Mufti Albir Krganov, head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia, answered the main questions in the context of the coronavirus pandemic in an interview for Russia Today. First of all, the religious figure spoke about the upcoming Hajj, which, in his opinion, can be canceled.
"It is too early to confirm or to refute, will the Hajj take place or not, but we should be prepared that this year may be the Hajj will not be held", said, in particular the religious figure.
This year the beginning of the Hajj is scheduled for the end of July.
In addition, as Krganov noted, in connection with the current regime of self - isolation, the traditional "Ramadan Tents" - Muslim festivals were canceled.
"This is a public event that contradicts the current situation, and in this regard, "Ramadan Tents" will not be held in mosques in Russia. Moreover, iftars will also be held at home with the family," the mufti said.
Albir Krganov also answered a question about the possible easing of the Ramadan fast for Muslims in the context of the coronavirus pandemic. This issue, according to him, should be resolved only on an individual basis, after consulting with imams and doctors.
"In general, we cannot stipulate such a situation, but each person individually knows their situation, and today it is possible to consult with doctors, including by phone, Skype, consult with imams. I would recommend contacting and calling mosques, muftiats and religious educational institutions, " he said.
At the same time, if a person is seriously ill, he can compensate the fast only after recovery.
It is possible that Russian Muslims will have to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which ends the Holy month of Ramadan, at home, rather than with collective prayers in mosques, and believers are ready for this. Regarding the celebration of Eid al-Adha in Russia, mufti Krganov said:
"It is too early to talk about this, but it seems that we, Muslims, should be prepared for the fact that if the situation does not change for the better by this time, we will also not be able to hold large festive prayers collectively. We understand that and are willing to conduct prayers at home," said, in particular the religious figure.
This year Ramadan begins on April 24. Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated on May 24.
Separately, the head of the Assembly spoke about the sanctions that prevent Iran, Syria and a number of other countries from fighting the spread of coronavirus.
In the context of the pandemic, religious leaders around the world should appeal to the United States and its allies to lift sanctions, according to Krganov.
"It would be right – we discussed this in an online conversation with the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including-for religious leaders of the world, of all our religions, as we say in the Russian Orthodox Church, to "raise" their voice in defense of those people against whom these sanctions are being taken today. We need to review these wrong mechanisms of pressure - and the US and other countries should somehow rethink this," the religious figure concluded, stressing that ordinary people usually suffer from sanctions.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Michael Metzel / TASS