At the session of the International conference “Middle path idea in Islam” the mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin delivered an outstanding speech.

The Chairman of the Russian Muftis Council and the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Russia draw a parallel between past and present. He described the world outlook, principles and traditions of Russian Muslims, conductors of tolerance, science and education on the Eurasian territory.

“Our ancestors’ loyalty to the motherland, active professional and social stance, respect to other cultures and beliefs stem from this true Islamic teaching and represent the base of the Hanafi madhab, which became popular and developed actively on the vast Russian territory. This school’s distinguishing features are rationalism, moderation, pluralism, integrity, tolerance and humanism, which allowed their followers to integrate well in multi-confessional and multi-ethnic societies, at the same time being faithful to the true Islam based on the wasatiya (middle path) principle”, — said the mufti.

In the light of recognized Islamic scholars’ works and ideas Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin emphasized the role of traditional Islamic theology that promotes humanistic ideas, tolerance and pluralism. Apart form theoretical research, this theology gave rise to numerous practical projects in different fields, from economics to education.

The participants agreed that Islam had nothing in common with radicalism, terrorism and extremism. Some of them emphasized the need for cooperation for the sake of peace and stability in the region. They called for more active cooperation of religious leaders within the framework of international organizations.

The delegation of the Russian Muftis Council and the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Russia suggested conducting the next session in Russia, taking into account the importance of this conference for strengthening peace and friendship between nations on the Eurasian territory and long-time historical ties between Russian Muslims and their fellow believers in China and the Central Asia.  

It should be noted that for the modern China it was the first international Islamic conference attended by so many high-ranking guests. It was initiated by Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, who suggested conducting such an event during his last visit to Beijing last November.