Provoked riots last days in Moscow and other cities of Russia, who were accompanied by violence, cries of Nazi slogans and even blasphemous words, deserve strong condemnation of the spiritual leaders of all faiths. After all, it is considered as grave sins according to all the Abrahamic religions.

It is obvious that such actions are caused by forces that manipulating the part of reckless youth, rise in the country controlled chaos of ethnic strife, which aims at collapsing of the country.

However, these events demonstrate unacceptably high levels of anti-Caucasian, anti-Islamic, anti-immigrant sentiments in Russian society.

We can not allow Russia, the greatness of which were rebuilt over the centuries by many nations, become now the scene of ethnic slaughter.

We urgently need to unite efforts of society, government and business to overcome extremely dangerous trends.

In such unusual circumstances, the authorities should pay close attention to national policy, the formation of internationalism, neutralization of ultra-nationalism and prevention of xenophobia.

Giving the special role of the media, I appeal to the leaders of the media not to aggravate the situation, provoking xenophobia, not to spread prejudices, stereotypes, sometimes openly urging young people to illegal activities. It's important to think not only and not so much about the rankings, but about the future of our country, about the atmosphere in which our children will live.

I urge young people, primarily Muslim, not to succumb to provocations, not to let be involved into someone else plans, not to go to the reckless actions but to behave in accordance with the law and the norms of conventional morality.

Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin

The Chairman of the Russian Mufties Council