The passing of the Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, has left a profound sense of loss among countless people around the world. Visionary leaders are remembered not only for the years they spend in office, but for the institutions they build, the lives they transform and the enduring legacy they leave behind. Sheikh Hamad was one of those exceptional leaders.
As Crown Prince in 1989 and later as Amir of the State of Qatar from 1995 to 2013, he led one of the most remarkable national transformations of the modern era. Under his leadership, Qatar emerged as a global centre for diplomacy, education, culture, humanitarian work and sustainable economic development. His decision in 2013 to transfer power peacefully to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani reflected his confidence in a new generation of leadership and set a rare example of political foresight.
Among the many memories I cherish of Sheikh Hamad, one encounter remains especially close to my heart.
“I would like to build that mosque”
For more than four decades, the Islamic Community in Slovenia had dreamed of building a mosque in Ljubljana. The dream seemed almost impossible to realise.
Although we finally purchased land in 2008, we possessed little beyond determination and sincere intentions. We had neither sufficient financial resources nor architectural plans, construction permits or the technical capacity required for such a major undertaking. Soon afterwards, the global financial crisis further complicated our efforts.
In December 2009, during a reception marking Slovenia’s National Day, I asked then President Danilo Türk to mention our mosque project during his forthcoming official visits to Qatar and Kuwait.
A month later, President Türk informed me that the Amir of Qatar had expressed genuine interest.
That encouraging message eventually led to one of the most unforgettable evenings of my life.
On July 20, 2010, I attended the official state dinner hosted by President Türk in honour of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.
Throughout the evening, the Amir spoke warmly about Qatar’s remarkable progress, Doha’s cultural renaissance, its museums and its commitment to preserving Islamic heritage. His manner was humble, thoughtful and remarkably approachable.
He asked about my family, my work and life in Slovenia. The more we spoke, the more I realised that I was not simply speaking with a statesman, but with a man of exceptional humanity.
At one point he asked me in Arabic:
“Mufti, what are you working on?”
I replied honestly:
“Your Highness, for more than forty years we have been trying to build a mosque in Ljubljana, but we have not succeeded.”
Without hesitation, he smiled and replied:
“I would like to build that mosque.”
Those simple words carried extraordinary meaning.
I politely asked whether he would be willing to share that intention with President Türk.
The conversation soon returned to international affairs, yet my thoughts remained fixed on the mosque. For me, nothing discussed that evening mattered more.
Then came the moment that changed everything.
Turning to President Türk, the Amir said:
“Mr President, I have spoken with the Mufti regarding the construction of the mosque.”
The President responded:
“Yes, we fully support the project.”
The Amir then added:
“Mr President, if the Mufti agrees, I would be honoured to build that mosque.”
His words reflected far more than generosity.
They reflected dignity.
He did not present himself as a benefactor bestowing a favour. Instead, he expressed his support in a manner that preserved the dignity of a Mufti whose community still had no mosque in the capital city.
That moment remains one of the greatest lessons in leadership I have ever witnessed.
“Pray for the Amir”
Before concluding the meeting, the Amir instructed Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed Al Attiyah to oversee the project and maintain direct contact with us.
Several months later, together with my colleagues Ibrahim Malanović and Nevzet Porić, I travelled to Doha to continue discussions.
When we met Sheikh Khalid, his first question was straightforward:
“Mufti, do you have a project?”
I explained that we were still burdened by debts related to purchasing the land.
His answer was equally direct:
“I am not interested in the land or the debts. I am interested in the project.”
He immediately asked officials from the Qatar Fund for Development to work with us on preparing the necessary documentation.
Working closely with architects in Ljubljana and specialists in Doha, we developed the initial proposal. The estimated value of the project reached €15 million.
Weeks later, Sheikh Khalid telephoned me.
After exchanging greetings, he said:
“Mufti, pray for the Amir.”
I replied:
“I pray for him every day.”
He answered:
“Pray even more. The Amir has approved €15 million for your project.”
For several moments I could barely speak.
That historic decision enabled us to organise an international architectural competition, prepare the complete design documentation and settle the outstanding debts on the land.
By the project’s completion, whose total investment reached €34 million, the State of Qatar had contributed €28 million towards what is today recognised as one of the most beautiful Islamic cultural centres built by Bosniaks outside Bosnia and Herzegovina.
More importantly, the mosque gave Muslims in Slovenia a permanent spiritual and cultural home.
A legacy that will endure
The Father Amir laid the foundations of this extraordinary project.
In May 2022, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, officially visited the Ljubljana Mosque together with Slovenian President Borut Pahor, reaffirming Qatar’s enduring friendship with Slovenia and its unwavering commitment to dialogue, coexistence and mutual respect.
Today, every prayer performed within that mosque, every verse of the Holy Qur’an recited there and every child who learns about Islam beneath its roof stands as a living testament to Sheikh Hamad’s generosity.
His contribution was not confined to bricks and mortar.
He invested in people.
He invested in dignity.
He invested in the future.
For that reason, the Ljubljana Mosque will forever remain among the enduring charities (sadaqah jariyah) that continue to benefit generations long after their benefactor has departed this world.
We pray that Allah Almighty grants Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani the highest ranks in Paradise, rewards him abundantly for his countless acts of generosity and accepts all the good he accomplished in service of humanity.
We also pray that Allah grants His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani continued good health, wisdom and success, and blesses the State of Qatar and its people with lasting peace, prosperity and continued progress.
Indeed, noble leaders may depart this world, but their legacy continues to inspire future generations.
The Father Emir’s legacy is one such legacy—written not only in history books, but also in the hearts of those whose lives he transformed.