This morning, the Head of the Republic of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov, joined worshippers for the Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayram) prayer at the newly restored mosque in the village of Maskara, located in Tatarstan’s Kukmor District.
Before the sermon, Tatarstan’s Mufti, Kamil Samigullin, read out congratulatory messages from Russian President Vladimir Putin and Minnikhanov himself.
In his message, President Putin emphasized the significance of Kurban Bayram as a time of unity and spiritual reflection:
“I extend my heartfelt greetings on the occasion of Kurban Bayram. This holiday, which marks the completion of the sacred pilgrimage, strengthens the bonds among people and allows believers to connect with the profound spiritual and historical heritage of our ancestors.
Guided by tradition, Muslims celebrate this day through good deeds and compassion for those in need. It's heartening to see Muslim organizations actively contribute to society — nurturing the younger generation, upholding family values, and driving initiatives in culture, education, and charity.
Your efforts in supporting the defenders of our country and their families are especially worthy of deep gratitude. I wish you good health, success, and well-being.”
After a recitation from the Quran, Mufti Samigullin delivered a festive sermon, reflecting on the meaning of Eid and the traditions of sacrifice and devotion. He also reminded attendees of the enduring duty to protect the homeland — a legacy honored by ancestors in the Great Patriotic War and continued today by compatriots, including Muslim servicemen, participating in the special military operation.
The congregation performed the Eid prayer, consisting of two rak'ahs, followed by a communal supplication (du'a), asking for blessings for themselves and the nation.
In his remarks, Rustam Minnikhanov congratulated attendees on both the holiday and the reopening of the historic mosque. He expressed hope that the mosque would become a vibrant community hub and a center for educating future generations.
Local officials, including District Head Sergey Dimitriev and mosque imam Munir Yusupov, thanked the congregation and all donors who supported the mosque’s restoration.
Minnikhanov toured the mosque, which underwent extensive renovations between March 2022 and May 2025. The restoration was made possible through contributions from local residents, supporters across Tatarstan, and donors from other regions of Russia — part of the charitable project “Preserving Together.”