MAY 2019 | VOLUME 45 | ISSUE 5
Contents
I. Editorial Leaders Letter from the Editor ...... 7 New Zealand: The Intolerability of Intolerance ...... 9 Russia & Islam: The Power of Tradition ...... 13
Editorial Department:
II. MWL and the World: The Month in Review Secretary General H.E. Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa III. Feature Articles Supervisor General Geopolitics Media Affairs Dept. Moscow, Grozny, St. Petersburg, Kazan: Abdulwahab Alshehri MWL Reaches Hearts & Minds ...... 17 Editor Responsible The Chechnya Report: Marcia A. Christoff MWL Makes Inroads, Marks Influence ...... 29 P.O. Box 537 Russia Conference Keynote Speech of H.E. Sheikh Makkah, Saudi Arabia Dr. Al-Issa “Islam: A Message of Mercy and Peace”...... 36 Tel: 0096 66 (012)560 0919 Cultural Affairs: Email: [email protected] Dazzling Gems and Hidden Treasures: Two Mosques of Russia . . . . .42 Follow Us on Social Media: Islam & Orthodoxy: Cooperation Not Conflict ...... 48 @mwlorg_en | @mwlorg | Russia’s Powerful Muslim Spiritual Board ...... 52 @mwlorg_fr | @mwlorg_ur
Economics/Business /mwlorg.en | /mwlorg
Start-ups and Oligarchs: Russian-Muslim Entrepreneurship ...... 54 @mwlorg
Technology and Medicine /themwlorg
Russia’s Silicon Valley and Islamic World Investment ...... 57 mwlorg
IV. Historical Essays Kazan’s Most Famous Woman ...... 58 Count Leo Tolstoy: The Friend of Islam...... 60
1 MWL in March/April Highlights of the Month in Review
MARCH 28 and the Islamic world. The visit of the Muslim World League to Rus- sia—a first-ever trip—and the gathering of the MARCH 28, MOSCOW international Islamic conference “Islam: A Mes- H.E. Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa signed a cooperation sage of Mercy & Peace” began on this day at the agreement with the State Fund for the Promotion President Hotel in Moscow, closing in Grozny on of Culture, Science and Education in Russia. The March 30. This conference included participants agreement promotes moderation and tolerance. from 43 countries and the MWL highlighted the occasion with a formal resolution restating the MARCH 28, MOSCOW fundamental principles of the Islamic faith. On behalf of Salakh-Khadzhi Mezhiyev, the advisor to the Head of the Chechen Republic and Mufti The conference was organized with the sup- of the Chechen Republic; Turko Daudov, Chechen port of the Muslim World League, the Russian Deputy Mufti for foreign relations, H.E. Sheikh Dr. Academy of Sciences, the Regional Public Fund Al-Issa, and the honorary delegation of the MWL, and the State Fund for the Promotion of Culture, met with Mikhail Bogdanov, the special presiden- Science and Education. Public, political and reli- tial envoy for the Middle East and African coun- gious leaders of the Federal Subjects of Russia tries, the Deputy Russian Foreign Minister, and participated–including the State Duma, the Fed- Konstantin Shuvalov, the Ambassador-at-large of eral Council and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. the Russian Foreign Ministry. The MWL delegation continued its official visit to Russia with meetings in the legendary city Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa met with the Moscow Grand of St. Petersburg and Kazan, the capital of the Mufti, Sheikh Ravil Gaynetdin, at the Mos- cow Republic of Tatarstan. Cathedral Mosque, informing the Grand Mufti that he is on the list of the 70 most influential MARCH 28, MOSCOW people of the Muslim world. Mufti Sheikh Ravil Dr. Al-Issa met with the Chairman of the Russian Gaynetdin, Chairman of the Russian Muftis Coun- Parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, in Moscow to cil and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of discuss the importance of religious tolerance the Russian Federation, has been a member of and peaceful coexistence. “The very fact of the Supreme Council of the Muslim World League such a great number of prominent scholars for more than ten years. In response, the spiritual gathering for the event indicates the authority of leader of Russian Muslims expressed his readi- the region,” said Mr. Volodin. ness to actively support Dr. Al-Issa in popularizing the true values of Islam, which are goodness, MARCH 28, MOSCOW peace, good-neighborliness, mutual respect and Valentina Matviyenko, Chairwoman of the Fed- humanism. Damir Gizatullin and Rushan Abb- eration Council of the Federal Assembly, praised yasov, the First Deputy Chairmen of Mufti Sheikh the Muslim World League’s humanitarian role Gaynetdin, as well as Ildar Galeyev, the head of the in Russia and around the world. She exchanged International Department of the Russian Muftis traditional gifts with H.E. Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa, not- Council, were present. Council, were present. ing the similarity of customs shared by Russia
