The opening of IX Muslim Forum "Socialization of the Ummah in the Strategy of Development of Civil Society" and VI International Educational Conference "International Dimension of Islamic Education in Russia: Muslim Education in Eurasia". The event is organized by Russia Muftis Council and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of European Russia.

The forum is attended by muftis of CIS countries, principals of secular and religious educational institutions from former USSR, members of the Administration of the President of Russian Federation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russian Federation, deputies of Russian State Duma, plenipotentiary representative offices of Russia's regions under the President of Russian Federation, extraordinary and plenipotentiary ambassadors of Arab and Muslim countries and their representatives, members of national and non-governmental organisations, religious leaders, academic, cultural figures and educators from many parts of Russia.

VI International Educational Conference on Islam in Eurasia has also opened as part of the forum. One of the top priority topics of the conference is the revival of Russian Islamic theological school.

The event traditionally began with the recitation of the ayahs from the Holy Qur'an.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Chairman of Russia Muftis Council and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of European Russia mufti sheikh Ravil hazrat Gaynutdin welcomed and thanked the guests and the participants of the forum.

During his speech, he especially noted that this year marks 225th anniversary of Orenburg Mohammedan Spiritual Assembly and the 70th anniversary of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Central Asia and Kazakhstan (SAMCA).

Chairman of Russia Muftis Council spoke of the importance of each of these events for millions of Muslims al over former Soviet Union.

"Both of the events meant for us the revival of religious institutions and extension of believers' rights; they inspired our people and gave us faith in the fairness of the state. In the coming days, Russian Federation is going to commemorate 20th anniversary of the Constitution—one of the milestones in formation of Russian state and our society. The Constitution of 1993 guarantees each citizen of Russian Federation freedom of religion, and this is one of the fundamental achievements of modern Russian state in the sphere of civil rights and freedoms," added mufti sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin.