News review 28.10.2025 - Assalamu alaikum
Peace be upon you. By the order of the Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia, the Chief Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, his deputy Mufti Rushan Abbeyasov welcomed a delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran, headed by Chairman of the Tehran City Council Mr. Mehdi Chamran, at the Moscow Cathedral Mosque. Also present were deputy chairmen of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia Ildar Galeev and Renat Abyanov. Rushan hazrat conveyed greetings to Mr. Chamran from the Chief Mufti and emphasized the long-standing friendly and spiritual ties between our countries. He noted that visits by high-ranking officials from Iran to Russia often included a visit to the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, which shows the strong religious connections between Moscow and Tehran. The Mufti also expressed special thanks to the Iranian embassy and their cultural center for their support in joint projects-meetings of spiritual leaders from BRICS countries, the “Spiritual Silk Road” conference, the Quran Awards for BRICS countries, and the Moscow International Quran Recitation Competition, where a participant from Iran won in 2025. Mr. Chamran expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and asked to convey kind words to the Chief Mufti. He pointed out the scale and beauty of the mosque after its 2015 reconstruction and recalled that during Soviet times it was much smaller and one of the few places for prayer in the city.
By the grace of Allah, and with the blessing of Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, the first championship of the Moscow Spiritual Administration in belt wrestling took place at the Yarygin Sports Palace, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Opening the event, the First Deputy Mufti Marat Arslanov welcomed the athletes and guests on behalf of the Mufti of Moscow Ildar Alyautdinov, noting that the goal of the tournament was not only to promote sports in the capital but also to enhance spiritual and moral values. Among the honorary guests were SVO participant Hakim Bukhminov, Olympic Games medalist Farhad Mustafin, champion of the Armed Forces of the USSR Abdelhak Mustafin, chairman of the MRO "Seventh Generation" Alisher hazrat Juraev, and others. Notably, imams participated in the competitions, including a representative from the MRO "Science and Faith." Winners received commemorative trophies and certificates from the “Sajda” brand, and the main surprise was a raffle for a trip to Umrah among the prize winners.
A round table on "The Role of Religion in Protecting Youth from Destructive Content" was held in the Public Chamber. The event featured the Chairman of the Muftiate of the Republic of Dagestan Abdullah Salimov and Deputy Mufti, Doctor of Islamic Sciences Mukhannad Jamal As-Sakka. Abdullah Salimov spoke about the difficulties in working with youth and emphasized: the youth problem is often a problem of parents. As an example, he cited a survey at a parent meeting: few parents talk with their children for at least an hour daily. Salimov explained the importance of direct dialogue: today many children won't eat or do their homework without their phones, and if they're not allowed to watch videos, then the parent’s role in filtering information is extremely important.
As part of the Interfaith Dialogue Week, organized jointly with the Federal Penitentiary Service for the Moscow Region, department staff and representatives of traditional religions visited the Muslim Spiritual Educational Center in Volokolamsk. The center was represented by Imam-Khatib Ahmad Kholiboev and Imam-Khatib of Krasnogorsk Agamir Bagirov. Guests included the deputy head of the Federal Penitentiary Service for the Moscow Region Colonel Sergey Kolosytsev and the head of SIZO-2 Lieutenant Colonel Rashid Bagomedov, who went on a tour led by Agamir hazrat. He explained that the center has a memorial status, is connected with the heroes of Panfilov, and the museum is dedicated to the history of Volokolamsk and the period of the Great Patriotic War.
From October 21 to 23 in Tyumen, an interregional conference titled "Spiritual and Moral Values of the Peoples of Russia - a Barrier Against the Decaying Influence of Western Pseudo-Culture" was held, organized by the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Asian part of Russia together with the regional spiritual administration of the Tyumen region. Spiritual leaders, representatives of authorities, and public organizations participated in the assembly. In their speeches, participants, including Chief Mufti Nafigulla Ashirov, emphasized the significance of mercy, justice, honesty, chastity, and responsibility before Allah as a safeguard for society against moral degradation and highlighted the importance of preserving family and faith for raising a healthy generation.
On October 25, the local history museum in the town of Pugachyov opened an exhibition titled "The Light of Memory: Heroism of the Great Patriotic War in the Muslim Peoples of Russia." The exhibition was organized by the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Saratov Region with the support of the "Yumart" charitable foundation in honor of the 80th anniversary of Victory and the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland. The exhibition has already visited Saratov and continues its tour through the districts of the region so that more people can learn about the Muslim pages of the war’s history. At the opening, the region's mufti Rasim-hazrat Kzyakhmetov and the head of the Pugachyov district Alexey Yanin spoke, reminding everyone about the multinational character of our homeland and the importance of preserving the memory of the heroism.
The Nizhnekamsk Mukhtasibate helped organize a field mosque (musallah) for soldiers in the 430th regiment in the SVO zone. Local Muslims and activists supported the initiative, providing carpets, banners, chandeliers, and electrical installations. Imam-Mukhtasib Salikh hazrat Ibragimov, responsible for humanitarian aid Abdulhakim hazrat Yarulllin, and volunteers were involved in the work. The platoon commander, known by the call sign "Muslim," delivered materials in his vehicle. The command prepared premises for prayers and religious rites for Muslims and Christians, and the field mosque was named “Chulman.” The mosque, which is 12 square meters, accommodates up to 10 people; next to it, a place for ablution was arranged. The imam of the field mosque is a mobilized officer-captain from the Chistopol district.
With the blessing of the Chief Mufti, Jalil Nuruddinov represented Russia at the II International Quran Recitation Competition in Astana and took fourth place. The competition was held in honor of Kazakhstan's Republic Day and the 35th anniversary of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan. Local spiritual figures and guests participated in the solemn ceremony at the Republican Mosque of Astana. The first place was taken by a reciter from Saudi Arabia, the second by a participant from Tajikistan, and the third by one from Kazakhstan; the audience's sympathy prize went to a hafiz from Palestine. All participants, including those who did not win prizes, received encouragement.
A round table on prison ministry took place in the Public Chamber of the Republic of Adygea as part of the Annual Christmas Readings. Participation included the deputy head of the Federal Penitentiary Service, clergymen from Orthodoxy and Islam, including Hieromonk Evsevius (Arkhangelsky) and Deputy Mufti of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Adygea and the Krasnodar Territory Imam Asfar Mys. Issues of interaction between the administration of institutions and religious organizations, experiences working with believers in correctional facilities, and approaches to spiritual mentorship among different denominations were discussed.
At the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan, an expanded meeting was held under the chairmanship of the Supreme Mufti Nauryzbay kazhy Taganuly, dedicated to Republic Day. The Supreme Mufti emphasized the significance of the holiday for strengthening national unity and patriotic education of the younger generation. The meeting also announced personnel changes in the documentation support department.
The Chairman of the Muslim Administration of the Caucasus Sheikh ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade will visit the Vatican at the invitation to events dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the adoption of the Nostra Aetate document aimed at strengthening interfaith relations. During the visit, meetings are planned with representatives of the Vatican and religious leaders, including meetings with Muslim figures.
Finally, a little note: Islam emerged in the 7th century and has greatly influenced the history and culture of many nations. The word "Islam" translates from Arabic as submission to the will of Allah, and today the religion has over a billion followers.
Peace and blessings to all. Editorial contacts: ic_russia@mail.ru
https://islamnews.ru/2025/10/2