The World Association for Proximity of Islamic Madhabs and the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Russia signed a Memorandum of Understanding at the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Madhabs, which took place in Moscow.

The memorandum implies joint efforts in order to accomplish cultural, scientific and educational projects aimed at raising awareness regarding Islamic values, and cooperation in terms of proximity of madhabs and consolidation of Islamic scholars.

The parties intend to set up a Reward Fund in order to encourage scholars, preachers, experts, journalists, and talented young people to participate in the process of madhab approaching.

The purpose of “serving the Holy Qur’an and explaining it in the context of different madhabs in order to make them closer” occupies an important place in the parties’ plans.

The document was signed by ayatollah Muhsin Araki, general secretary of the World Association for Proximity of Islamic Madhabs, and Damir Muhetdinov, first deputy chairman of the Spiritual Board of Muslims of Russia.

Ayatollah Muhsin Araki noted that this memorandum was considered as a platform for developing cooperation not only with Russian Muslims, but also with Muslim communities of other countries, such as CIS countries, and later with the countries where Muslim constitute a minority. In his opinion, this memorandum is a precondition of the unity of Islam and ummah that will help to solve the problems faced by different Islamic groups and communities.

Mr Muhetdinov mentioned the centuries-long connections between the Russian and the Persian states, the role of Persian Muslims in spreading Islam among the population of the Volga region, and respectful, time-tested relationships with Iran at present time.