The first graduation of masters of Islamic Sciences took place at the Bulgarian Islamic Academy.
The ceremony was opened with a congratulatory speech of the rector of the Bulgarian Islamic Academy, Daniyar Abdrakhmanov. "Dear graduates! I am sure that most of you will remember your years of study at the Bulgarian Islamic Academy with special warmth, because they were filled not only with study, but also with friendship, interesting events, and new discoveries. Your graduation is already in the history of the Academy. You are the first graduates and this, of course, imposes a special responsibility on you. You have a long way to go, but you can always count on the support of the Academy."
23 masters of Islamic sciences graduated this year.
Daniyar Abdrakhmanov urged the graduates not to forget native walls of the Alma mater and continue their studies, and also thanked the teaching staff of the Academy.
Sheikh-ul-Islam, Grand mufti, Chairman of the Central spiritual administration of Muslims of Russia Talgat Safa Tajuddin addressed the graduates with a welcoming speech. "I congratulate you on the blessed event – the first graduation of masters of Islamic Sciences. A lot of work has been invested in the creation of the Bulgarian Islamic Academy and this project exists and is developing thanks to the support of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, the first President of the Republic of Tatarstan Mintimer Shaimiev, and the current President Rustam Minnikhanov. Today's graduation will be inscribed in the history of the Academy and its own traditions will be created here. The Holy Scriptures say that true faith is the understanding of people and the love of one's neighbor. I am sure that the graduates of the Academy will remember their native walls and honor their mentors, " said Talgat Safa Tajuddin.
Congratulations to the graduates were also sent by the Chairman of the Russian Muftis Council and the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin.
"Dear Daniyar Mavliyarovich! Dear sheikhs, teachers, students and staff of the Bulgarian Islamic Academy! On behalf of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, the Russian Muftis Council and myself, I congratulate the Bulgarian Islamic Academy and its staff on the successful preparation of the first group of masters of Islamic Sciences. I cordially congratulate the young scientists who have completed their master's theses and successfully defended them with this important achievement for the entire Russian Ummah. I prayerfully wish that the system knowledge and spiritual baggage acquired at the Bulgarian Academy will serve to spread the light of faith and enlighten many hearts with it. May Allah allow You to preserve, increase and transmit knowledge to those who follow you, to follow the path of science, research and enrichment of the vast Treasury of Islamic theology", - said Ravil Gainutdin.
Yevgeny Eremin, head of the Department for interaction with religious organizations of the Office of the President of the Russian Federation for internal policy, congratulated the Academy's management, graduates and teaching staff on this historic event via videoconference.
The Bulgarian Islamic Academy opened its doors in September 2017 and is located in the ancient capital, which bore the name of Bulgar. With its foundation, a new era of Islamic education has come to Russia, and a three-level system of Islamic education has been formed: madrasa-university- academy. Now Russian Muslims have an opportunity to get higher religious education without going abroad. The main subjects taught at the Academy are: Islamic law (Fiqh), Arabic language and literature, Quranic disciplines and hadithology.
The competition for those wishing to enter the Academy is growing every year. This year it makes up four people per place. The decree on the construction of the Bulgarian Islamic Academy was signed by Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov in November 2015. Its founders are the Religious Board of Muslims of Russia, the Central Religious Board of Muslims of Russia and the Religious Board of Muslims of Tatarstan. The foundation of the Academy was supported by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: BIA official website
Based on materials from BIA, RMC