The residence of the Russian Muftis Council hosted a meeting of First Deputy Chairman of the Russian Muftis Council Damir Gizatullin and Hazrat Muhammad al-Garavi – the First Counselor of the spiritual leader of Muqtada al-Sadr. The meeting was attended by Adviser on Culture and Education, Mr. Tuayma Muttair Hussain, Vice-President Doumer Asadullin Farid, Chief of Staff of the Russian Muftis Council Rushan hazrat Abbyasov and Director of International Department Renat hazrat Abyanov.

At the beginning of the meeting Hazrat Damir Gizatullin conveyed greetings of the Chairman of the Russian Muftis Council Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, and then informed the guests about the history and current situation of Muslims in Russia, about the complex milestones of history that the Russian Muslims had to go though, having kept the faith despite the persecution and deprivation .

At this stage, when the state provides support to religious groups, particularly Muslim organizations, there is a gradual development of a resurgent Muslim Ummah. In turn, hhonorable guests, representing one of the most influential political parties of Iraq, with great warmth received the welcoming speech of Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, expressing the hope that the next time he would be able to have a conversation with one of the respected spiritual leaders of Russian Muslims.

According to the distinguished Mohammed Al-Garavi Russian Muslims have the unique experience of interreligious dialogue, living in such a multi-religious country like Russia.

Sheikh al-Garavi emphasized that our task is to show the true face of Islam, which is far from such things as violence, ignorance, immorality, and intolerance, since all people on earth are brothers, so you can not forget that God, to whom we devote our prayers, is the one. Speaking about the brotherly relationship between the Russian and Iraqi people Farid Asadullin mentioned his visits to Iraq, as well as a meeting with Iraqi guests in Moscow. Farid Asadullin noticed that the time had come to the Iraqi people to realize their unity and in spite of the existing contradictions, which were skillfully used by enemies of Islam, to do everything possible for the benefit of the great Iraq, the cradle of many cultures and civilizations.

Rushan hazrat Abbyasov said that for some of the peoples of Russia, such as the Tatars and Bashkirs, Iraq, and namely Baghdad, was of historic importance, because here nearly eleven hundred years ago the embassy came on the banks of the Volga, in order to witness the official recognition of the Turkic peoples of the Volga region adoption of Islam. In addition, Rushan hazrat Abbyasov talked about projects of the Russian Muftis Council, many of which, for instance, Moscow Halal Expo and  Moscow International Competition of Quran reciters, strongly interested the the guests of honor.

At the end of the meeting Sheikh Muhammad al-Garavi announced that tomorrow he would come back home, but part of his heart would remain with Russia. "Russian Muslims for a long time, while in multi-religious environment, not only preserved their faith, but also made significant contributions to Islamic civilization. I am sure that seeing the Russian Muslims representatives of other religions create the right perception of Islam. I guess that's why the Russian people, who survived the difficulties of the tsarist regime, communism and war, is drawn to science, education and progress, while maintaining the beauty of the soul. " Also, the guest of honor said that Muslims should not be divided into Shia and Sunni Muslims leaning on the provocation, while forgetting that we are all Muslims. As an example, Sheikh al-Garavi said that many Iraqi families name their children as Umar and Ali, in honor of the noble companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

In turn, Damir Gizatullin hazrat told the guest that on Russian land the Sunnis and Shiites build up for the good of religion and society, thus showing an example of brotherhood to Muslims in other countries.Also, Renat hazrat Abyanov discussed with the Advisor for Culture and Education, Mr. Tuayma Muttair the  question related to the possible organization of short courses for imams.After the meeting Damir Gizatullin and Hazrat Muhammad al-Garavi gave an interview to Iraqi television.

Renat Abyanov, the Head of International Department of the Russian Muftis Council

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