President and Mufti of Tatarstan congratulated the residents of the Republic on the day of the official adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria

21 May 2020


Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov and mufti Kamil Samigullin congratulated the residents of the Republic on the day of the official adoption of Islam by Volga Bulgaria.


The message of the head of the Republic of Tatarstan, published on the government's website, reads:


"Having taken spiritual roots in the Middle Volga region in the second half of the ninth century, in 922 Islam was adopted as the state religion by the Bulgars led by elteber Almush with the direct participation of the Embassy of the Baghdad Caliph al-Muqtadir Billah. This event had a decisive influence on the choice of the path of civilizational development, the formation of statehood and national identity of our people.


And today, after almost eleven centuries, in the year of celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Tatar ASSR, we all remember those epoch-making events with sincere faith in the all-merciful Allah, special feelings of belonging to the great achievements of the Muslim world and gratitude to our ancestors for their good deeds, pray for the well-being of our native Tatarstan and our great Russia, and join the priceless spiritual heritage of recognized theologians and scientists.


By building the magnificent  White Mosque in the heart of the revived Ancient Bulgarian city and opening the Bulgarian Islamic Academy, which is steadily gaining leading positions in the field of religious Muslim education, we have not only made a significant step in restoring historical justice, but also laid a solid foundation for our further development in the spirit of the Hanafi madhhab traditions, strengthening inter-ethnic and inter-religious peace and harmony.


I am sure that after the improvement of the epidemiological situation, Tatarstan citizens, as well as many compatriots, will be able to piously and solemnly honor the memory of our predecessors, which is firmly preserved by the gray stones of Ancient Bolgar.


Let each of us meet this beautiful memorable day with spiritual prayer, creative deeds and pious actions."


The mufti of Tatarstan stated that the adoption of Islam was "a truly epochal event in the history of the Tatar people and our entire multi-ethnic country, the memory of which we cherish for centuries."


"The wise ancestors, having made the main choice in the fate of our people, gave us the happiness to know the special grace of the Almighty – to join the ranks of the God-chosen Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad, the last messenger of Allah in all mankind. Islam brought to the Tatars a high spiritual culture, traditions of enlightenment and the deepest morality based on the sacred commandments of Allah. For centuries, our religion has helped us in peaceful labor and on the battlefields of our Homeland, given us comfort in our sorrows, made us happy and inspired... Of course, Islam has given the Tatars the strength and opportunity to survive as a nation during the most severe trials that have befallen us. And we are still standing on the rock of this unshakable foundation, and faith is still a bright guiding star for us.


Undoubtedly, the historical mission of our country is to show humanity a model of inter-religious harmony and inter-ethnic peace. The origins of this noble purpose lie in the events of 922, which happened on the banks of the Volga. Therefore, the day of acceptance of Islam by the Volga Bulgars is a holiday not only for the Tatars, but also for other Muslim peoples of Russia, as well as for everyone who cares about our multi-ethnic country. And it is impossible to tear from our hearts gratitude to our forefathers and loyalty to the path they set. We always remember and know that the ancient Bolgar is the life-giving spiritual source of our people, from which we draw strength for new achievements.


On this significant day, I pray to the Almighty Allah to grant all believers his boundless mercy, send down family welfare, happiness, health and strengthen all of us in righteous and good deeds! Peace be upon you, the mercy of Allah and His blessing!", the address of the mufti of the Republic of Tatarstan reads.

 

GSV "Russia - Islamic World"

Photo: UnFlOb/Pixabay