For the first time, Moscow will host International Qur'an Festival with programs devoted to the Book of Islam. It is the month of Ramadan when Muslims read anew the whole text of Qur'an, fast during daytime, commit acts of kindness and mercy, gather together for evening meals (iftars) and organize cultural events devoted to the Holy Book.

The initiative to apply international Ramadan experience to the Russian setting came from Russia Muftis Council and the Cultural Office of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in cooperation with the Spiritual Administrations of Muslims of Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, Dagestan, Russian Foundation for Islamic Studies (Moscow) and Farabi Institute (Al-Mostafa University, Moscow).

Along with Russian and Iranian stands and projects, the festival will represent Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Tajikistan and India. They will present books and new information technologies, films and animations both for children and grownups. In addition to the academic literature, the festival will exhibit works of art--traditional, avantgarde and children art. List of presentations includes the Russian translation of "Light of the Holy Qur'an" tafsir, discussion of the quality of Russian translations of the Qur'an, reviews of Qur'an-themed movies and animations, showcase of the potential of Iranian universities, demonstration of computer programs and women fashion as well as Qur'an memorization workshop.

This year's festival will be devoted to the grand opening of the new building of Moscow Jum'ah Mosque. In relation to the Year of Literature announced by the government of Russia, mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin will present the first volume of the anthology "Mission of Muhammad. Islamic East in the classical literature of Christian West".

The head of the festival is Dr Reza Maliki.

Place and date of the festival: Moscow, Altufyevskoye shosse 79-A, bldg 3 (Islamic Cultural Centre). The dates are July 11 to July 17, from 3 pm to 9 pm. The admission is free.

The solemn opening ceremony with the ambassador of Iran Mehdi Sanai, mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin and other high guests will take place on July 13 at 7 pm.

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