The message reads, in part:
“This holiday, which marks the end of Hajj, the Muslim pilgrimage to the ancient shrines, serves to unite people and bring them closer to the centuries-old religious, spiritual and historical traditions of their ancestors.
It is highly gratifying that the life of Russia’s Muslim community is actively developing and is rich in important initiatives in the fields of culture and education, charity and upbringing of the younger generation. New mosques and madrasas are being built and the system of religious education is improving. I note that this year, thousands of followers of Islam will celebrate Eid al-Adha in Moscow’s Cathedral Mosque, which has now been reborn.
I am confident that Russian Muslims will continue to participate fully in the life of the country, to promote inter-ethnic and inter-religious dialogue and peace and harmony in society.”