The Chairman of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, Grand Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, has extended condolences on the passing of former Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani:

"On behalf of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, the multimillion-strong Russian ummah, and personally, I express my deep condolences to His Highness the Emir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the royal family, the government, and the entire brotherly people of Qatar on the passing of the Father Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani will be remembered as an outstanding statesman, a visionary leader, and a true friend of Russia and Russian Muslims. During his reign, the foundations were laid for Qatar's current prosperity—economic growth, international prestige, and openness to the world that made the country one of the leading centers of civilizational dialogue.

It was under Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani that Qatar consistently pursued a policy of religious tolerance and respect for religious and cultural diversity, becoming a platform for peacekeeping efforts and mediation initiatives, earning respect both in the Islamic world and beyond. The Father Emir's contribution to the promotion of the ideals of humanism, mutual understanding between peoples and religions, and the development of intercivilizational dialogue deserves deep gratitude.

I raise my prayers to Almighty Allah, asking Him to receive the soul of the deceased, to forgive his transgressions, to grant him His mercy, and to rest him in the gardens of Paradise.

I prayerfully wish Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, his family, and the entire Qatari people fortitude and patience in bearing this irreparable loss.

Verily, to Allah we belong and to Him we shall return!"

Grand Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin