A statement after signing the memorandum of understanding between the Ministry and the Russian Muftis Shura Council.
His Excellency the Minister Shaikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Ashaikh said that signing the memorandum of understanding between the Ministry and the Russian Muftis Shura Council and the Religious Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation in the field of cooperation in Islamic affairs is the culmination of what is offered by the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the righteous King and just ruler Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Highness the Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, may Allah protect them, for great services to the Islamic world. It is also the culmination of the distinguished relations between the Kingdom and Russia which witnesses remarkable development from which the Muslims has benefitted well by communicating with their brothers in the countries of the Islamic world.
This statement was issued by His Excellency after the ceremony of signing the memorandum with the Chairman of the Russian Muftis Shura Council at the Ministry's headquarters in Riyadh in the presence of leaders from the Ministry and the Russian Muftis Shura Council. His Excellency indicated that the agreement will be a start for fruitful cooperation between the Ministry and the Shaikhdom in Russia, Dar Al Iftaa and Islamic associations in Russia. All of which would serve Islam and Muslims in Russia and strengthen the bonds of friendship and love between the Saudi people and the Russian people especially the Muslims there. The content of the agreement serves the Muslims around the world.
His Excellency added: "This agreement proves the distinguished relations between the Kingdom under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdulaziz and his Highness the Crown Prince, Prince Mohammad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, may Allah protect them and the Russian Federation under the leadership of His Excellency the Russian President Putin to whom we are grateful for his assistance and support to Muslims in Russia. This certainly indicates that the Russian President is characterized with foresight and wisdom and he is also a statesman which is evidenced by rapprochement seen by us between Muslims in Russia with Muslims all over the world.
His Excellency Minister Shaikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Ashaikh confirmed that the Kingdom under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Highness the Crown Prince, may Allah protect them, is assuming its major responsibilities to serve Islam and Muslims and is spreading moderation and tolerance as well as working to eliminate terrorism, killing and destruction in the whole world. His Excellency clarified that it is necessary that the Muslim be a good example for the whole world as our religion is the religion of mercy, charity, justice and love for the worlds. In addition, the Muslim should be working faithfully for his religion, leadership and homeland.
His Excellency the Minister added that the Kingdom is facing a major attack and conspiracies backed by sectarian groups and, unfortunately, Islamic countries. The attacks plotted against the Kingdom are intended for the religion of Islam. the Kingdom is the lighthouse of Islam and represents a symbol for all Muslims. That is why they are trying to bring down this country, but they will not be able to do that by the grace of Allah, then thanks to the solidarity of the Kingdom's people with their wise leadership as well as the support by sincere Muslims everywhere.
At the conclusion of statement, His Excellency the Minister Shaikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Ashaikh said that there will be interviews between officials of the Ministry and the Council to discuss new updates for serving Islam and Muslims. "We hope that we will work together to spread the correct concepts of moderate Islam and spread the Islamic call all over the world,” the minister added.
On his part, Chairman of the Russian Muftis Shura Council, Head of the Religious Department of Muslims of Russian Federation, Shaikh Rawi Ainuddin conveyed, at the beginning of his statement, the greetings of the President Putin to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and to His Highness the Crown Prince, Prince Mohammad bin Salman as well as to the entire Saudi people. He expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality that found by him and by the accompanying delegation describing that as an honoring for all Muslims in Russia and an affirmation of the good position that Muslims in Russia have with their brothers in the Kingdom. Moreover, he pointed out that there is consensus and unified visions between the Muslims of the Russian Federation and the officials in the Ministry led by His Excellency the Minister Shaikh Dr. Abdullatif Al Ashaikh.
Rawi Ainuddin said: "the memorandum of understanding that we have signed today will support consolidating, deepening and expanding bilateral relations in the religious and Islamic fields as well as the educational, humanitarian and charitable fields." He added that it will serve spreading the concepts of moderate Islam and will place emphasis on mutual respect among followers of different religions and nationalities.
Shaikh Rawi Ainuddin confirmed that the Russian Muftis Shura Council and the Religious Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation will work to benefit from the Ministry’s experience in the Kingdom to spread moderate Islam which is guided by the teachings of the Glorious Qur'an and the Noble Sunnah.
Shaikh Rawi Ainuddin indicated that the Kingdom and Russia have a long history in bilateral relations in the religious and Islamic fields and in various fields including certainly cooperation with the Ministry. There is cooperation and dealing with the Ministry of Hajj. "We are honored to work with the institutions of the Kingdom as it is the country of Islam and peace and the religion of tolerance was spread therefrom,” Shaikh Rawi Ainuddin added.
Shaikh Rawi Ainuddin praised the policy pursued by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia which made it a pioneering model in providing everything that serves Islam and Muslims in the world. He also praised the programs and goals included in the Kingdom’s Vision (2030) that was launched by Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, may Allah grant him success, leading the aspirations of the youth in the Kingdom to creativity, because of the opportunities that it has offered to them in all fields, including the Islamic affairs.
The Chairman of the Russian Muftis Shura Council, the Head of the Religious Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation, concluded his statement by stressing that this agreement will enhance joint Islamic action for spreading the values and tolerance of Islam and confronting all negative phenomena, foremost of it is terrorism, which belongs to no religion. He supplicated to Allah to protect the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and His Highness the Crown Prince and maintain the Kingdom's security and stability.