2 MARCH 28, MOSCOW Peace.” A round-table talk on that theme was Sergey Ordzhonikidze, the Public Chamber Dep- reinforced by memories of the late Akhmad uty Secretary, and Albir Krganov, the head of the Khadzhi Kadyrov, who brought peace and order Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia, met to Chechnya following the Koran and Sunnah. H.E. Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa at the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation. The Deputy Secretary of The guests also spoke about the living stan- the Public Chamber drew attention to the work dards of the country’s population, noting that of the Assembly “for harmonization of intereth- today the Chechen Republic is one of Russia’s nic and inter-religious relations,” noting that this fastest-growing regions, with special attention body is “an important platform for the develop- paid to the spiritual sphere–particularly, the con- ment of state-confessional relations and for struction of new mosques both in the republic making decisions to improve legislation in the and outside. These participants also spoke of sphere of freedom of conscience and religion.” the Khalid Ibn Valid mosque in the Syrian city of Khoms, restored at the expense of the Kadyrov MARCH 28, MOSCOW Regional Public Fund. Grand Mufti Sheikh Nafigulla Shirov of the Re- public of Chechnya participated in the interna- APRIL 2, GROZNY tional Islamic conference, “Islam: A Message of The advisor to the Mufti of the Chechen Re- Mercy and Peace” at the invitation of Dr. Al-Issa. public, Salakh Khadzi Mezhiyev, met with the Chairman of the World Council of Muslim MARCH 29, GROZNY Communities, Dr. Ali Rashid Al-Nuami. Dr. Al-Nu- In Grozny, the participants in the conference, ami highlighted the major role of the national accompanied by the leader of Chechnya, were leader of the Chechen people in transforming invited to a Friday “Namaz,” and H.E. Shiekh Dr. the region. Dr. Al-Nuami is also Chairman of the Al-Issa gave a sermon. This event was orga- Governing Council of Hedayeh, an international nized by the Spiritual Administration of Muslims center on countering violent extremism. of the Chechen Republic. APRIL 2, GROZNY MARCH 29, GROZNY The international publication Eurasia Review re- Dr Al-Issa was awarded the highest honor of ports: “The Muslim World League conducted its Muslims of the Caucasus with the medal “For meetings in key parts of the Russian Federation, Merit to the Ummah” by the Coordinating Center including the Chechen capital of Grozny, where for Muslims of the North Caucasus. the mix of religious and ethnic communities is significant. Organized under the patronage of the APRIL 2, GROZNY Russian government and the presidency of the A talk show, “Kadryov Path,” was shot in the Chechen Republic, the MWL conference held spe- main office of the Akhmat Kadyrov television cial significance for both Moscow and Grozny.” and radio station in Grozny. The talk show participants discussed the international Islam- ic conference, “Islam: A Message Mercy and
3 APRIL 3, GROZNY APRIL 4, ST. PETERSBURG Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas awarded H.E. Sheikh Dr Al-Issa’s speech in St. Petersburg Ramzan Kadyrov the Star of Jerusalem medal. It on the theme of peace and civilization to the was presented by the advisor to President Abbas, students of the Oriental Studies Department of Dr. Mahmoud Khabbash. President Kadyrov, the St. Petersburg State University attracted a large leader of the Chechen Republic, confided that audience. “It is important to oppose the negative he “is ready to sacrifice his life for Jerusalem” things in the first place. Terrorism and extremism and warned against manipulating the Palestinian are the most pressing problems and we should problem, especially the theme of Jerusalem, and fight it together,” said Dr. Al-Issa to the students. urged everyone to comply with international con- ventions and laws regulating this issue. APRIL 4, ST. PETERSBURG The acting governor of St. Petersburg, Alexander APRIL 3, GROZNY Beglov, and H.E. Sheikh Dr Al-Issa met at Smolny, The advisor to President Ramzan Kadyrov, the the governor’s residence, to discuss MWL’s visit President of the Republic of Chechya, hosted and message, as well as cooperation on counter- Suleiman Afandi Radzhab, the Mufti of Northern terrorism and economic issues. Mr. Beglov said Macedonia, who arrived in the Chechen Repub- that St. Petersburg would like to develop closer lic to participate in the Islamic conference “Is- economic relations with the Kingdom of Saudi lam: a Message of Mercy and Peace.” The guest Arabia. The Kingdom has shown interest in invest- of honor said that his republic is distinguished ment in infrastructure projects in the St. Peters- by a significant ethnocultural diversity where burg region, such as development of the Pulkovo about 35% of all the residents are Muslim. There Airport. Mr. Beglov and Dr. Al-Issa also discussed are 425 mosques in Macedonia. the need to join efforts in counterterrorism.
APRIL 3, GROZNY APRIL 5, KAZAN The Mufti of the Chechen Republic, Salakh The president of the Republic of Tatarstan, Khadzhi Mezhiyev met with his Serbian counter- Rustam Minnikhanov, met with H.E. Dr. Al-Issa as part Mevlad Dudic. The Serbian mufti expressed head of the Russia Islamic Strategic Vision Group his appreciation and gratitude to the leader of at the Kazan Kremlin. The Saudi delegation, led by the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, and Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa, arrived in Kazan, the capital, as to organizers of the international conference part of his visit April 6-7. The meeting ended with “Islam: A Message of Mercy and Peace.” Mufti the signing of a cooperation agreement between Dudic noted that “a copy of the Holy Koran the MWL and the Spiritual Administration of the written 400 years ago by a Chechen Muslim in Republic of Tatarstan. The Saudi Ambassador to Mecca is kept in Serbia.” Moscow, Raid bin Khalid Krimli, was also present at the meeting.
