EXCLUSIVE. Russian politics: Opening of Cathedral Mosque is significant event for the whole country

Today's opening of the Cathedral Mosque in Moscow is a significant event not only for the Russian capital, but also for the whole country, a number of prominent Russian politicians stated in an exclusive interview to Vestnik Kavkaza.

The head of Dagestan  Ramazan Abdullatipov, stated in an interview with Vestnik Kavkaza that the good deed of opening the Moscow Cathedral Mosque is a good sign for Muslims and all believers in Russia. "It proves once again that Russia is united country and a united nation, that we are together. Such a mosque is opened in the center of our capital, and with the participation of President. It is important for this mosque to hear prayers dedicated not only to Allah, but also to our homeland, friendship between peoples. It is necessary to increase the level of spirituality, because the main contradiction in modern conditions in Russia and in the world is the contradiction between culture and ignorance," the leader of Dagestan stressed.

According to him, it is essential for the religion to stand on the side of preservation of culture and spirituality. "Let these prayers be accepted by the Almighty. Especially since in front of worshippers there will be a very respectable man, who has held a consistent position in the toughest situations. He is Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin. I congratulate him, because the reconstruction of Cathedral Mosque is due to his efforts and the efforts of many Dagestanis, who among others have helped to build this mosque. This is our common home," Abdullatipov noted.

The head of Dagestan said that he often prays for forgiveness. "So that Allah wins in us, and ignorance does not prevail in us. The next thing, which Allah will give to our country, Dagestan, is prosperity and peace, so that every man can live a quiet, prosperous, safe life. That is, these are the prayers of an ordinary person who wants the support of the Almighty " he said.

According to the head of Karachay-Cherkessia, Rashid Temrezov, the opening of this mosque is a "long-awaited event not only for the Muslims of Moscow and Russia, but for the whole country in general." "This is a central Cathedral Mosque of our country. It is one of the most beautiful or even the most beautiful not only in Russia but also in the world. I believe that this is a very important event. And the fact that today so many people of different nationalities, different faiths are present at the event, it is very important," he stressed.

The head of the agency for Nationality Affairs, Igor Barinov, has characterized today's event as a "milestone for the Muslims of Moscow and Russia." "In fact, it cannot pass unnoticed. In our multi-ethnic country, where 193 peoples are living, where there are almost all religions, Islam is one of the basic, core religions. Therefore, God grant that this mosque will work, God grant that this mosque becomes a center of attraction for the Muslims of Moscow," he wished.

"I hope that many problems that exist among Muslims in Moscow and Russia will go away after the opening of such a mosque. We understand that today there is an active offensive attack on traditional Islam. And without a doubt, the new Cathedral Mosque of Moscow will become a powerful center of opposition to this attack on the basic tenets of Islam," Igor Barinov expressed confidence.

The significance of today's event was also noted by the Vice Speaker of the Federation Council, the senator from Dagestan Ilyas Umakhanov. "This is a special day not only for Muscovites, who represent the Muslim Ummah, but also probably for the whole of the Russian Muslim community, for all Russians, because after many years of reconstruction, we are now witnessing the opening of the Cathedral Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the Russian Federation, and by its beauty it is probably one of the most beautiful of all existing and built mosques in the world. It represents not only the perfection of architectural forms, but also – and most importantly – the spiritual union of representatives of all the Russian peoples of different confessions. It is a symbol of great multi-ethnic, multi-religious Russia. It is a symbol that in Russian society the process of consolidation of various faiths, their interaction and collaboration for the good of the Russian nation continues," the parliamentarian stressed.

"Another important point is related to the fact that today symbolically coincides with the upcoming celebration of Eid al-Adha. I want to thank the builders, and the initiators, and the Council of Muftis of Russia for the work which they did, with the support of all the Muslim organizations of Russia and with their, at least, moral support, and congratulate all Muslims on this wonderful event and the upcoming celebration," Ilyas Umakhanov added.

The chairman of the LDPR Vladimir Zhirinovsky recalled that it is the first time that such a mosque has been opened in Moscow even before the 1917 revolution. "Over time, it was not wide enough, it turned out to be small, and such a beauty was built and opened today. It is a joy for all Muslims in Moscow, and for the whole country and even the whole Muslim world. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas came here, other Muslim countries are also represented," he noted.

"Moscow, just like Russia, is open for everyone, we should have peace, rest, and mosques should encourage people to never quarrel, never keep anger, hatred, jealousy in their souls. Soon, Eid al-Adha will begin, everyone will sit at the table, and there will beshbarmak, sarmysak, and other treats for everyone. It is necessary for people to live in a friendly community, so that celebration would be for everyone, so that we would help those in need, who suffer, help them. The meaning of mosque is so that someone once a week, on Friday, and someone every day, comes here to pray. All of this ennobles and calms a person, it is a connection of the times. It has already lasted for 13 centuries, from the 7th century. And Christianity has lasted for two thousand years, it has already lasted for 21 centuries. And all of this came from one place, from the Middle East. There is Jerusalem, there is Mecca and Medina, and, unfortunately, today, there is a war," he complained.

"In order for the war, which is now there, not to come to us, to our Muslim regions, the Volga region, the Caucasus, it is necessary to ensure that our people are educated. After all, there are cranks who went to fight there, someone dies, someone will be injured. No one should fight anywhere. And there should be no violence. There are universities, work, housing, everyone is dressed and well fed. And of course, we should help those who suffer. That is why there should be clergy, the Mufti, in this case, education in the family, at school, so that everyone would be cultural and educated, peaceful and quiet," Vladimir Zhirinovsky concluded.

The Azerbaijani Ambassador to Russia, Polad Bulbuloglu, who attended the ceremony, completely agrees with the Russian politicians. "I attach great importance to this. It is no secret that in Moscow there are many Muslims. And sometimes, during Muslim holidays, people pray even on the squares, on the streets, because there are not enough mosques. And the opening of the Cathedral Mosque in the city center, in Moscow, I think it's a great event that has importance for the entire Muslim Ummah. It speaks about the tolerance of Muscovites, about the correct policy of the Russian state towards its citizens, who live here in Russia, in Moscow," he said.

"I want to congratulate all Muslims on the opening of the mosque. Not only Muslims living in Moscow and Russia, but also all Muslims of the world, because the opening of such a mosque in the capital of the Russian Federation, in Moscow, in my opinion, is internationally important. I want to wish you all success. Today is a wonderful, sunny day. So it is a godly deed, Allah wanted to have such a bright, happy, sunny day. I wish success to all the workers and thank all of those who worked. It was built for a long time, but it is well-built," he added.

The diplomat noted that "in the Islamic world, Russia has always held a very big place and was of great importance." "Muslim countries have always treated it with sympathy, because Russia is a tolerant country. Islam was always represented in Russia, everyone in Russia always had tolerant attitude towards Muslims, in its policy the country always chose the right direction, the peaceful coexistence of different religions. And that is why the whole world knows Russia as a tolerant state, and accordingly, treats Russia the same way," Polad Bulbuloglu stressed.