The first deputy chairman of the Russia Muftis Council and Religious Board of Muslims of Russia, Rushan Abbyasov, met with the secretary of the Parliament of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Singapore, Mr. Amrin Amin,

The meeting was also attended by the director of the 2nd law enforcement unit of the Central Anti-Drug Bureau of Singapore Lim Phung Suan, the representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Tang Hui Bin Stella, the representatives of the Embassy Seah Seo Cheng, Swie Wei Theo, Bedrina Anfisa, and the expert of the RMC International Department Ismail Gindullin.

Rushan hazrat Abbyasov spoke about the history of Islam in Russia, noting that Islam in Russia had a centuries-old history and started to spread in the 7th century in Derbent (Dagestan), where 40 companions of the Prophet were buried. He also said that in 922 Islam was became the official religion of the Volga Bulgaria.

" Islam in Russia spread only through peaceful means.We have never had religious wars," said Rushan Abbyasov. He also spoke about the revival of Islam in Russia, mentioning that during the Soviet period thousands of mosques were destroyed, but since then about 8 thousand mosques have been restored or constructed. Islamic institutes were opened in Moscow, Kazan, Ufa, Grozny and Makhachkala.

Rushan Abbyasov told the delegation members about the projects of the Russia Muftis Counci land the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, in particular, the Moscow International Qur'an Reciting Competition, the Moscow Halal Expo International Exhibition, the International Muslim Foru etc.

"We are cooperating with different countries, including Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Turkey, the Arab Muslim countries in different areas such as, education, culture, and the halal industry. And we will also be happy to establish ties with Singapore, "he said.


The representatives of the delegation from Singapore noted that they admired the activities of Russian Muslims and did not expect that Islamic infrastructure was so developed in Russia.

The parties agreed on further mutually beneficial cooperation.

The guests were offered a detailed tour of the new complex of the Moscow Cathedral Mosque.