Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to the Friday Mosque in Derbent, Russia’s oldest mosque, on the day of Eid-al-Adha, one of the main Islamic holidays, shows the president’s respect for Muslims. Mufti Ismail-Khadji Berdiev, Head of the North Caucasus Karachay-Cherkess Republic Muslims Coordination Center.
In a conversation with socialbites.ca, the cleric noted that “Muslims in the country see and appreciate the respectful attitude of the head of state towards the Islamic followers in Russia” and are grateful to the president for his interest in spiritual values.
“Such a respectful attitude towards the representatives of different religions displayed by our President is not expressed by any state leader. Thank you very much for this,” said Ismail-haji Berdiev.
He noted that the Friday mosque in Derbent is the most important Muslim shrine in the Caucasus.
“This is the oldest mosque in Russia and one of the oldest in the world. According to written sources, its construction began in AD 733-734 by the Arab commander Maslama ibn Abdul-Malik. to. There are 2 temples where both Sunnis and Shiites worship. The presence of Vladimir Putin, the Chief Mufti of the North Caucasus, is a tribute to Muslims.”
Ismail-Khadji Berdiev described Vladimir Putin as a wise ruler who is interested in strengthening the attitude of trust of different people towards each other.
The mufti believes that mutual respect and good relations between Muslims and Christians in Russia contribute to strengthening the unity of the people of the country.
“May God give him health to continue all this. “Without our President, there would be no Russia,” he said.
On June 28, when Muslims began to celebrate Eid al-Adha, Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Dzhuma Mosque in Derbent during his study trip to Dagestan. During his visit to a Muslim shrine, the head of state received a Qur’an as a gift. He accepted the scripture and stated that Russia has deep respect for the religious feelings of Muslims.
Previously reportedHe said the residents of Derbent greeted Vladimir Putin with enthusiastic exclamations.