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Ramadan tent becomes symbol of social peace in Moscow
Established on the occasion of the last 10 days of the holy month in the garden of the Martyrs Mosque, the tent is financially supported by Russia's Council of Muftis, the Moscow Municipality and the Nadejda Foundation.
Ravil Gainutdin, the head of Russia's Council of Muftis, delivered a speech during the inauguration ceremony of the tent and underlined that the month of Ramadan contributes to the strengthening of solidarity and mercy among people. “I am happy to be having my iftar [fast-breaking dinner] at this tent with representatives of different religions. I hope that our tent will serve good purposes and reinforce intercultural dialogue, tolerance and peace. I'd like to convey my thanks to everyone who contributed to the opening of this tent,” Gainutdin said.
 Established in the garden of the Martyrs Mosque on the occasion of the last 10 days of the holy month, Moscow's Ramadan tent has become a symbol of peace. Officials believe the month of Ramadan has contributed to strengthening solidarity and mercy among people in Russia |
Among the participants of the inauguration ceremony were Alexander Torshin, deputy chairman of the Russian Parliament's Federation Council; Abdul-Hakim Sultigov, a United Russia party official; ambassadors of various countries; representatives of different religions; and dozens of academics.During the ceremony, Sultigov awarded Gainutdin with a medal for his contributions to social peace and solidarity in Russia.
Turkey's ambassador to Moscow, Halil Akıncı, also delivered a speech at the ceremony and emphasized that Islam is a religion of peace. “We need more tolerance now more than ever,” he noted.
Akıncı remarked that it would have been unimaginable to establish a Ramadan tent during the Soviet era. “The Muslim community started to follow their religion and traditions after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Now, our fellow Muslims can gather in iftar tents freely. They are free to practice their religion. A big mosque is under construction in Moscow. We will offer it our contributions,” he said.
Mustafa Kütükçü, deputy head of Russia's Council of Muftis, indicated that the task of organizing iftar at the tent is assumed by the embassy of a different Muslim country every day. “The first event was organized by the Turkish Embassy. Our tent has a social aspect as well as a religious one. At the tent, we will have round table meetings. We will handle a different issue each day, including children, disabled people and the youth,” he noted. Kütükçü also added that the tent has a capacity to host 400 people in a day.
‘Each Ramadan day is a feast for us’
Sahabutdinova Zamzamiya, an official of a children's choir in Moscow, said Ramadan is a month of bountiful blessings, eagerly awaited by the Muslim community in Russia.
“Our choir will sing hymns for the guests in the tent. Ramadan has brought a different atmosphere to the country,” he added. Şamil Mingazov, a businessman, said he has fasted for the last four Ramadans and feels that each day of the holy month is like a feast.
“I feel very happy when Ramadan arrives. I feel the blessings of the holy month deep inside. We have established a nice Ramadan tent this year. The atmosphere you witness here is hard to describe in words. The people coming to the tent are all well intentioned. They come here to break their fast. We also have the opportunity to meet and chat with our friends at the tent. Activities organized here are very beneficial for us,” noted the businessman.
The imam of the Moscow Central Mosque, Ildar Alaiddinov, said iftar tents set up in Turkey set a good example for the Moscow tent. “We are very close to Turkey, and we love Turks. At our tent, we have iftars with members of different religions and nationalities in peace and tolerance. Fast-breaking dinners are offered in other Moscow mosques. People flock to pray the terawih [extra night prayer specific to Ramadan.] Mosques are teeming with believers. People read the Holy Quran and spend Ramadan in a convivial atmosphere.”
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