A world-known Qur’an reciter Abu Bark Shatri paid visit to Moscow Jum’ah Mosque, where he read surahs of the Holy Qur’an in front of thousands of believers.

Legendary hafiz came to Russia for the first time on the invitation of Russia Muftis Council to take part in XIV International Qur’an Reciting Competition, which will take place on September 15 this year in Concert Hall “Rossiya”.

During his visit, Abu Bakr Shatri took a look at the progress of renovation of Moscow Jum’ah Mosque and met with RMC deputy chairman Rushan hazrat Abbyasov and first deputy chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of European Russia Damir hazrat Gizatullin. The meeting was also attended by deputy head of RMC administration Renat hazrat Abyanov and head of the International Department of Russia Muftis Council Ildar Galeev.

Speaking of Moscow Jum'ah Mosque, the high guest especially noted the scope and beauty of the building.

“It is my first stay in Russia, and I am really impressed with all that I see here! The size and the elegance of the mosque are amazing! I'm happy to see that you have so many observing Muslims, that you do everything you can for promotion of Islam in your country by building mosques, strengthening productive relationships with authorities and all peoples of your vast country, by opening new Islamic educational institutions and Muslim publishing houses.

I want to thank Russia Muftis Council not only for giving me perfect opportunity to visit Russia and appear before thousands of my co-believers, but also for the opportunity to get acquainted with everyday life of Russian Muslims,” said Abu Bakr Shatri.

Rushan hazrat Abbyasov, in his turn, welcomed the guest on behalf of RMC Chairman mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin and told him about the history of Islam on Russian land, and most important and significant events organized by Russia Muftis Council. He also mentioned that only according to official statistics, Russia is home to more than 20 million Muslims.

After the meeting, the world-known hafiz took part in a Friday prayer in Moscow Jum'ah Mosque.

You will be able to see and hear this legendary man at Moscow International Qur'an Reciting Competition, which will start on September 15, 2013, in Concert Hall “Rossiya”.

Abu Bakr ibn Muhammed al-Shatri was born in 1970 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to Yemeni parents. He is an imam and reciter of Qur'an well-known in Islamic world. Abu Bakr Shatri reads sermons in many mosques around Saudi Arabia, including Masjid al-Rajhi, Said ibn Jubayr (Kandara), Abdulatif Jamil. He is currently an imam of Masjid al-Furqan in Hay Annasim, Jeddah.

He has taken part in many Islamic conferences and events in such countries as Egypt, South Africa, Kuwait and Bahrain.

RMC press service