The congratulatory message reads, in part:
“As Chairman of the Council of Russian Muftis, a man of high culture, and the spiritual mentor of Russia's Muslims, you contribute to the development of a fruitful interreligious dialogue, and teach the younger generation to respect our spiritual heritage.
You consistently oppose all forms of extremism and xenophobia and courageously defend the values of traditional Islam. By doing so you facilitate interethnic relations in our society.”