Russian President Vladimir Putin's request to celebrate Eid al-Fitr at home in the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia (SAMR) was received with understanding since Islam prescribes not to expose people to unnecessary danger, the head of the SAMR, mufti Albir Krganov told RIA Novosti.
"I accepted (the President's request-ed.) with understanding. Islam prescribes to observe sanitary standards and not to expose people to unnecessary danger, " the religious figure said, adding that the authorities are fighting the virus reasonably: the death rate in Russia is low, hospitals are not overcrowded. Although the pandemic is beginning to recede, the situation, according to the mufti, is still difficult.
"Unfortunately, it is mass gatherings of people that most quickly contribute to the spread of the virus, so we will not soon meet our holidays in the usual mode," the head of the SAMR stressed.
At the same time, the pandemic "did not demoralize the believers too much," Krganov said.
"Our ancestors had to meet more terrible epidemics and sit for months in sieges. We must thank God that he did not send us more difficult challenges. So, with God's help, we will still be patient and pray at home. After all, there are no barriers to prayer, " he concluded.
President Putin asked Muslims to listen to the calls of the Muftis and celebrate Eid al-Fitr at home, as well as to abandon collective prayers and the tradition of large companies gathering on this day.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: SAMR official website