The holy month of Ramadan for Muslims in the Chelyabinsk region is drawing to a close. Traditionally, Iftar, the evening meal to break the fast, begins with a symbolic first sip of water, followed by eating dates in an odd number—three, five, or seven. Historically, Iftar meals were primarily held in mosques, where believers gathered for shared meals and prayers. However, there has been a noticeable shift in recent years towards family and friendly gatherings, taking place in homes, cafes, and restaurants throughout the city. "During this time, people meet, communicate, and help each other," said Amur Khabibullin, chairman of the executive committee of the public organization Bashkir Kuralty in Chelyabinsk.
The tables are filled with a variety of soups, hot dishes, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Yet, despite the abundance of food, it is essential to remember moderation. Iftar is not about lavish feasting but rather about replenishing energy after a day of fasting. As the month of Ramadan comes to an end on March 30, 2025, Muslims will celebrate Uraza-Bairam on the night of March 31.
In the Moscow region, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims organized a festive Iftar in honor of the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland. This event, held in the banquet hall of the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, gathered veterans and participants of the special military operation, parents of fallen heroes, and representatives from various government bodies and the business community.
Mufti Rushan Abbyasov, head of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Moscow Region, conveyed warm greetings from Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, the Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation. "Our evening meal is dedicated to the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland, declared by the President, and the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. Our brave soldiers today, like their ancestors 80 years ago, heroically defend our Motherland as part of the special military operation. Special thanks go to the parents who raised these brave warriors. They are with us today," said Mufti Rushan Abbyasov.
He emphasized that Muslim communities in the Moscow region provide significant material and spiritual support to soldiers on the front lines and in hospitals, particularly to veterans of the special military operation and the families of soldiers. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining good neighborliness, which he described as a primary task for the multinational and multi-religious society of Russia.
Maria Nagornaya, Vice-Governor of the Moscow Region, lamented that battles are not only taking place on the front lines, as enemies of Russia attempt to sow interethnic discord, which is impossible in the cohesive multinational state. She reminded attendees of President Vladimir Putin's words about everyone having their own front, thanking everyone present for their contributions to strengthening peace and harmony within society and for their active support of participants in the special military operation.
Ravil Akhmetshin, a Deputy Prime Minister of Tatarstan, noted that Ramadan is a time for internal transformation as well as for fostering good relationships and bringing people together, regardless of their nationality or religion. He mentioned a tradition during Ramadan where they visit the graves of local war veterans to offer prayers-dua.
As the evening progressed, Mufti Rushan Abbyasov presented Hajj trip certificates to participants of the special military operation and to the parents of soldiers who sacrificed their lives defending the Motherland. These certificates were part of the large-scale, federally implemented initiative "Hajj Kerim 2025," made possible through the generosity of Senator Suleiman Kerimov and under the blessing of Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin.
In her closing remarks, Tatyana Dmitrieva, a member of the Moscow Regional Duma, expressed gratitude to Mufti Rushan Abbyasov for the annual invitation to the festive Iftar, highlighting the importance of such events. She emphasized that the themes of the Year of the Defender of the Fatherland and the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory are extremely significant, as there could have been no victory without the unity of the peoples of the Soviet Union. Drawing parallels to current events, she expressed hope for a swift victory for Russia in the ongoing special military operation, acknowledging the contributions of every resident of the Moscow region through humanitarian missions and public service.
The month of Ramadan has thus served not only as a time for fasting and reflection but also as an opportunity for community solidarity and support for those who serve on the front lines. As Muslims in both the Chelyabinsk region and Moscow reflect on the significance of this holy month, they are reminded of the values of compassion, unity, and mutual support that transcend cultural and religious boundaries.
