Chairman of Russia Muftis Council mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin sent his condolences to the extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassador of Malaysia in Russia Mr Zainol Abidin bin Omar over the catastrophe of Malaysian passenger plane flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur that fell on Ukrainian soil, leaving almost 300 passengers dead.

Tomorrow, during Jum'ah prayer, Muslims will pray for the souls of the victims of the tragedy, asking Almighty Allah to show them His endless mercy and pardon their sins and comfort their souls in their final resting place.

We condole with all those who lost their dear and close ones and wish them fortitude, for it is said in the Holy Qur'an: "Surely we belong to Allah and to Him shall we return" (2:156).