In Russia, unlike France, there are no such problems with tolerance and mutual respect for traditional religions - Muslims and their spiritual leaders are indigenous people and patriots, they are included in Russian society, said chairman of the Russian Muftis Council and the Religious Board of Muslims Ravil Gainutdin.
"Compared to France, the situation in our country, thank God, is much better - Muslims have no problems of adaptation and integration into society. Muslims of Russia are indigenous peoples, they originally live on the land of their ancestors," Gainutdin said during a video conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin with leaders of traditional religions.
According to him, there is "no problem" also with Islamic preachers and imams in Russian mosques. "All of them are not migrants, but our compatriots, they love their country, they are patriots of the country, they know how to be friends with their neighbors, they know how to interact with other religions and conduct dialogue and cooperation for the benefit of all our peoples", the Mufti said.
He said he was proud that Russian Muslims, against the background of "difficult days" in Western countries and near Russia's borders, "show tolerance and set an example to other peoples and religions, how to respect each other, interact and cooperate for the sake of the future - the future of our children and grandchildren".
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Sergey Bobylev / TASS
Based on materials from RIA Novosti