“President Kadyrov, the leader of the Chechen Republic, confirmed that he ‘is ready to sacrifice his life for Jerusalem’ and warned against manipulation of the Palestinian problem, especially the theme of Jerusalem, and urged everyone to comply with international conventions and laws regulating this issue.”
4 H.E. Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Al-Issa with senior attendees at the “Islam, a Message of Mercy and Peace” Conference in Moscow. Photo Credit: MWL
During that meeting at the Governor’s Palace of APRIL 10 the Kazan Kremlin, the Mufti of Tatarstan, Kamil H.E. Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa published an essay in the Samigullin, exchanged views on the issues of American newsmagazine of the prominent U.S. Russia’s interaction with the Islamic world. Presi- media channel Fox News. The Secretary Gen- dent Minnikhanov expressed hope for successful eral of the MWL wrote, “to build tolerance and and fruitful cooperation in strengthening global promote full national integration, majority and human and spiritual values. Dr. Al-Issa also minority bear a responsibility that is, at its core, delivered a lecture “The World of Civilizations” at similar. It starts with embracing diversity” in the Kazan Federal University. world today.
APRIL 6, KAZAN H.E. Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa visited the Bolgarian Is- lamic Academy in the Republic of Tatarstan. The Saudi delegation led by the Secretary General was welcomed by Daniyar Abdrakhmanov, the rector of the Academy. Dr. Al-Issa spoke about the main challenges that the organization faces, namely, the spread of true Islam, as well as interaction with and respect for representatives of other religions and confessions. Dr. Al-Issa referred to Russia as a model for the whole world during his visit to the Academy.
5 Letterfrom the Editor
MAY 2019
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate,
Events over the course of March and April exemplify the two fundamental challenges that face the Muslim World League in the administration of its mission and the Islamic world at large in the expres- sion of its faith: the tragedy of intolerance and the triumph of understanding. It is why with the re-launch of our journal starting with this April 2019 issue—part of an ongoing process to deliver more and better coverage for our readers—we mark a milestone in refining the meaning of our message at a time of growing multiethnic conflict but also of increasing international awareness. In the early afternoon of March 15, in a suburb just outside of Christchurch, New Zealand, a lone young gunman, an individual espousing self-described “ethnonationalist” beliefs typical of the nature of such crimes, opened fire on two mosques during Friday prayers, killing a total of fifty worshippers and injuring fifty others. The Mus- lim World League was swift to condemn the act, as was the entire civilized world. Of course, we know too well that both the vehement denunciations of violence and the humane, reflexive outpouring of grief for its victims will never prove enough to overcome this kind of terror or to address the complexity of motives behind it. But the MWL also realizes that active engagement dedicated to consistent dialogue and to combating any atmosphere of intolerance is a duty that will always bring about effective, positive results. How unfortunate it was that these killings took place in a beautiful country that consistently over the years has hosted significant exhibits on the glories of Islamic art, including one in Christchurch itself in 2017. It is in this context of working exhaustively to bring communities together that we reflect upon the Christchurch killings in this issue with our Editorial Lead feature: “New Zealand: The Intolerability of Intolerance.” It is our hope you will both learn from it and enjoy it.
— Continued next page
“Islam condemns extremism. The conference participants call on all Muslims to not only prevent those critical phenomena but also to explain their depravity to others. Muslims must observe the traditional values of Islam and rely on the agreement of great scientists and the centuries-old experience of the Ummah, which must follow the straight way.”
—His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, from his keynote Russia address: “Islam: A
Message of Mercy and Peace”
“The Russian Federation attaches great importance to the development of friendly bilateral relations with Muslim countries as well as our ties in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. We have many similar views on many global and regional issues. We stand together for a fair and democratic world order based on the rule of law and freedom from any form of discrimination, diktat or economic and information pressure. Russia and Islamic countries have developed constructive trade, economic, research, technological and cultural 6 cooperation, as well as partner relations in the settlement of local conflicts and crises.” H.E. Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa delivers Friday sermon at the Great Mosque of Chechnya, in Grozny. Photo Credit: MWL
-- Russian President Vladimir Putin in an address to the Russia-Islamic Strategic Group Conference, Republic of Dagestan, November 2018.
6 7
H.E. Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa delivers Friday sermon at the Great Mosque of Chechnya, in Grozny. Photo Credit: MWL Letterfrom the Editor
MAY 2019
In the Name of Allah, the Merciful and Compassionate,
Events over the course of March and April exemplify the two fundamental challenges that face the Muslim World League in the administration of its mission and the Islamic world at large in the expres- sion of its faith: the tragedy of intolerance and the triumph of understanding. It is why with the re-launch of our journal starting with this May 2019 issue—part of an ongoing process to deliver more and better coverage for our readers—we mark a milestone in refining the meaning of our message at a time of growing multiethnic conflict, but also of increasing international awareness. In the early afternoon of March 15, in a suburb just outside of Christchurch, New Zealand, a lone young gunman, an individual espousing self-described “ethnonationalist” beliefs typical of the nature of such crimes, opened fire on two mosques during Friday prayers, killing a total of fifty worshippers and injuring fifty others. The Mus- lim World League was swift to condemn the act, as was the entire civilized world. Of course, we know too well that both the vehement denunciations of violence and the humane, reflexive outpouring of grief for its victims will never prove enough to overcome this kind of terror or to address the complexity of motives behind it. But the MWL also realizes that active engagement dedicated to consistent dialogue and to combating any atmosphere of intolerance is a duty that will always bring about effective, positive results. How unfortunate it was that these killings took place in a beautiful country that consistently over the years has hosted significant exhibits on the glories of Islamic art, including one in Christchurch itself in 2017. It is in this context of working exhaustively to bring communities together that we reflect upon the Christchurch killings in this issue with our Editorial Lead feature: “New Zealand: The Intolerability of Intolerance.” It is our hope you will both learn from it and enjoy it.
