(born the 18th of February 1911 in Malawicze Górne) – imam of Muslim Religious Community in Białystok. Activist of Muslim community in Poland. He is a descendant of Polish Tatars. In the inter-war period he was one of the most known Muslim copyists I n Poland. He lives in Białystok.

In 2006 he was awarded with the Golden Cross of Merit for his achievements in popularizing culture of national minorities and in activity for ecumenical dialogue. In 2011, he was awarded with Chivalry Cross Distinction of Poland’s Revival for exceptional merits in acting for the well-being of the Muslim community in Poland and inter-religious, and inter-cultural dialogue.

(selected excerpts from interview)

WHO IS HE?

 ”I got from God such a gift that nothing falls out of my hands, neither awl nor soap. I can do anything. And I did everything in my life.

Fearing God

Man needs impendence and fearing God. (…) One has to give good example. The good is good. It’s always like that: good is returned for the good, and badness for badness – he who lives by the sword, shall die by the sword.

Diligence

I think, that one who doesn’t do anything, has a sin. One has got to work. An do work by own effort, and not by combinations. This path of truth leads a man and gives him peace. There is then nothing to worry about. Organism works well, the heart works well and correctly. Man does not get ill and everything falls for him in the right place. (…) I cannot waste any second, as I regard it as a sin. One should do something to be of use.

Integrity

Every act of deceit shall come out, just like olive on top of water. After some time, culprit shall be lost. He may even punish himself for doing what’s bad. People sometimes regret. If this is the case, and the path of goodness is chosen, then it’s for the good. The most beautiful reward is appreciating human honesty, his behaviour.

Remembering history

History is important when it comes to remembering. It teaches people. People know, what happened in the past, what they went through themselves. He who does not have interest in history, does not know it, knows nothing. Such person only knows, what is going on today. And today is not everything. History teaches human being and shapes him. Educated man knows life better. Has got his eyes more open to the world, appreciates everything more.