DR VELID EFENDIC
(1981-2021)
Dr Velid Efendic was an Associate Professor in the School of Economics and Business at the University of Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was born on April 16, 1981, at Zavidovici in Bosnia and Herzegovina and died on February 14, 2021, just short of the age of 40. The news of his unexpected death saddened thousands of people in the academic and professional circles in the world of Islamic economics, banking and finance. His funeral prayers were held on February 16, 2021, at the historical Ottoman mosque Ghazi Husrev-Begove, Sarajevo.
Dr Velid Efendic was born into a scholarly family. His father, Mr Sulejman Efendic, was a scholar of popular repute in the country.
Dr Velid Efendic carried the legacy of his predecessor, Professor Fikret Hadzic – a pioneer of Islamic economics, banking and finance in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider Balkan region – who passed away on June 20, 2018. After the death of Professor Hadzic, Dr Velid Efendic took charge and responsibility of the Centre of Islamic Economics, Banking and Finance, which he co-founded with the former at the University of Sarajevo. He also continued with another project of Professor Hadzic, namely, the European Association for Islamic Economics, Banking and Finance.
Dr Velid Efendic was a true successor of Professor Fikret Hadzic with whom he pioneered several projects in the field of Islamic economics, banking and finance. His close collaboration with the Bank Bosna International and the University of Bolton in the UK resulted in the setting up of a joint degree programme, with the latter, namely MA in Islamic Banking. Dr Efendic served as its Programme Director until his unexpected death.
Whosoever visited Sarajevo must have been impressed by the hospitality of Dr Velid Efendic. He would ensure that all the guests were taken care of and that they were accompanied to the places of touristic attractions and historical significance in and around the city of Sarajevo.
He was an author and co-author of two books• and a large number of research papers in the field of Islamic economics, banking and finance.
Prof. Dr Velid Efendic will be remembered not only for his outstanding services to Islamic economics, banking and finance but also for his hospitality, pleasant personality and helpful attitude towards the people around him. He is survived by his parents (Mr Sulejman Efendic and Mrs Mohiba Efendic), wife (Mrs Azemina Efendic), a daughter (Sara Efendic) and a son (Ismail Efendic), and thousands of students amongst mourners.
May his soul rest in peace.
