The address of the Chairman of the Russian Mufties Council Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin

Dear compatriots, the Russians, co-religionists,

 brothers and sisters!

On behalf of the Russian Mufties Council and Religious Boards of Muslims of our country I congratulate all my fellow Muslims - the Muslims of Russia, of the Commonwealth of Independent States with a light holiday of Muslims - the holiday of Eid al-Adha.

The feast of Sacrifice is the completion of the Hajj - a great pilgrimage to the Holy city of Mecca, when Muslims around the world visit places associated with the transition of mankind from paganism to the worship of a single Creator of all, the rise and the formation of Islam, the land, from where the monotheism and the fundamental for All knowledge about the Creator, Single for all people, spread all over the earth.

Our Creator - the Almighty Allah created man, made us tribes and nations. For Him and to Him we are all equal.

Russia today is a country which proudly preserve a tradition of  the unity of the peoples. The Day of National Unity, which we celebrated less than two weeks ago - is confirmation of our traditions - a voluntary association of citizens for a charitable purpose - preserving the integrity of the country, saving the peoples living there.

Equality and unity is a guarantee of peace, preservation of the people and guarantee of preservation of the life on Earth itself.

The Prophet and Messenger of the Creator, peace and mercy of Allah be with him, said:

"Allah does not look at your faces and your wealth, but looks at your hearts and your deeds. In fact, more honorable, more worthy of his reward from you one who is more pious. " Our religion Islam calls us to be kind, generous, hardworking, merciful, compassionate and God-fearing. Piety - is a steadily fulfillment of the commandments of God and the desire for moral and physical self-improvement, to learn about the world around us, knowing ourselves and understanding of the destination of our earthly life.

Our religion Islam proclaims the essential truth: the teaching, development of knowledge - an inexhaustible source of true wealth and happiness.

The modern world every day reveals to man new knowledge about the universe, confirming the stability and true intention of the Creator. For us, learning about the world is new knowledge and new discoveries, inspired by light of true faith. Without that light knowledge can not  be true, as knowledge is always a result of hard work and thought, and soul. Humanity develop new space, passing through time, and there is an amazing picture of life before us, revealing dozens of new and new mysteries. And it is so important not to plunge into worldliness  of survival and material gain only. To have a great wealth of knowledge is necessary for each of us, regardless of age, and for young people today learning the world is important to comprehend and acquire new knowledge to pass to their next generation to gain new knowledge. This is the only way to save the world, consolidate Islam and save connection of times.

Today brightest holiday is an integral part of the rich spiritual heritage of our multi-ethnic nation. It represents the rich spiritual heritage of our multiethnic nation and the heritage of all mankind.

I pray to Almighty to grant us all peace and joy, happiness and health, success and prosperity, mercy and blessing!