— Continued next page
“Islam condemns extremism. The conference participants call on all Muslims to not only prevent those critical phenomena but also to explain their depravity to others. Muslims must observe the traditional values of Islam and rely on the agreement of great scientists and the centuries-old experience of the Ummah, which must follow the straight way.”
—His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary General of the Muslim World League, from his keynote Russia address: “Islam: A
Message of Mercy and Peace”
“The Russian Federation attaches great importance to the development of friendly bilateral relations with Muslim countries as well as our ties in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. We have many similar views on many global and regional issues. We stand together for a fair and democratic world order based on the rule of law and freedom from any form of discrimination, diktat or economic and information pressure. Russia and Islamic countries have developed constructive trade, economic, research, technological and cultural cooperation, as well as partner relations in the settlement of local conflicts and crises.”
-- Russian President Vladimir Putin in an address to the Russia-Islamic Strategic Group Conference, Republic of Dagestan, November 2018.
7 “The Muslim World League was swift to condemn the act, as was the entire civilized world. Of course, we know too well that both the vehement denunciations of violence and the humane, reflexive outpouring of grief for its victims will never prove enough to overcome this kind of terror or to address the complexity of motives behind it.”
The incident only consolidated and reinforced our focus on promoting the philosophy of the MWL, which is “Islam: A Message of Mercy and Peace.” That philosophy was the centerpiece of a spectac- ular week-long visit on the part of the Secretary General of the Muslim World League, His Excellency Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, and members of his diplomatic corps to Russia. Following a significant meeting in Europe between Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa and M. Gilles de Kerchove, the EU counterter- rorism commissioner, the Russia trip was the first of its kind for the League. Comprising a whirlwind tour through four fascinating cities that combined high-level meetings, international conferences, prominent lectures and new cultural and economic agreements, the visit demonstrated how two civ- ilizations—those of Russia and of Islam—can join forces to produce a successful dynamic of social, political and spiritual cohesion. For the MWL, the experience was the triumph of understanding that enlivens our work and keeps us optimistic in the face of so many world struggles.
His Excellency was hosted by top-level Russian and Russian-Chechen dignitaries, the Chief Muftis of Russia/Moscow, as well as the Muftis of Grozny, Kazan and St. Petersburg. He delivered a highly successful lecture to the Oriental Studies Department at the State University of St. Petersburg, an event so popular that faculty and students were given the day off to attend. The trip also included the signing of several agreements for cultural ties, cooperation against terrorism, and new investments with Saudi Arabia. “We think of ourselves as uniquely related to Islam,” said Russian President Vlad- imir Putin in 2010. The sentiment appears as strong as ever. Despite many difficult eras—using the 1999-2009 war in Chechnya as the primary example--past conflicts have emerged into new levels of cooperation between Russian society and Islamic influence. Balancing 25 million Muslims within its borders, Russia presents a striking tapestry of genuine multiculturalism.
We invite you to enjoy the celebration of this visit in the pages of this month’s Journal. The issue, ded- icated to the theme of “Russia and Islam: The Power of Tradition,” offers an inside look at the in-depth meetings between Dr. Al-Issa and his hosts, and explores the cultural diversity of the Russian Federa- tion, the beauty of the country’s magnificent mosques, the success stories of Russian-Muslim person- alities, historical articles, and other subjects of interest. It is our hope you will come to appreciate the profundity of this relationship so little known to popular Western audiences and to mainstream media, but cherished by the Muslim communities who have so richly benefited from it.
Peace Be Upon You, Mercy and Blessings.
