At the residence of the Russia Muftis Council the meeting was held between the Deputy Chairman of Russia Muftis Council Rushan hazrat Abbyasov, and the Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett.

Senior Policy Analyst Catherine Cosman, representative of US Embassy Kevin Covert, director of Economic Department of Russia Muftis Council Madina Kalimullina and representative of International Department of RMC Ildar Galeyev took part in this meeting.

Members of meeting discussed current issues related to the life of Russian Muslims. Answering questions of guests, Rushan hazrat spoke about situation with mosques construction in Moscow, and about the role of media in coverage of current affairs connected with Islam. 

In particular, he noted that issue about shortage of mosques in Moscow was discussed with Mayor Sergey Sobyanin and that issue is on the agenda of the city government.

Rushan hazrat reminded of recent meeting between Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin and Moscow Mayor, where it was announced that construction of mosques in each distriction of Moscow is essential. Today, Muftis Council carries on work in this direction. Commenting recent situation about construction of a new mosque in Mitino, the Deputy Chairman of RMC said, Muftis Council learnt about proposed construction of 13-storey mosque in this distriction from the media.

"For construction of mosque in Moscow it is necessary first to come to an agreement with city authorities about all operations. At first, application should be handed in, and only than concerted actions with City Hall begin, in particular, choosing the place and even taking discussions about  construction of mosque with local residents of one or another distriction. After that, complete documentation package should be prepared. In case of Mitino those procedures weren't carried out. Trying to make a kind of self-promotion, little-known organizations announced construction of mosque without preparation of documents. Whereupon, information fell into media, and in turn, their reports form fair among representatives of other religions. Often, these situations attract attention of some groups, that try to arouse interethnic and sectarian strife. But I want to say especially that in Russia there is not even tolerant, but good neighborly relationship between Muslims and representatives of other religions. We always come to the aid of each other when it is necessary and share joys together", - said Rushan hazrat.

He also mentioned that by using wrong such terms as jihad, shahid, radical and extremist Islam, the media offends feelings of believers, but also tries to show Islam from negative side. "There are no such terms as radical, extremist and terroristic Islam. There is simply Islam - religion of peace and harmony. It is necessary to understand, that believer will never kill other people and sow discord. In Quran killing of one person is equal to murder of all humanity. In our preaching we always say Muslims are not capable of such things, Islam curses terror and bloodshed", - said the Deputy Chairman of Russia Muftis Council.

During the meeting the sides also discussed issues related to forthcoming hajj, prohibition of religious literature, migrants practicing Islam. They also spoke about problems that Russian Muslims face.

Summing up, Rushan hazrat thanked delegates from USA for a visit and for aspiration to get information from primary source. He expressed hope there will be objective presentation of information in report on the situation in Russia. In turn, the Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Dr. Katrina Lantos Swett said, when you look at the situation related to Islam by means of media, it creates one impression, but when you talk to representatives of religion directly, it forms completely another view of things.

That evening Rushan Abbyasov side by side with representatives from other Russia's traditional religions, took part in reception that was organized on behalf of Minister Counselor for Political Affairs at the U.S. Embassy Michael Klecheski, in honor of the visit of Katrina Lantos Sweet in Russia.

Press Service of RMC