Russian researchers identify three stages in the development of Islamic education in the Russian Federation: a complex and chaotic period of revival in the 1990s, a systematic systematization in the 2000s with active state participation, and, finally, the current stage of the formation of a national, authoritative theological school. The Foundation for the Support of Islamic Culture, Science, and Education has become an important instrument in this process. It also helps the clergy become more independent and reduces the risk of corruption, but today its mission is significantly broader, encompassing international dialogue, addressing social issues, and consolidating society around traditional values.
Islamic education in Russia has centuries-old roots. It developed in Volga Bulgaria and the North Caucasus, and continued to exist during the Golden Horde and the Russian Empire. However, the Soviet period, with its anti-religious policies, dealt this system a severe blow. In the 1990s, a revival occurred spontaneously, often influenced by foreign ideas, which carried risks. To address these problems, the Russian government established the Foundation for the Support of Islamic Culture, Science, and Education in 2007.
The Foundation was established as the primary financial and organizational instrument of state support. Its primary goal is to build an independent, sovereign system of Islamic education based on Russian traditions. To this end, the Foundation provides grant support to educational institutions, helps strengthen their resources, finances research and the publication of textbooks, and promotes the integration of Islamic education into the national educational system in Russia. Since the state cannot directly fund religious organizations, the Foundation and its network of partner universities serve as an important channel for targeted support. All of these activities are aimed at training qualified personnel, updating educational materials, and uniting the Muslim community around traditional values.
In 2020, the Foundation underwent a major reorganization that strengthened its role. It was transformed from a charitable foundation into a non-profit organization. The key innovation was the establishment of the Foundation Council — a new governing body based on the principle of parity. It included equal representation from leading Muslim organizations in Russia and government agencies, including the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. This transformed the Foundation into an official platform for dialogue between religious leaders and the government. Following the reorganization, the Foundation began interacting directly with the Presidential Administration, the Government, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, firmly establishing its role as a state-confessional institution for strategic management.
The transformation of the Fund and its new transparent governance structure have also become an important tool in countering corruption risks. Formalizing relations through a parity Council eliminates the possibility of informal, behind-the-scenes agreements. The Fund provides religious organizations, educational institutions, and clergy with a legal and transparent source of funding, reducing their dependence on dubious foreign sources, which in the past often served as the basis for corruption schemes. By providing spiritual leaders with legal support at the federal level, the Fund also reduces their vulnerability to pressure from local interest groups that could lure them into unscrupulous deals, for example, in exchange for political loyalty.
The Foundation for the Support of Islamic Culture, Science, and Education actively participates in activities of the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia - Islamic World”, promoting the strengthening of cultural and educational ties. The Foundation facilitates the Group's annual meetings, discussing youth, education, and the dialogue of civilizations within the framework of Russian-Islamic cooperation, including at the KazanForum. Recent events on the Foundation's website demonstrate the breadth of its activities: reports include an international forum in Moscow on Islam and global challenges, specialized meetings in Saransk on working with convicted Muslims, a patriotic forum for families of SMO participants, and an academic conference on Islamic psychology.
The Foundation for the Support of Islamic Culture, Science, and Education plays a role that goes far beyond funding. It has effectively become the state's central instrument for fostering a healthy environment for the development of Islam in Russia. Through the Foundation, educational institutions receive systematic support, large-scale dialogue platforms are organized, and significant social issues are addressed. It serves as the primary link and strategic partner for Muslim organizations, consistently strengthening traditional Islam and social stability in Russia.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"