Leaders of CIS Muslim states discuss modernization in Moscow

Moscow is hosting the 7th Muslim Forum “Russia and the Islamic World: vectors for modernization on the CIS space” with attendance of religious, public figures and scientists. The forum was organized by the Council of Russian Muftis, Muslim Administration of the European part of Russia, the Nizhny Novgorod Islamic Institute named after Kh. Faizkhanov with assistance of the Fund named after Imam Abu Hanify, Fund for Support and Development of Scientific and Cultural Programs named after Sh. Marjani, Fund for Support of Islamic Culture, Science and Education.

Discussions were held with attendance of Muftis Ravil Gaynutdin (Russia), Absattar Derbisali (Kazakhstan), Saidmukarrami Abdukodirov (Tajikistan), Chubak azhy Jalilov (Kyrgyzstan), Kanaf Misbahetdinov (Ukraine), public figures and scientists.

A correspondent of Vestnik Kavkaza reports that a science-practical conference “Transformation of the Islamic World: a reform instead of a revolution” is taking place and a round-table conference “Islam and Muslims in the information space and media wars”.

The forum will continue on November 15 with a seminar in Nizhny Novgorod entitled “Topical problems for development of ethnic and religious diversity in the context of Muslims education processes: Russian and foreign experience”.

Organizers of the forum say the meetings will be concluded with development of recommendations for efficient overcoming of hardships in development of Muslims education, preparation of staff for clerical structures, prevention of extremism in the youth sphere. One of the key points is the thesis on historic succession and unity of the institute of clerical assemblies and theological ideas of Muslims of the CIS.

The forum is dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the CIS and the 15th anniversary of the Russian Council of Muftis, one of the largest religious centers in the CIS. The forum is held within the People’s Unity Day.

Muslims forums started on November 4, 2005, coinciding with the opening of the monument to Minin and Pozharsky (Heroes of the militia uprising in 1612) in Nizhny Novgorod. The First All-Russian Muslim Forum was held in 2005 and saw the most constructive Muslim figures, becoming an annual event. The main topics for discussions are prevention of extremism, development of Muslim education, legal and civil regulation of the religious sphere.