On November 18, in the heart of Moscow, at the State Kremlin Palace, a concert "The Circle of Friends", dedicated to the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha took place.

The event was held under the auspices of the chairman of the Council of Muftis of Russia, Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin with the sipport of the production center "Ruh".

The objective of the event was to show that between the peoples of Russia despite the diversity of religions and nationalities there is a lot in common. And this is manifested in folk costumes and songs. For the first time a concert was held at the main venue of the country, which were honored by Russian and foreign stars, artists from different republics of the Russian Federation and abroad.

A welcoming speech to the participants, guests and organizers of the event was the spiritual leader of Muslims of Russia Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of this kind of cultural events that bring together people of different nationalities and religions and represent goodness and unity. According to Mufti, this year's Eid al-Adha noted several millions of our fellow Muslims in different regions. In celebration of one of the most important holidays of Islam the Council of Muftis of Russia held charity events, including visiting and helping children's homes and nursing homes. "We have always paid attention also to help those who need our support. We also visited the communities of other religions, in order to show once again that Russia is a multiethnic and multi-religious country. We are different, but we have one country, and we must work together to defend the peace, tranquility and stability in our country. Today, our celebration is also aimed at promoting peace and harmony between peoples. We all want peace, we want our children to live in peace, tranquility, so that we can give them a comfortable and happy life in peace and stability, "- said the Chairman of the Council of Muftis of Russia, Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin.

Spectators and guests of the concert were over 5000 thousand people, as the capital's residents and visitors from the CIS and neighboring countries, Iran, Indonesia and Turkey. On the stage of the Kremlin Palace were such popular artists as Renat Ibragimov, Ludmila Rumina, Zuhra Sahabieva, Alaudin Esmurziyev, Patimat Kagirova, Rosa Khabibulina, Rinat Karimov, Naila Fatehova and ensemble "Medina", group "Nashidul Islam," the group "Paradox" and many others. Honored with his performance and the silver at the "Eurovision-2012" "Buranovskie Babusgki" who sang the song "Welcome" in Udmurt and Tatar languages. Well-deserved storm of applause broke the nasheeds of 12-year old Ahmad Dzhavatkhanov - young talent from Saratov. However, the "highlight" of the festive event was the fact that all of the artists performed songs and nasheeds, praising God and calling to goodness, mercy, understanding and peace. For the first time before the Russian audience were popular foreign Nasheed performers such as Opik from Indonesia, "Meradzhe Boshehr" from Iran and Adam Karabey from Turkey. Event spectators expected not only tracks by well-known artists, but also an impressive laser show. All humanity and the theatrical production of "The Light of goodness" in the performance of Rustam Mustafin, Renat Abyanov (writer), Renat Simkin and Ruslan Nasibullin, told of the heroism of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) (peace be upon him).

The high level of cultural and educational activities "In a circle of friends" is the fact that it was attended by Deputy Plenipotentiary Representative of the Russian President in the Central Federal District, Murat Zyazikov, First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Alexander Torshin, Minister of Physical Culture, Sports, tourism and youth Moscow region Amir Gallyamov, Ambassadors and diplomats of the Islamic world, the plenipotentiary representative of the President of the regions of Russia, the State Duma, and many others.At the end of the concert during the performance of the People's Artist of the Chechen Republic and Ingushetia Ali Dimaev song "Anthem of the world", embodying peace, kindness and friendship among peoples, on the stage all the artists who took part in this bright and colorful event. Applause grateful audience for a long time are not abated in the hall of the State Kremlin Palace.

The Holy Qur'an says: "We have created you male and female and made you into nations and tribes so that you may know each other." And every artist, every guest and the audience, who visited the festive event "In a circle of friends" had the opportunity to get acquainted with the culture of the different peoples of not only our country but the world as a whole, as God commands us.

Dilara Bagautdinova