Plenary session of the 14th All-Russian Forum of Tatar Religions Figures National identity and religion
Plenary session of the 14th All-Russian Forum of Tatar Religions Figures National identity and religion
Organizer: World Congress of the Tatars
Venue: Kazan Expo International Exhibition Center
Time and date: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., May 18
The plenary session started with the recitation of the Quran’s Surah by a student of the Kazan Madrasah named after the 1000th anniversary of the adoption of Islam, Muhammad Hazrat Bikbayev, followed by a prayer (dua) from Mufti, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan Kamil Hazrat Samigullin.
The plenary session was attended by Marat Khusnullin, Russian Deputy Prime Minister; Tatarstan Rais (President) Rustam Minnikhanov; Chief Administrative Officer of the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan Asgat Safarov; Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, Mufti, Chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration of the Muslims, Chairman of the Russian Council of Muftis Ravil Gaynutdin; Sheikh-ul-Islam, Grand Mufti, Chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration of the Muslims Talgat Tadzhuddin; Mufti, head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia, member of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation Albir Krganov; Mufti Kamil Samigullin, Chairman of the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of Tatarstan; Head Mufti, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Asian Russia Nafigulla Ashirov, Rector of Bolgar Islamic Academy Farhat Khusutdinov, DPR Muslim Community leader Rashid Bragin.
The plenary session was moderated by Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, Chairman of the National Council of the World Congress of the Tatars Vasil Shaikhraziyev.
Delegates from Russian regions as well as foreign guests delivered welcoming speeches and discussed issues related to public and religious life.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said in his speech that Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly noted the invaluable contribution of Muslims to strengthening interethnic and interreligious dialogue, the cohesion of the Russian Federation and the preservation of our cultural diversity. “Muslims of Russia,” he added, “have always carefully preserved the rich historical and cultural traditions of their ancestors, instilling in the younger generation high moral qualities and love for the Motherland.”
According to Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, Mufti, Chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Russian Council of Muftis Ravil Gaynutdin, Kazan has its own mission, characteristic only of the Tatars, and the Islamic nation in general. “We must explain the entire history of Islam, and also make it clear that Islam is a religion of peace and friendliness expressed by different peoples and faiths. Today, we represent the Tatar people, who strive for research, as well as peaceful and educational activities,” he said.
Sheikh-ul-Islam, Grand Mufti, Chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration of the Muslims Talgat Tadzhuddin noted that the event brought together not only imams and hazrats. He underscored that Russia geographically occupies a place between all states. According to him, the Russian President and the Russian Federation as a whole are trend-setters. “This meeting is aimed at renewing love and reviving friendship. And for us, the main task is to maintain peace and tranquility in our state.”
Mufti, head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia, member of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation Albir Krganov said that religious aspects play an important role in a modern state. “Living up to the rules of religious and cultural traditions is very important. <…> A nation that has lost its religion or language ceases to exist. There should be Tatar courses. It is important to keep teaching Tatar at schools. <…> There must be understanding between nations and faiths, and we must remember that this forms the basis of a stable state.”
Head Mufti, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Asian Russia Nafigulla Ashirov said:
“Our President declared 2024 the Year of the Family. This is very important for the Tatar people. If you ask why, I’d like to remind you that by the time of a recent census our Tatar people, unfortunately, had not grown in number, while other nations had doubled, for example, the Caucasian people had increased by about 80%. In these terms, our population is, let’s say, in a tenuous situation.”
Mufti Kamil Samigullin, Chairman of the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of Tatarstan, said with confidence that, thanks to the forum, too, Muslims can publish books, open mosques, hold scientific events, exchange experience and progress. On the reverse side, he said, there is a lack of personnel. “Whenever progress is underway, there is always an acute shortage of personnel. I invite you to come to Tatarstan to study. Four Russian regions have already embraced Islamic finance. This is a very promising sphere. <...> There are 11 professionals holding AIOFFI certificates in Russia today, <...> Islamic finance is a very promising area,” he reiterated.
DPR Muslim Community leader Rashid Bragin delivered an address on behalf of the Muslims of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) as he recalled that on April 22, 2022, a meeting of the founders was held in Shakhtersk, after which the DPR joined the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia. “We brought books from Moscow, and they came to help us. They helped everywhere. And Moscow is helping us now, too. We have been participating in conferences, meetings, and congresses. And our city began to be recognized in Russia. Our most challenging and prime task was to unite, to bring people together. With the help of Allah, we managed to overcome all obstacles,” Rashid Bragin said with gratitude as he asked Marat Khusnullin to build a mosque in Mariupol.
Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Chuvash Republic Mansur Khaibullov called on those present to keep centuries-old traditions. “Firstly, these include religious education and upbringing, preservation of the family and family values, as well as cooperation with the authorities. In the Republic of Chuvashia, 40 mosques, about 50 mahallas, 1 madrasah and a Muslim office carry out educational work. Giving proper religious education is key,” he clarified.
The head of the representative office of the World Congress of Tatars in Bashkortostan, Alfred Davletshin, said that the Republic of Tatarstan is a center of peace-loving and united people. He turned to history: “Thousands of years ago, when our grandfathers converted to Islam and decided on the Hanafi madhhab, we took to our path and have since preserved traditions, respect, while staying committed to a peaceful lifestyle. And, of course, we consider religion, while the “Muslim” title determines our respectful attitude towards different faiths.”
In his speech, First Deputy Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Primorye Region Aidar Garifullin said that the Tatar people are leaders in preserving the Islam.
In closing remarks, Rais of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov noted that, today, the Republic of Tatarstan is is a key region that pushes the Islamic religion forward. “You, religious leaders, are our support. Only through religion can we save ourselves, our nation, our language, and our traditions. I want to express my deep gratitude to you. You can see for yourself that we are doing a lot, we are doing a lot of work engaging with the Islamic world. This gives country a great deal of support. I’d like to thank you very much again for your efforts."
The event ended with a ceremony for presenting state awards of the Republic of Tatarstan:
The medal “For Valorious Labor” was awarded to: Chairman of the Local Religious Organization of Muslims in Strezhevoy, Tomsk Region, Director General of Transsib LLC Ramil Ismagilov.
The medal “100 years of the Tatar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic” was awarded to: Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Primorye Region centralized religious organization Artyom Garifullin, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Nizhny Novgorod Region centralized religious organization Gayaz Zakirov, Member of the Miras (Heritage) local public organization in the Tatar National-Cultural Autonomy of Nizhnevartovsk Rustam Kasyukov, Mufti, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of St. Petersburg and Russia’s Northwestern Region centralized religious organization Ravil Pancheyev, Mufti, Member of the Samara regional creative public organization "Duslyk", Chairman of the Council of the Local Muslim religious organization "Syzran Cathedral Mosque" Ilgizar Sagdeyev, Chairman of the Regional Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Orenburg Region centralized religious organization within the Central Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia Alfit Sharipov, President of the Association of Muslim Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Tatarstan Aidar Shagimardanov.
The honorary title of “Honored Worker of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan” was awarded to Abuzar Minnebayev.
The following people were awarded citation from the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan: Chief Imam-Akhund, Chairman of the Regional Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Penza Region religious organization Islyam Davydov, Imam-Khatyb, Chairman of Parish No. 8 of the village of Shygyrdan, Batyrevo District of the Chuvash Republic Rifkat Krganov, Mufti, Chairman of the United Spiritual Department of Muslims of the Krasnoyarsk Region centralized religious organization Gayaz Fatkullin, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Muslim religious organization - institution of secondary vocational education "Kazan Higher Muslim Madrasah named after the 1000th anniversary of the adoption of Islam" Vadut Vafin, Chairman of the Local Religious Organization of Muslims "Nur" of the township of Oktyabrsky, Sysert District Khakimyan Sharipov, Rector of the Spiritual professional educational religious organization "Madrasah Bilyar" Ilyas Tlyavlin, Imam-khatyb of the city of Kovrov and the Vladimir Region Vafa Yarulin.
On May 17-19, 2024, the World Congress of the Tatars held the 14th All-Russian Forum of Tatar Religious Figures. As many as 1,000 delegates from 77 Russian regions took part in discussing religious issues. The event is a major venue for exchanging opinions and ideas as well as for the promotion of key issues related to the cultural, religious and social development.
The 15th International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum 2024" is being held on May 14-19 in Kazan. This year's keynote is "Trust and Cooperation." The main goal of the forum is to strengthen trade and economic, scientific and technical, social and cultural ties between Russian regions and the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as well as to promote the development of the Islamic financial system institutions in Russia.
