"Dear citizens of Tatarstan! Dear compatriots! I wholeheartedly congratulate you on the end of the fasting and the blessed Eid al-Fitr holiday - Uraza Bayram.
This day, so long-awaited and joyful for all Muslims throughout the world, fills the hearts of believers with prayerful gratitude to Allah for His infinite mercies and the Noble Quran given in the night of power and predestination of the holy month of Ramadan. Generous reward for selfless faith, moral and physical purification during uraza, our pious thoughts and merciful deeds are invariably the mercy of the Almighty, the remission of sins and harmony of soul.
On the great holiday of Eid al-Fitr, Tatarstan Muslims, together with millions of other believers pray to Allah for the blessing of peace and prosperity to mankind. It acquires an exceptional topicality in our uneasy time, requiring from everyone moderation, dignity and personal participation in strengthening constructive interethnic and inter-religious cooperation and upbringing respectful attitude to religion, culture and language of other nations.
This year is a special year for all Muslims in Tatarstan and all Russian Muslim ummah as it is 1100 years since Volga Bulgaria voluntarily adopted Islam. This anniversary is celebrated in accordance with the decree of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin at the state level. It is of great importance both for Tatarstan and for the whole of Russia. I am sure that numerous events held within the framework of its celebration will considerably contribute to strengthening the age-old spiritual values, further consolidation of our multinational people and restoration of historical justice.
Uraza Bayram is the holiday of good deeds and mercy. In Tatarstan, it has become a wonderful tradition to organize popular iftars, children's holidays, cultural, educational and charitable events. I am sure that the Muslims of the Republic will generously share their spiritual warmth and festive meal with all the weak and needy and especially with those who are in the greatest trouble today - the refugees and internally displaced persons.
May the Almighty fill our hearts with faith, mercy, and love on this beautiful holiday! I sincerely wish you all happiness, peace, health, kindness and prosperity!"
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Republic of Tatarstan
Based on materials from the Press Service of the President of the Republic of Tatarstan