--The Editors
8 EDITORIAL
“The Muslim World League was swift to condemn the act, as EDITORIAL was the entire civilized world. Of course, we know too well that New Zealand both the vehement denunciations of violence and the humane, The Intolerability of Intolerance reflexive outpouring of grief for its victims will never prove New Zealand The Intolerability of Intolerance enough to overcome this kind of terror or to address the complexity of motives behind it.” “In the face of such evil the global community can answer only with the values of love, harmony and peace.” — H.E. Sheikh Dr. Muhammad “Inbin Abulkarim the face Al-Issa, of on suchthe March evil 15, 2019, the shootings global at communitytwo mosques in Christchurch, can answer New Zealand only. with the values of love, harmony and peace.” The incident only consolidated and reinforced our focus on promoting the philosophy of the MWL, “This tragedy will— H.E. notSheikh Dr. alter Al-Issa, on New the March 15,Zealand’s 2019, shootings at two national mosques in Christchurch, harmony New Zealand .and brotherly diversity.” which is “Islam: A Message of Mercy and Peace.” That philosophy was the centerpiece of a spectac- — His Excellency Ambassador James Monroe, New Zealand’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. ular week-long visit on the part of the Secretary General of the Muslim World League, His Excellency “This tragedy will not alter New Zealand’s national harmony and brotherly diversity.” Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa and members of his diplomatic corps to Russia. Following a — His Excellency Ambassador James Monroe, New Zealand’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. significant meeting in Europe between Sheikh Dr. Al-Issa and M. Gilles de Kerchove, the EU counterter- “Familiarity helps avoid misunderstandings and confusion,” stated the advertisement for an exhibit on rorism commissioner, the Russia trip was the first of its kind for the League. Comprising a whirlwind Islamic art and civilization in Christchurch, New Zealand, in April 2017. Organized by the Canterbury tour through four fascinating cities that combined high-level meetings, international conferences, “Familiarity helps avoid misunderstandings and confusion,” stated the advertisement for an exhibit Muslim Communityon IslamicTrust (CMCT), art and civilization the exhibit in Christchurch,was entitled New “Multicultural Zealand, in AprilExpressions 2017. Organized of Islamic by the Art,” Canter- prominent lectures and new cultural and economic agreements, the visit demonstrated how two civ- and showcased itemsbury Muslim and images Community that Trustdecorate (CMCT), the thehomes exhibit of was the entitled Muslim “Multicultural community Expressions in that city, of one Islamic ilizations—those of Russia and of Islam—can join forces to produce a successful dynamic of social, that comprises anArt,” estimated and showcased forty different items and ethnicities. images that These decorate included the homes works of the of Muslim calligraphy, community examples in that political and spiritual cohesion. For the MWL, the experience was the triumph of understanding that of a verse from thecity, Koran one that produced comprises in embroidery,an estimated woodforty different carving, ethnicities. intricate These textiles included and beautifully works of calligraphy dec- enlivens our work and keeps us optimistic in the face of so many world struggles. orated metalwork,and among examples many of othera verse items. from the Koran produced in embroidery, wood carving, intricate textiles, and beautifully decorated metalwork, among many other items. His Excellency was hosted by top level Russian and Russian-Chechen dignitaries, the Chief Muftis of The people of New Zealand paying their respects and giving their condolences at Al Noor Mosque. Photo Credit: MWL Russia/Moscow, as well as the Muftis of Grozny, Kazan and St. Petersburg including a highly success- The people of New Zealand paying their respects and giving their condolences at Al Noor Mosque. Photo Credit: MWL ful lecture to the Oriental Studies Department at the State University of St. Petersburg, an event so popular that faculty and students were given the day off to attend. The trip also included the signing of several agreements for cultural ties, cooperation against terrorism, and new investments with Sau- di Arabia. “We think of ourselves as uniquely related to Islam,” said Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2010. The sentiment appears as strong as ever. Despite many difficult eras—using the 1999-2009 war in Chechnya as the primary example-- past conflicts have emerged into new levels of cooperation be- tween Russian society and Islamic influence. Balancing 25 million Muslims within its borders, Russia presents a striking tapestry of genuine multiculturalism.
We invite you to enjoy the celebration of this visit in the pages of this month’s Journal. The issue, ded- icated to the theme of “Russia and Islam: The Power of Tradition,” offers an inside look at the in-depth meetings between Dr. Al-Issa and his hosts, and explores the cultural diversity of the Russian Federa- tion, the beauty of the country’s magnificent mosques, the success stories of Russian-Muslim person- alities, historical articles, and other subjects of interest. It is our hope you will come to appreciate the profundity of this relationship so little known to popular Western audiences and to mainstream media, but cherished by the Muslim communities who have so richly benefited from it.
Peace Be Upon You, Mercy and Blessings.
--The Editors 9
8 9 “The believers, in their mutual kindness, compassion and sympathy, are just like one body. When any part of the body suffers, the whole body feels pain.”
