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Russia's Grand Mufti: Praying at the Shusha Mosque was a special honor for me -PHOTO

Ravil Gaynutdin, Head of Russia Muftis Council and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the country

15 March 2025 09:52 (UTC +04:00)

"It was a special honor for me to pray at the Shusha Mosque," Ravil Gaynutdin, Head of Russia Muftis Council and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the country, said during a meeting with Rahman Mustafayev, Azerbaijan's ambassador to Russia, APA's Moscow correspondent reports.

Russia's Grand Mufti stated that he personally witnessed the mosques and Muslim religious sites in Karabakh that had been desecrated by the occupiers. "We were among the first to support Azerbaijan in its just struggle to restore its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and liberate its historical lands. We rejoiced in Azerbaijan's victory and were among the first to send our congratulations after the occupied territories were liberated. This was highly appreciated by both the President of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani people," he said.

R. Gaynutdin also expressed his deep gratitude to the Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade, emphasizing that he considers him an elder brother.

"I sincerely thank Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade for inviting me to visit the liberated lands of Karabakh. It was a special honor for me to pray in the restored mosque of Shusha. The Almighty Allah granted me the opportunity to pray in the same mosque where President Ilham Aliyev had delivered his speech. This mosque is magnificent, pure, and sacred, and one can feel the spirit of Islamic history there," he said.

The head of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia stated that the restoration of Islamic heritage in Karabakh is supported by the entire Islamic world: "The Islamic world is ready to assist Azerbaijan in restoring mosques. We, the Muslims of Russia, will also join this noble cause. We have the opportunity to appeal to millions of Muslims, unite our efforts, and direct the collected funds toward the restoration of shrines in Karabakh."

R. Gaynutdin added that true friendship is tested not only in times of peace but also during difficult periods.

"Friends should be there not only in moments of joy but also in challenging times—when homes and mosques need to be rebuilt. Inshallah, we will stand by our Azerbaijani brothers in prayers, spiritual support, and real assistance. We know that the Islamic world—Azerbaijan's friends—will also extend their support," he said.

Russia's Grand Mufti stated that the Muslim International Forum, established with the participation of the Russian Spiritual Administration of Muslims, is regularly held in various capitals worldwide, and he hopes that the forum will take place in Baku in 2025.

He also emphasized that the Muslim community of Russia supports the Baku International Conference on Combating Islamophobia, scheduled for May this year, and is ready to act as a co-founder.

In turn, Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Russia, Rahman Mustafayev, highlighted the significant role of the Russian Spiritual Administration of Muslims in strengthening the friendship and alliance between Azerbaijan and Russia. He emphasized the importance of dialogue between the Muslim communities and other religious denominations of both countries.

The ambassador also stressed the necessity of implementing joint projects between educational institutions of the two countries aimed at fostering interfaith and interethnic tolerance and mutual understanding.

During the conversation, Rahman Mustafayev thanked Mufti Gaynutdin and the Russian Spiritual Administration of Muslims for their just position on the final resolution of the Karabakh conflict and their support for Azerbaijan.