Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Russian Muslims on Eid al-Fitr, the press-service of the government said.
"The principled position of Muslim clerics deserves respect because they firmly withstand extremists’ attempts to distort Muslim values, to sow seeds of hatred and intolerance," RIA Novosti cited the president as saying.
He said that it is very important that Muslim organizations are actively participating in Russia’s life, cooperating with government and social institutions.
"Completing the sacred time of fasting during the month of Ramadan, the holiday of breaking the fast has deep spiritual meaning, joy of strengthening faith, gaining new invaluable experience, moral purification and self-improvement. It is traditional to mark it not only with a plentiful and generous feast, but also by being attentive and compassionate to those who need support," Putin noted.
