An Address of the Chairman of Russia Muftis Council mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin to the Muslims of Russia on the occasion of beginning of Ramadan

Dear brothers and sisters, dear Russians!

July 9 marks the beginning of the most important fast, the fast of Ramadan, time of the earnest worship of God.

“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion” (Qur'an, 2:182).

Ramadan, month of fasting, is one of the pillars of our blessed religion, month of a meaningful choice of the right way, month that we fully devote to the deep study of God and His Words – manifested in the Holy Qur'an and fundamentals of Islam, religion bestown upon us by our Creator.

For thirty days, Muslims abstain fr om eating and drinking from start of dawn and until sunset. But this abstinence from food and drink is but an outer side of the fast. The most important aspect of Ramadan is the time that we devote to the understanding of Allah and His Word.

Sincere fulfilment of our obligations before God lets us fully discover the hidden treasure of worship. Fasting reminds us of the poor and the needy, inspires to do charity and brings compassion to our hearts. Compassion and peacefulness are the main traits of our blessed religion. Living in a big globalized world, we, Muslims of Russia, remember and observe the pillars of our faith. The most important thing for us is following the path of truth and faith – path revealed to us by God.

The fast of Ramadan is an endurance test of our faith, mercy of our hearts, purity of our thoughts and deeds. This fast is a challenge that lets us clean our souls and strengthen our minds.

This fast lets us improve our piety and clean our souls, and realize the need of good deeds. It is a time to learn compassion to all those who need our help and support.

Islam does not lim it man's mission only to fulfiling his religious obligations; our religion calls upon all believers to become active members of society and embrace the diversity of our world. Islam teaches us that the rich variety of nations, languages, cultures and traditions on Earth was indeed set by Almighty Allah:

“O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another. Indeed, the most noble of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous of you” (Qur'an, 49:13).

Russia's Muslims have always been proud of being part of a large family of nations, and they understand the need of maintaining peace and harmony within it. History teaches us that all attempts of one culture, state or civilization to give law to others have resulted in nothing but conflicts, devastation and loss of life.

Only multipolar world and multi-vector culture will give humanity a chance to extend its earthy life that has been entrusted to us by God. It is important to preserve interethnic and interfaith peace in Russia, which is rooted in a time-tested brotherhood of Orthodox Christians and Muslims, who not only represent the overwhelming majority of our country's population, but who have also made history of Russia together with representatives of other traditional religions of our nation. The unity of our efforts is important at all times, and especially so in the times of crises, when emerging economic and social problems may – and must – boost spiritual development of society. Today, the humanity has been given another chance to reflect and put to its proper use that which has been revealed to the people of reason in the holy scripture.

To understand each other better, we need to maintain and foster the sense of religious tolerance and mutual respect, familiarize ourselves with other cultures and religions, eradicating dangerous stereotypes.

Muslims of Russia have always confirmed their allegiance to the principles of tolerance that have been the centerpiece of relations between people of different ethnicities and religions in our country for centuries.

This tradition of good neighbourly relations between adherents of different cultures and religions helps us to find mutually beneficial solutions with each other up to this time.

Spiritual purification, reflections on our earthy life, sublimation of thoughts and feelings and – most importantly – strengthening of our faith is what our fast is devoted to.

Eid al-Fitr, the end of the fast, falls on August 8 this year. For us, it is the day of joyous and hearty celebration and spiritual harmony.