Medvedev stresses Islam’s importance for Russia
Published: 15 July, 2009, 17:52
Edited: 14 May, 2010, 00:31
Russia's religious life is a multi-confessional one and Islam is a faith with a vast influence. So President Dmitry Medvedev said during a meeting with leaders of Russian Muslim organizations.
The statement was made as Medvedev was paying a visit to the country's central Mosque in Moscow to see ongoing reconstruction work.
After being shown around the historical part of the mosque and a section under construction, Medvedev met with muftis.
Medvedev stressed the importance of Islam in the country's internal affairs.
”Russia is a multi-national and multi-confessional country. Russian Muslims have enough respect and influence. Muslim foundations are making an important contribution to promoting peace in society, providing spiritual and moral education for many people, as well as fighting extremism and xenophobia,” he said before adding:
“There are 182 ethnic groups living in Russia, and 57 of them claim Islam as their main religion. This figure speaks for itself.”
The president also stressed the importance for religious Muslim organizations to have their own system of training imams and teachers, and promised the government would continue to assist in this work.
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Great move. This will strengthen the majority moderates voice over the rare minorities extremists and should help curb the plague of Wahabi extremists who endanger Islam in Russia. Well done President Medvedev.
Good step, good moment to quit Beslan’s tragedy as alleged “religion”. Very generally – the capacity of any society to permeate is the capital measure of its quality. This is remarkable example for over-pretending NVOs around the globe. Congratulations President Medvedev!
Balqis, I would agree. Russia are a lot more tolerant than non Russians think, especially Americans. Europe prides itself on tolerance, but some of us have a way to reach our goals yet. Well done Medvedev; sends out a positive message.