In recent days, the House of Friendship in Makhachkala has hosted the International Scientific and Practical Theological Conference "Revival of traditional spiritual heritage of Russian Muslims: challenges, problems and prospects". Its results were summarized by the Mufti of Moscow and Central Region, member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation, Albir Krganov in a conversation with a Vestnik Kavkaza correspondent.
Above all, he noted that the topic of the revival of Russian Muslims’ spiritual traditions, discussed by religious leaders of the Russian regions, including the Volga region, the Trans-Ural, Siberia and the North Caucasus, is extremely important.’’
Russian President Vladimir Putin said in 2013 at a meeting with religious leaders that it was necessary to draw attention to the revival of the Russian Islamic theological school. Today, religious leaders and scientific intelligentsia also drew attention to this. It is obvious for experts that the traditional Islam in Russia is also imbued with the spirit and Sufism. Therefore, two mosques have been opened in Makhachkala in accordance with the decision of the people of Dagestan and muftiat. They were named in honor of the Tatar and Bashkir theologians – Bayazit hazrat Khairullina and Sheikh Naqshbandi Tariqa Zainulla-ishan Rasuli,’ the Mufti told.
However, he pointed out that the last conference was a major reason for the consolidation of Muslims of Russia, the so-called bridge of friendship among the peoples, which in fact was laid for many centuries." 100 years ago Sheikh Zaynulla Rasulev handed ijaza over to Muslim Sheikh Saifullah-Qadi Bashlarovu. It was a very important event because it had sacred, spiritual and religious significance for Muslims believers. It is important that the Bashkirs who stick to the Hanafi Madhab, and representatives of the North Caucasus, adhere to the Shafi'i madhhab, always worked side by side with other peoples, representatives of other faiths and preserve their unity and integrity of the country,’’ Albir Krganov explained.
At the same time, he expressed regret that today the religious factor is used as a tool in the world for solving political problems. "We are against the politicization of religion in public whatever its manifestations. Our primary goal is to bring together people who believe. If we, religious leaders, choose between political parties, then we will divide our believers. The politicization of religion has never given good results. It is necessary to revive the traditional model, which existed in the CIS countries, as well as the Tsarist and Soviet eras in Russia,’’ he said.
