The IX Congress of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan (RBM RT) took place at Kazan Expo, with the participation of Tatarstan’s Head, Rustam Minnikhanov. The event gathered over 1,500 imams from across the republic, alongside Mufti Kamil Samigullin, Deputy Prime Minister of Tatarstan and Chairman of the Milli Shura National Council of the World Congress of Tatars, Vasily Shaykhraziev, and Deputy Chairman of the State Council of Tatarstan, Marat Akhmetov.
Before the congress, Minnikhanov inspected mobile mosques built on UAZ vehicle bases. These vehicles, funded through the charity initiative "For the Heroes from the Muslims of Tatarstan," were adapted for both religious and humanitarian purposes, including communication between military units and transporting the wounded, medicines, and food supplies.
An exhibition in the Kazan Expo hall showcased the key achievements of the RBM RT from 2021 to 2024. In his report, Mufti Kamil Samigullin highlighted the impact of the special military operation (SMO) on the Tatarstan Muslim community. Since the start of the SMO, 14 humanitarian shipments have been delivered to the front lines. A total of 27 imams and the RBM RT specialists have visited soldiers in the conflict zone, and four regimental imams have been assigned to frontline service. Additionally, seven vehicles, three motorcycles, and 165,000 pocket prayer books have been provided to the troops.
Humanitarian aid is formed based on frontline requests and primarily includes computer equipment, communication devices, heaters, spare parts, books, halal food, and medical supplies. Volunteers operate from 61 mosques, preparing halal ration packs, producing camouflage nets, and supplying other essential items for the war effort.
Samigullin also addressed broader issues concerning the Muslim community, such as youth education, promoting a healthy lifestyle, and preserving spiritual heritage.
The congress concluded with the election of the Mufti of Tatarstan, where Kamil Samigullin was re-elected. Rustam Minnikhanov congratulated him and wished him continued success.
Minnikhkanov also acknowledged the significant role of Tatarstan’s Muslim community in humanitarian efforts since the start of the SMO, expressing gratitude to imams and local leaders for their support of servicemen and their families.
During the event, he presented several awards, including the 80th Anniversary of Victory medal to veteran of the Great Patriotic War and Kheter mosque imam-khatib, Kharis Salikhovich Salikhov.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the Rais RT
Based on materials from the Press Service of the Rais RT