"The late lamented Ahmad Kadyrov [Chechnya's president, who died in a May 9 terror act] was my friend. He was once my comrade, too-as Mufti of Chechnya. We all feel bereaved." Muslim dignitaries addressed the Chechen people immediately after the tragic blast, and called to join hands for peace in Chechnya.
The Moscow Cathedral Mosque is celebrating its centenary these days. The Chechen Mufti will attend the galas. He says much has been done to stabilise Chechnya, Mufti Gainutdin went on.
Muslim leaders have Chechen enlightenment among their top priorities. "We are paying great attention to educating the young. They must know their roots, and the true spiritual and moral precepts of religion-or they will be deluded onto the road of terrorism." The Moscow mosque centennials have brought together Muslim Board heads and other Islamic spokesmen of other CIS countries, and foreign guests of honour-the Secretary General of the World Association of the Islamic Appeal, and a spokesman of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference.
"Many of our friends have come. Together with us, they are working for peace and stability, and for joint combat against evil-mainly extremism and terrorism." Heads of centralised Muslim leagues recently established a joint council against extremism and terrorism, he said.
"With this, Muslim religious organisation leaders will help and support government offices in combat. I think we can do our bit for the cause if we unite and work hard." The Mufti highlighted Muslim contribution to Russia's rapprochement with other countries. In particular, the CIS countries established their Interreligious Council, last March. "That was our contribution to rapprochement within the Commonwealth." Russians profess many religions and represent different cultures, yet they are one nation. Muslim leaders are aware of that. "We all want peace and stability in the home we all share," said the High Mufti.