Venue: Kazan Expo International Exhibition Center
Time and date: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., May 18
The plenary session started with the recitation of the Quran’s Surah by a student of the Kazan Madrasah named after the 1000th anniversary of the adoption of Islam, Muhammad Hazrat Bikbayev, followed by a prayer (dua) from Mufti, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan Kamil Hazrat Samigullin.
The plenary session was attended by Marat Khusnullin, Russian Deputy Prime Minister; Tatarstan Rais (President) Rustam Minnikhanov; Chief Administrative Officer of the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan Asgat Safarov; Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, Mufti, Chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration of the Muslims, Chairman of the Russian Council of Muftis Ravil Gaynutdin; Sheikh-ul-Islam, Grand Mufti, Chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration of the Muslims Talgat Tadzhuddin; Mufti, head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia, member of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation Albir Krganov; Mufti Kamil Samigullin, Chairman of the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of Tatarstan; Head Mufti, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Asian Russia Nafigulla Ashirov, Rector of Bolgar Islamic Academy Farhat Khusutdinov, DPR Muslim Community leader Rashid Bragin.
The plenary session was moderated by Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, Chairman of the National Council of the World Congress of the Tatars Vasil Shaikhraziyev.
Delegates from Russian regions as well as foreign guests delivered welcoming speeches and discussed issues related to public and religious life.
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin said in his speech that Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly noted the invaluable contribution of Muslims to strengthening interethnic and interreligious dialogue, the cohesion of the Russian Federation and the preservation of our cultural diversity. “Muslims of Russia,” he added, “have always carefully preserved the rich historical and cultural traditions of their ancestors, instilling in the younger generation high moral qualities and love for the Motherland.”
According to Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Tatarstan, Mufti, Chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of the Russian Federation, Chairman of the Russian Council of Muftis Ravil Gaynutdin, Kazan has its own mission, characteristic only of the Tatars, and the Islamic nation in general. “We must explain the entire history of Islam, and also make it clear that Islam is a religion of peace and friendliness expressed by different peoples and faiths. Today, we represent the Tatar people, who strive for research, as well as peaceful and educational activities,” he said.
Sheikh-ul-Islam, Grand Mufti, Chairman of the Central Spiritual Administration of the Muslims Talgat Tadzhuddin noted that the event brought together not only imams and hazrats. He underscored that Russia geographically occupies a place between all states. According to him, the Russian President and the Russian Federation as a whole are trend-setters. “This meeting is aimed at renewing love and reviving friendship. And for us, the main task is to maintain peace and tranquility in our state.”
Mufti, head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia, member of the Civic Chamber of the Russian Federation Albir Krganov said that religious aspects play an important role in a modern state. “Living up to the rules of religious and cultural traditions is very important. <…> A nation that has lost its religion or language ceases to exist. There should be Tatar courses. It is important to keep teaching Tatar at schools. <…> There must be understanding between nations and faiths, and we must remember that this forms the basis of a stable state.”
Head Mufti, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Asian Russia Nafigulla Ashirov said:
“Our President declared 2024 the Year of the Family. This is very important for the Tatar people. If you ask why, I’d like to remind you that by the time of a recent census our Tatar people, unfortunately, had not grown in number, while other nations had doubled, for example, the Caucasian people had increased by about 80%. In these terms, our population is, let’s say, in a tenuous situation.”
Mufti Kamil Samigullin, Chairman of the Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of Tatarstan, said with confidence that, thanks to the forum, too, Muslims can publish books, open mosques, hold scientific events, exchange experience and progress. On the reverse side, he said, there is a lack of personnel. “Whenever progress is underway, there is always an acute shortage of personnel. I invite you to come to Tatarstan to study. Four Russian regions have already embraced Islamic finance. This is a very promising sphere. <...> There are 11 professionals holding AIOFFI certificates in Russia today, <...> Islamic finance is a very promising area,” he reiterated.
DPR Muslim Community leader Rashid Bragin delivered an address on behalf of the Muslims of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) as he recalled that on April 22, 2022, a meeting of the founders was held in Shakhtersk, after which the DPR joined the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia. “We brought books from Moscow, and they came to help us. They helped everywhere. And Moscow is helping us now, too. We have been participating in conferences, meetings, and congresses. And our city began to be recognized in Russia. Our most challenging and prime task was to unite, to bring people together. With the help of Allah, we managed to overcome all obstacles,” Rashid Bragin said with gratitude as he asked Marat Khusnullin to build a mosque in Mariupol.
Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Chuvash Republic Mansur Khaibullov called on those present to keep centuries-old traditions. “Firstly, these include religious education and upbringing, preservation of the family and family values, as well as cooperation with the authorities. In the Republic of Chuvashia, 40 mosques, about 50 mahallas, 1 madrasah and a Muslim office carry out educational work. Giving proper religious education is key,” he clarified.
The head of the representative office of the World Congress of Tatars in Bashkortostan, Alfred Davletshin, said that the Republic of Tatarstan is a center of peace-loving and united people. He turned to history: “Thousands of years ago, when our grandfathers converted to Islam and decided on the Hanafi madhhab, we took to our path and have since preserved traditions, respect, while staying committed to a peaceful lifestyle. And, of course, we consider religion, while the “Muslim” title determines our respectful attitude towards different faiths.”
In his speech, First Deputy Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Primorye Region Aidar Garifullin said that the Tatar people are leaders in preserving the Islam.
In closing remarks, Rais of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov noted that, today, the Republic of Tatarstan is is a key region that pushes the Islamic religion forward. “You, religious leaders, are our support. Only through religion can we save ourselves, our nation, our language, and our traditions. I want to express my deep gratitude to you. You can see for yourself that we are doing a lot, we are doing a lot of work engaging with the Islamic world. This gives country a great deal of support. I’d like to thank you very much again for your efforts."
The event ended with a ceremony for presenting state awards of the Republic of Tatarstan:
The medal “For Valorious Labor” was awarded to: Chairman of the Local Religious Organization of Muslims in Strezhevoy, Tomsk Region, Director General of Transsib LLC Ramil Ismagilov.
The medal “100 years of the Tatar Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic” was awarded to: Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Primorye Region centralized religious organization Artyom Garifullin, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Nizhny Novgorod Region centralized religious organization Gayaz Zakirov, Member of the Miras (Heritage) local public organization in the Tatar National-Cultural Autonomy of Nizhnevartovsk Rustam Kasyukov, Mufti, Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of St. Petersburg and Russia’s Northwestern Region centralized religious organization Ravil Pancheyev, Mufti, Member of the Samara regional creative public organization "Duslyk", Chairman of the Council of the Local Muslim religious organization "Syzran Cathedral Mosque" Ilgizar Sagdeyev, Chairman of the Regional Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Orenburg Region centralized religious organization within the Central Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia Alfit Sharipov, President of the Association of Muslim Entrepreneurs of the Republic of Tatarstan Aidar Shagimardanov.
The honorary title of “Honored Worker of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan” was awarded to Abuzar Minnebayev.
The following people were awarded citation from the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan: Chief Imam-Akhund, Chairman of the Regional Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Penza Region religious organization Islyam Davydov, Imam-Khatyb, Chairman of Parish No. 8 of the village of Shygyrdan, Batyrevo District of the Chuvash Republic Rifkat Krganov, Mufti, Chairman of the United Spiritual Department of Muslims of the Krasnoyarsk Region centralized religious organization Gayaz Fatkullin, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Muslim religious organization - institution of secondary vocational education "Kazan Higher Muslim Madrasah named after the 1000th anniversary of the adoption of Islam" Vadut Vafin, Chairman of the Local Religious Organization of Muslims "Nur" of the township of Oktyabrsky, Sysert District Khakimyan Sharipov, Rector of the Spiritual professional educational religious organization "Madrasah Bilyar" Ilyas Tlyavlin, Imam-khatyb of the city of Kovrov and the Vladimir Region Vafa Yarulin.
On May 17-19, 2024, the World Congress of the Tatars held the 14th All-Russian Forum of Tatar Religious Figures. As many as 1,000 delegates from 77 Russian regions took part in discussing religious issues. The event is a major venue for exchanging opinions and ideas as well as for the promotion of key issues related to the cultural, religious and social development.
The 15th International Economic Forum "Russia - Islamic World: KazanForum 2024" is being held on May 14-19 in Kazan. This year's keynote is "Trust and Cooperation." The main goal of the forum is to strengthen trade and economic, scientific and technical, social and cultural ties between Russian regions and the countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), as well as to promote the development of the Islamic financial system institutions in Russia.
