Restrictions on attending collective prayers in mosques, which were introduced due to the coronavirus epidemic, allow Muslims to understand the purpose of earthly life and help their neighbors, said mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, Chairman of the Russian Muftis Council and the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation.
"The temporary exclusion from free movement, the inability to perform collective prayers in our mosques, we perceived as an additional opportunity to understand the purpose of earthly life, for self - improvement," Gainutdin said at the online conference "The Muslim world facing the challenges of the pandemic: unity in the conditions of social distance."
In his opinion, in the usual rhythm, people sometimes forgot about "who gave us health, well-being, and work."
"Today, everyone has the opportunity to think about the past and upcoming years of life and realize its fragility. Yes, we are afraid for our loved ones and ourselves. However, believers are convinced that the Lord is merciful, He protects. We met this challenge by going through the path of improving good deeds, " the mufti said.
According to him, the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, together with benefactors, including Suleiman Kerimov, has already provided assistance for tens of millions of rubles to all those in need, regardless of nationality and religion. With the participation of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, a hotline for those in need has been opened, and volunteers "form hundreds tons of food packages".
"Despite the fact that we are limited in visiting mosques, we are not limited in our goodwill, in providing assistance and support to those in need," the mufti stressed.
He also recalled that although mosques in Russia are closed to believers, Juma and Tarawih prayers are held online, and the Koran is read around the clock in mosques. They also answer questions and conduct sermons online, and Islamic religious institutions continue to operate through the Internet.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Valery Sharifulin / TASS