Islamic finance, family values and the method of calculating the time of namaz - members of the Ulema Council of the RBM of the Russian Federation exchange experience in Ankara

This week, experts and members of the Ulema Council of the Russian DUM are attending lectures and discussing topics as part of an exchange of experience in the development of theological and legal opinions (fatwas). The meetings take place in Ankara in accordance with the Memorandum of Co-operation signed in 2022 between the Russian RBM and the Turkish Directorate of Religious Affairs. During the first days of the working trip, the theologians considered topical issues in the sphere of partnership (Islamic) finance, medicine, determining the time of namaz and fasting.

In particular, at lectures on Islamic finance experts discussed methods of debt repayment to the creditor in conditions of constant inflation and options for solving the problem of purchasing housing in conditions of expensive and inaccessible mortgage loans, the possibility of implementing a partnership model of insurance, as well as ways of implementing a bank guarantee.

In addition, the members of the Council familiarised themselves with the research of Turkish colleagues in the field of calculating the time of namaz. The Directorate of Religious Affairs of Turkey in the calculation is based on the decisions of the International Congress of the Hijra Calendar. The main principle in determining the beginning of the month of Ramadan is to take observations of the first sickle of the moon both with the naked eye and using modern astronomical methods of calculation.

Turkish and Russian theologians paid special attention to the preservation of family and spiritual and moral values, the position of abortion from the religious point of view and topics related to the prohibition of sex change. In the coming days, discussions on divorce, the spread of radical trends and ideological trends that do not conform to the principles of faith and other issues are planned.

The issues under discussion are relevant for both countries, in particular, they have been mentioned many times by Russian President Vladimir Putin as a priority for ensuring Russia's integrity and preserving its historical principles.

Such co-operation with countries friendly to Russia plays a significant role both in the development of fatwave-making and in the strengthening of political, economic and cultural relations in general.

Turkey is an important partner of Russia in the international arena and has strong ties in virtually all fields, from religion and science to business. In addition, Turkey, like Russia, is in favour of preserving traditional values.

Press Service of the RBM of the Russian Federation