Dr. Jacinda Ardern, Prime Minister of New Zealand, quoting the Prophet Muhammad, (Peace Be Upon Him)
“Islam is integral to every part of a Muslim’s life their humanitarian needs. Meanwhile, the MWL and makes it beautiful,” noted its organizers, Secretary General undertook an intense round of “so [too] Islamic art should be used to make the diplomatic consultations and initiatives aimed things of everyday life beautiful.” at gaining clarity on the situation and at combat- ing the intolerance that has created an intolera- The event was no mere one-off for the country: ble international state of affairs. He hosted the Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, held its respective ambassadors of New Zealand and first Islamic art exhibit on April 13, 2010. That Australia to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to his exhibit followed on the heels of a successful office in Riyadh, during which both diplomats showing in Perth, in Western Australia, a few expressed horrified shock and confusion at the years prior of “Islamic Art and Patronage: Trea- developments. “This tragedy will not alter New sures from Kuwait,” which displayed the mag- Zealand’s national harmony and brotherly diver- nificent holdings of the Al Sabah collection in sity,” noted Ambassador James Monroe, New that Gulf country. Local newspapers and media Zealand’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi outlets like The Australasian Muslim Times took Arabia, at the meeting. pride in the business success stories of “the Muslims of Oceania,” and regional associations One poignant testimony of the unity that came like the Muslim Women’s National Network together in the wake of the attacks may be seen of Sydney, Australia, and the National Islamic in a video of April 9 put out by the MWL and Women’s Council of New Zealand drew record available on Twitter and Facebook. This video participation stretching from those countries to features Salwa Mohammad, a Syrian refugee French Polynesia and Fiji. living in New Zealand with her family, whose sons were shot and killed in the shootings. The In light of such open-minded and generous video, which features background scenes of sentiment, one wonders how a setting filled with the multicultural empathy demonstrated by the such physical and artistic beauty could become, people of New Zealand for the victims, narrates in the space of just two years, the site of the Salwa’s story as she describes the role of MWL worst massacre in that country’s history. On in assisting her in that time of need. March 15, a lone gunman opened fire on Muslim worshippers at Friday prayers in attacks at two In the days following the attacks and in con- mosques in the vicinity of Christchurch, the first sultation with dignitaries and world leaders at the Al Noor Mosque in the suburb of Riccari- on strategies to reduce their recurrence, Dr. on and the second at the Linwood Islamic Cen- Al-Issa vehemently made it clear that in the ter minutes away, killing a total of fifty persons face of such evil, the global community “can and wounding fifty more. Upon condemning the answer only with the values of love, harmony mosque attacks, the MWL, led by H.E. Sheikh Dr. and peace.” Dr. Al-Issa added in a statement Al-Issa, reached out to victims of the attack for issued by the organization: “The Muslim World
10 League condemns the attacks in New Zealand’s Muslims in New Zealand according to the 2013 mosques that has claimed the lives of dozens census is 46,149, up 28% from 36,072 from the of innocent worshippers and left many others 2006 census, as reported by Wikipedia, with the seriously wounded.” He continued: “The Mus- majority of New Zealand Muslims belonging to lim World League also expresses its deep grief the Sunni faith. The principal concentrations and condolences for the families, friends and of the Muslim population in the country are communities of the victims. Terrorist attacks found in the major cities of Auckland, Hamilton, against people of faith are one of the most inhu- Wellington and Christchurch. Although Muslims mane and evil forms of incitement and hatred. are a small but rapidly increasing group, there The barbarity, hatred and ill will of this extremist has been relatively little empirical research terrorist act parallels the violent acts of Al-Qae- about their experiences in New Zealand, and da and Daesh.” The Secretary General further media reports have focused on a growing lack added: “To address the scourge of extremism of receptivity to Muslim immigrants among the and Islamophobia, we need governments and general population. faith organizations around the world to work together to encourage religious tolerance and At the same time, broader developments within understanding and prevent all forms of incite- that population’s acceptance into general soci- ment and hatred, including all types of hatred ety suggest positive results. Victoria University leveled against any religion or ethnicity. With- did another study focused on the treatment of out preventive action seeking to foster human Muslim youth in the country, commenting that and moral values in our younger generations, while young Muslims in New Zealand did indeed we risk further cycles of violence. The Muslim face a variety of social, environmental or peer World League will work to increase its efforts to threats to their development, “their pathways to work with multi-faith groups in order to create adjustment were rooted within a supportive con- initiatives to promote greater understanding and text that both promoted positive outcomes and tolerance.” diminished risks. The results from this study suggest that there are protective elements for Victoria University in Wellington noted in a this group, which are embedded in the process landmark 2011 study that Muslims became the of cultural transition. Specifically, the research most rapidly growing religious group in New shows that resilience emerges from the process Zealand with the population increasing six-fold of managing multiple cultural demands.” between 1991 and 2006. Today, the number of
Installation of the new prayer rug gifted by MWL to Al Noor Mosque in Christchurch, New Zealand following heinous terrorist attack. Photo Credit: MWL
11 The Journal of the Muslim World League May 2019 study suggest that there are protective elements for this group, which are embedded in the process of cultural transition. Specifically, the research shows that resilience emerges from the process of managing multiple cultural demands.”
“Muslims are often in the news for all the wrong reasons so one of our motivations was to show a different side to Islam. We want to emphasize some of the beauty and diversity in Islam”—Organizers of the exhibit, “Multicultural Expressions of Islamic Art”, Christchurch, New Zealand, April 3, 2017.
