Mufti Albir Krganov, Head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of the Russian Federation, shared his experiences during a pilgrimage to Mecca on the eve of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. He noted the warm reception of Russian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, highlighting the increased role of the Russian state in global affairs.
"The Saudis are very welcoming to Russians, from passport control where they speak Russian, ask about BRICS in Kazan (the summit will be held in October - TASS), mention the friendship of the Crown Prince and our President. Those meeting us, showing their arm muscles, said: 'Russia is a power,'" Krganov said.
He also mentioned a group of Russian Muslims who, at the invitation of a distinguished Saudi family, were in Mecca and Medina performing the rite of umrah, the so-called small hajj, during the closing days of the month of Shaaban. For Russians, the opportunity to pray in the holy land is a great happiness.
"All mosques in the country are preparing to welcome Ramadan and create a festive atmosphere. Charity dinners - iftars of revelry - are being prepared. Full readings of the Holy Quran will be held in mosques," Krganov noted.
In 2024, according to the Muslim lunar calendar, Ramadan will begin with sunset on March 10 and will last until April 9. On April 10, Muslims will mark the end of the fast with the holiday of Uraza Bayram. Umrah is a pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia that believers can undertake at various times throughout the year. The main rites of Hajj are performed on the day of standing on Mount Arafat and then on the days of the largest Muslim holiday, Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayram), which in 2024, fall between June 15 and 19.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Based on materials from TASS