Muslim communities of the cities of Yakhroma and Domodedovo in Moscow region were visited by security officers who carried out an identity check among the congregation right before the time of Friday prayer. After the check, some of the attendees were taken to the nearest Directorate of Internal Affairs despite having Russian passports with valid registration.

It is worth noting that because of the identity check, security officers did not let inside the mosque Muslims who were a few minutes late for the prayer. Nevertheless, Muslims showed their patience and understanding to the procedures.

But inside their hearts, many members of the congregation disagree with the actions of security services, who decided to come to the mosque on Friday during the holy month of Ramadan.

Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Moscow Oblast Rushan hazrat Abbyasov said that he doesn’t quite understand the actions of security officers, especially knowing that they carried them out during the blessed month of fasting. Commenting on the situation, head of Moscow region Muslims once again stressed that Islam has nothing to do with terrorism, radicalism or extremism.

He also said that although members of congregations visiting prayer halls show understanding to identity checks, it is wrong to carry them out during Friday sermon, interrupting prayers, especially during the holy month of Ramadan.