EDITORIAL
Russia and Islam The Power of Tradition
The Journal“It’s our of first the Muslim visit. WeWorld are Leagueproud of this visit, we are proud of the ties, cultural and civilizational, that May 2019 we have already established with some of the greater cities. We’ll continue to develop them.” —H.E. Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa
It may come as a surprise to many that Islam tiny as Muslim populations in the country enjoy a [THISis the WOULD second most BE widelyPAGE professed SEVEN religion AND in RIGHTgreater SIDED] voice and brighter future there. Russia. An estimated 25 million Russians are Support shown for the New Zealand Muslim community. Photo Credit: MWL Muslim, according to the Grand Mufti of Russia, It is estimated that the Muslim population will Support shown for the New Zealand Muslim community. Photo Credit: MWL Figure 3 Photo credit: USA Today Sheikh Ravil Gaynetdin. The Grand Mufti hosted reach one-fifth of the total population of the Rus- one of several high-level meetings honoring the sian Federation (approximately 144 million) by A week after the attack, a nationwide moment Speaking to mourners in the crowd, Prime Min- Secretary General of the Muslim World League, 2020.Editorial Islam came to Russia in the seventh centu- Aof week silence after was the observed attack, ain nationwide New Zealand moment on Fri- isterSpeaking Jacinda to Ardern mourners said, in“New the Zealandcrowd, Prime mourns Min- His Excellency Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin ry, forming high concentrations of states before ofday, silence ushered was in observed by the Muslim in New call Zealand to prayer. on The Fri- withister you. Jacinda We are Ardern one.” Quoting said “New the ProphetZealand Mu- mourns Abdulkarim Al-Issa, who visited RussiaRussia over thean d Islam:the formation The Power of a single of Tradition Russian state. These prayer and two-minute reflection were broad- hammad, [Peace Be Upon Him], she said: “The A week after the attack, a nationwideday, usheredmoment in by the of Muslim silence call to prayer. was The observed with you. We in are New one.” Quoting Zealand the Prophet on Mu- Friday - usheredcourse of the international conference “Islam: regionsMay are2019 known today as Tatarstan and Bash- cast live on national media outlets and filled the believers in their mutual kindness, compassion, prayer and two-minute reflection were broad- hammad, [Peace Be Upon Him], she said: “The A Message of Mercy and Peace” in late March Editorialkortostan Staff, MWL and Journalthe republics of the North Cauca- silence as an estimated 20,000 people, includ- and sympathy are just like one body. When any in by the Muslim call to prayer. Thecast prayer live on national and media two outlets-minute and filled thereflection believers in were their mutual broadcast kindness, compassion, live on national through early April. The choice of Russia as host sus such as Dagestan and Chechnya. Islam was ing Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, gathered a part of the body suffers, the whole body feels silence as an estimated 20,000 people, includ- and sympathy are just like one body. When any country for the conference was a novel venture declared the first official religion of a state within few feet from the Al Noor mosque in the city pain.” ing Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, gathered a part of the body suffers, the whole body feels for the MWL, one that not only paid respect to Russian borders in 922. This was sixty-six years media outlets and came as an estimatedof Christchurch 20,000 for Muslim people, Friday prayers. including Mr. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, gathered a few feet from the Al Noor mosque in the city pain.” earlier than the acceptance of Orthodox Christi- Gamal Fouda, an imam who survived the attack We at the Muslim World League are both the deep historical-cultural relationship that has of Christchurch for Muslim Friday prayers. Mr. anity as the official religion of Kievan Rus, as the few feet from the Al Noor mosque inat thethe mosque, city said of to the Christchurch press: “Last Friday I forspiritually Muslim encouraged Friday and morally prayers. inspired Mr. Gamal bonded the two civilizations together, but high- We at the Muslim World League are both Gamalstood inFouda, this mosque an imam and who saw survived hatred and the rageattack when members of the international community lighted the continued strength of this shared des- first such Russian state was known. spiritually encouraged and morally inspired Fouda, an imam who survived the attackatin the the mosque,eyes at of theAl said terrorist, Noorto the butpress: todaymosque, “Last from Friday the I saidrecognize to the such valuespress, as expressed "last by FridayPrime I stood in this stoodsame inplace this Imosque look out and Isaw see hatredthe love and and rage Ministerwhen membersArdern and of shared the international by the MWL—values community mosque and saw hatred and rage in inthecompassion the eyeseyes of in the theof terrorist, eyes the of thousands butterrorist, today fromof New the but thattodayrecognize are universal suchfrom and values timeless, the as expressed same serving as byplace the Prime I look out and I sameZealanders place andI look human out and beings I see from the aroundlove and the principalMinister standard Ardern uponand shared which modern,by the MWL—values civilized see the love and compassion in the eyescompassionglobe.” of thousandsin the eyes of thousands of New of New Zealanderssocietiesthat are live universal and and grow and together humantimeless, and serving as beingsone. as the from around the Zealanders and human beings from around the principal standard upon which modern, civilized globe". globe.” societies live and grow together and as one. Speaking to mourners in the crowd, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said "New Zealand mourns with you. We are one". Quoting“We the need Prophet government Muhammad, and faith organizationsshe said: "The around believers the world in to their mutual kindness, work together to encourage religious tolerance and understanding to compassion, and sympathy“We are need just governmentlike one body. and faithWhen organizations any part of around the body the world suffers, to the whole body feels prevent all forms of incitement and hatred, such that which occurred work together to encourage religious tolerance and understanding to pain.” in New Zealand.” prevent all forms of incitement and hatred, such that which occurred We at the Muslim World— His League Excellency Ridwaan are Jadwat, both Ambassador spiritually of Australia to the encouragedKingdom of Saudi Arabia. and morally inspired when members in12 New Zealand.” of the international community recognize such values as expressed by Prime Minister Ardern and shared by — His Excellency Ridwaan Jadwat, Ambassador of Australia to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. the MWL—values that are12 universal and timeless, serving as the principle standard upon which modern, 13 Photo Credit: Kazan.ru; governmental site, public domain. civilized societies live and grow together and as one. ~ The Editors Figure 4 Photo Credit: Kazan.ru; governmental site, public domain.
