PEOPLE around the world, including in Russia, are celebrating Aidilfitri (called 'Uraza Bairam' in Russian), which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.
More than 180,000 people took part in prayers in Moscow. There were so many of them that some had to perform prayers on sidewalks.
In 2018, one of the grand mufti of Russia estimated that the Muslim population in the country had reached 25 million.
The speaker of the Russian parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, wished Muslims a happy Aidilfitri.
"Aidilfitri is a bright holiday that symbolises the joy of life, purity of soul and thoughts. Its traditions are based on love of family, veneration of ancestors, generosity and hospitality.
"These values are passed down from generation to generation, preserving the experience accumulated over centuries. The Muslim community of Russia carries out important educational work aimed at strengthening interethnic dialogue and good neighbourliness," he said.
The chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation, and of the Council of Muftis of Russia, Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, in his Aidilfitri address, said:
"Dear brothers and sisters, we pray to the Lord of the world, Allah, that peace, prosperity, and mutual understanding reign in the homes of Muslims all over the planet, so that those who are now experiencing hardship and suffering receive relief, those who are sick recover, and those who are Muslims meet this month in prayer, and meet the next Ramadan in good health!"
Aidilfitri celebrations took place in many Russian cities, including in the republics of Adygea, Bashkortostan, Dagestan, Ingushetia, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, Tatarstan, Chechnya and Crimea.
My friend, Zulfiya Mulyukova, from Tatarskaya Kargala in the Orenburg region, told me how Muslims in the village organised 'iftar' during Ramadan.
Mufti Alfit Hazrat Sharipov attended the breaking of fast at the village's House of Culture. He spoke about the benefits and value of fasting.
He said "fasting is not just abstaining from food and drink. It's about educating yourself, improving your character, and maintaining this state until the next Ramadan".
Sharipov urged everyone to live without swearing, without quarrelling, to ensure peace and harmony and to appreciate every creation of God.
People gathered at the House of Culture one day before Aidilfitri for the reading of verses from the Quran and to see a religious concert.
At the end of the programme, the people recited a collective prayer under the leadership of Sharipov.
Among the prominent persons present were the head of the village council, Aitov Marat Kamilievich, and the imam of the mosques in Tatarskaya Kargala.
* Pogadaev, writing from Moscow, is a former lecturer of Universiti Malaya
