively participate in the spiritual life for the pilots from Oman as necessary.
Following the lecture Lt. Col. Slaven Pedić extended the appreciation to the visitors and emphasised the importance of the co-operation with respect to the lengthy stay of Omani pilots at the 93rd Base and the forthcoming Ramadan, a period of paramount importance for Muslims, who observe it through fasting.
The staff of the Pilot School showed the refurbished working space for the theory course and the specially arranged space for Islamic worship, following the input by Ef. Botonjić on the kibla, who also advised the staff on the Islam dietary laws (halal food) and the food preferred in Oman. The Base has thus duly prepared to receive the Omani pilots for training .