The head of the Russian Muftis Council (RMC) and the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation Ravil Gainutdin congratulated Muslims on the holiday of Eid al-Adha, noting that the faithful meet it "with a sense of spiritual uplift" and that on these holidays he prays to the Almighty "to divert the trouble of the coronavirus from all mankind".
Eid al-Adha (in Arabic), or Kurban-Bairam (in Turkic), is the main Muslim holiday. It is celebrated on the tenth day of the month of Dhul-Hijjah of the Islamic lunar calendar and lasts for three days. This year, it starts on July 31.
"On behalf of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, the Russian Muftis Council, all our clergy and myself, I cordially congratulate all of you on the great holiday of Muslims - the bright holiday of Eid al-Adha, Kurban-Bairam," the address of mufti Gainutdin, which was distributed by the press service of the RMC, reads.
The spiritual leader noted that Muslims celebrate their holiday "with a sense of spiritual uplift", striving with all their heart to spiritually approach the Almighty, " because the very word "Kurban" means proximity to God."
"Eid al-Adha and the historical events in memory of which we celebrate it are the greatest edifications to all people until the end of time. The courage and deepest humility of the common forefather of Jews, Christians and Muslims - Ibrahim (Abraham), with which he met the commands of his Lord, is a lesson to all mankind. Through the history of Ibrahim and Ismail, Allah has clearly determined that he does not like human sacrifice in the name of religion. These victims were replaced by the sacrifice of animals," Gainutdin said.
On Eid al-Adha, Muslims traditionally perform a sacrifice, the slaughter of a sacrificial animal, in memory of the sacrifice, which, as it is said in the Holy Scriptures, was made at the time by Ibrahim (Abraham). The Lord first ordered him to sacrifice his son, and when he was ready to do what he was told, he was ordered to sacrifice an animal instead.
"The best way to approach God and show your obedience to Him is to do good, strengthen the bonds of brotherhood, kinship, and friendship. This should be a sincerely believing Muslim: one who brings peace, security, mercy, help and support," the mufti's address reads.
He recalled that the current reality is that ensuring security in connection with the threat of the spread of coronavirus is to limit face-to-face communication and avoid the accumulation of large numbers of people.
"I am sure that my co-religionists around the world correctly assessed the restrictions imposed on the celebration of Eid al-Adha and the performance of the Hajj, because they meet the criteria set by the Prophet (peace be upon him): "Muslim is one who avoids harming others with his tongue and hands" (Buhari)," the statement said.
According to the head of the Muftis Council, the faithful intend to spend this holiday with their closest relatives and "give the joy of the holiday to everyone around".
"I pray to God for the removal of the trouble of the coronavirus from all mankind, for the healing of the sick, for health and strength for medical workers, for wisdom for our elected rulers, for peace and harmony in our beloved Fatherland - Russia - and throughout the world!" the mufti concluded.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Vyacheslav Prokofiev / TASS