News roundup 20.10.2025 - Assalamu alaikum
Assalamu alaikum. Sharing a brief roundup of notable events and good deeds that happened in the Muslim community over the past few days.
At the Cosmos concert hall there was the closing ceremony of the 23rd Moscow International Quran Reciters Competition. The winner was hafiz Eshaq Abdollahi from Iran. He received the award from the head of the Central Muslim Religious Board of Russia, Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, and a UAE representative - Minister Omar Habtour Al‑Dari. Second place was shared by Muhammad Al‑Fawal from Lebanon and Ayman Ramlan from Malaysia, third place went to Ardiansyah Abu Bakar from Indonesia.
During the ceremony Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin also presented the “For Merit” medal to a Great Patriotic War veteran, Fatyk Ignatullovich Khamidullin, who turned 102. The hall stood and applauded the hero - a touching moment.
At the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, on the blessed Friday, October 17, by invitation of the Chief Mufti, the world‑famous Egyptian hafiz Sheikh Abdel Fattah At‑Tarouty recited. His majestic Quran recitation moved the worshippers’ hearts, reminding everyone of the power of tilawah and tajwid in the Egyptian school. Many noted the link across generations - after all, 55 years ago the legendary Sheikh Mahmoud al‑Husary recited in that mosque.
As part of the closing of the competition at Cosmos they also staged a theatrical production called “The Feat of Faith,” organized by the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia together with partners from the UAE. The director is a young artist from Tatarstan, and artistic supervision was provided by Renat Abyanov.
In Novokuznetsk, at the Kuzbass Orthodox Theological Seminary, a patriotic forum “The Spiritual Strength of the Russian Warrior” took place. Anviyar khazrat Ashirov, imam‑khatib of the Chulpan mosque, gave a report titled “Russian Muslims in the Service of the Fatherland.” He reminded that service to the Motherland is a sacred duty for Muslims and pointed to historical examples of Muslim courage in defending the country. Worshippers, teachers and students from theology and choral conducting departments, clergy and youth attended.
In Bugulma the jubilee 10th All‑Russian festival of munajats “Milli Moñ” was held, timed to important dates: the 80th anniversary of Victory, the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland, and the 1500th anniversary of the Prophet’s ﷺ birth by the Hijri calendar. About 250 performers gathered in the Tatar Culture Center hall - participants came from many districts of Tatarstan and neighboring regions.
In his Annual Address the Rais of Tatarstan noted the opening of an AAOIFI office in Kazan - an important step for developing Islamic finance in Russia and the CIS. There are already joint educational and product initiatives helping adapt banking instruments to Sharia.
In Vladivostok and Khabarovsk there were meetings on family support, spiritual upbringing and aid to servicemen. Delegations from Mordovia and other regions sent humanitarian aid to the front: food, camouflage nets and also books - spiritual nourishment is important for fighters too. Mufti Rail‑khazrat Asainov expressed gratitude to everyone supporting the defenders of the Fatherland.
At the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Far East there was a meeting with representatives of the Birobidzhan diocese - the sides discussed interfaith cooperation in patriotic education and support for servicemen, and planned joint visits to military units.
In Ussuriysk an imam‑hafiz held talks with conscripts, reminding them of love for the Motherland and the moral qualities of a Muslim, drawing on the Prophet’s ﷺ guidance.
In Kherson region the first Muslim community “IMAN” was registered as part of the appropriate structure. That allows the community to operate legally, receive support, and will serve as an example for creating other communities in the region.
Saudi Arabia introduced a ban on opening tobacco shops within 500 meters of mosques and schools, and tightened licensing requirements for tobacco trade - a measure in the interest of public health.
In Uzbekistan the Center of Islamic Civilization launched an international project to create a series of documentaries about the great scholars of the East with participation from well‑known international figures. The project aims to popularize the heritage of Islamic civilization and strengthen cultural dialogue.
In Astana, at the Republican Main Mosque, a Mawlid was held in honor of the 1500th anniversary of the Prophet’s ﷺ birth as part of a Quran reciters competition. Readings, salawat and prayers were offered for the well‑being of people and the country - may Allah bless the Prophet and grant us peace and the benefit of good deeds.
A regional conference “The Role of Religious Figures in Building an Inclusive Society” is expected in Ganja, where they will discuss the contribution of religious leaders to forming tolerance and justice.
We pray to Allah to accept the good deeds, strengthen the unity of Muslims, and grant us the strength to serve society and the Motherland. Wa salaam.
https://islamnews.ru/2025/10/2