“It’s our first visit, we are proud of this visit, we are proud of the ties—cultural and civilizational that we have already established with some of the greater cities. We’ll continue to develop them.” -
--H.E. Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa
The Journal of the Muslim World League May 2019 study suggest that there are protective elements for this group, which are embedded in the process of cultural transition. Specifically, the research shows that resilience emerges from the process of managing multiple cultural demands.”
“Muslims are often in the news for all the wrong reasons so one of our motivations was to show a different side to Islam. We want to emphasize some of the beauty and diversity in Islam”—Organizers of the exhibit, “Multicultural Expressions of Islamic Art”, Christchurch, New Zealand, April 3, 2017.
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ItIt maymay comecome asas aa surprisesurprise toto manymany thatthat IslamIslam tinytiny asas Muslim populations in the country enjoy a [THISisis thethe WOULD second-mostsecond most BE widely widelyPAGE professedprofessed SEVEN religionreligion AND inin RIGHTgreater SIDED] voice and brighter future there. Russia.Russia. AnAn estimatedestimated 2525 millionmillion Russians are Muslim,Muslim, accordingaccording toto thethe GrandGrand Mufti of Russia, ItIt isis estimatedestimated thatthat the Muslim population will Support shown for the New Zealand Muslim community. Photo Credit: MWL Figure 3 Photo credit: USA Today SheikhSheikh RavilRavil Gaynetdin.Gaynetdin. TheThe Grand Mufti hosted reachreach one-fifth of the total population of the Rus-Rus- oneone ofof severalseveral high-levelhigh-level meetingsmeetings honoring the sian Federation (approximately 144 million) by 2020. Islam came to Russia in the seventh centu- SecretarySecretary GeneralGeneral ofof thethe MuslimMuslim World League, 2020.Editorial Islam came to Russia in the seventh centu- A week after the attack, a nationwide moment Speaking to mourners in the crowd, Prime Min- HisHis ExcellencyExcellency SheikhSheikh Dr.Dr. MuhammadMuhammad bin ry,ry, formingforming high concentrations of states before of silence was observed in New Zealand on Fri- ister Jacinda Ardern said “New Zealand mourns AbdulkarimAbdulkarim Al-Issa,Al-Issa, whowho visitedvisited RussiaRussia over the an d Islam:thethe formationformation The Power of a single of Tradition Russian state. These A week after the attack, a nationwideday, usheredmoment in by the of Muslim silence call to prayer. was The observed with you. We in are New one.” Quoting Zealand the Prophet on Mu- Friday - usheredcoursecourse ofof thethe internationalinternational conference “Islam: regionsregionsMay are2019 known today as Tatarstan and Bash-Bash- prayer and two-minute reflection were broad- hammad, [Peace Be Upon Him], she said: “The AA MessageMessage ofof MercyMercy andand Peace”Peace” in late March Editorialkortostan Staff, MWL and theJournal republics of the North Cauca-Cauca- in by the Muslim call to prayer. Thecast prayer live on national and media two outlets-minute and filled thereflection believers in were their mutual broadcast kindness, compassion, live on national throughthrough earlyearly April.April. TheThe choicechoice ofof RussiaRussia asas hosthost sus such as Dagestan and Chechnya. Islam was silence as an estimated 20,000 people, includ- and sympathy are just like one body. When any countrycountry forfor thethe conferenceconference was a novel venture declared the first official religion of a state within media outlets and came as an estimateding Prime 2 Minister0,000 Jacinda people, Ardern, gathered including a part Prime of the body Minister suffers, the whole Jacinda body feels Ardern, gatheredforfor thethe a MWL,MWL, oneone thatthat notnot onlyonly paidpaid respectrespect toto Russian borders in 922. This was sixty-six years few feet from the Al Noor mosque in the city pain.” thethe deepdeep historical-culturalhistorical-cultural relationshiprelationship thatthat hashas earlier than the acceptance of Orthodox Christi-Christi- few feet from the Al Noor mosque inof Christchurch the city for ofMuslim Christchurch Friday prayers. Mr. for Muslim Friday prayers. Mr. Gamal bondedbonded thethe twotwo civilizationscivilizations together, but high-high- anity as the official religion of Kievan Rus, as the Gamal Fouda, an imam who survived the attack We at the Muslim World League are both lightedlighted thethe continuedcontinued strengthstrength ofof thisthis sharedshared des-des- first such Russian state was known. Fouda, an imam who survived the attackat the mosque, at Al said Noorto the press: mosque, “Last Friday I saidspiritually to the encouraged press, and "last morally inspiredFriday I stood in this stood in this mosque and saw hatred and rage when members of the international community mosque and saw hatred and rage in inthe the eyeseyes of the of terrorist, the butterrorist, today from the but todayrecognize suchfrom values the as expressed same byplace Prime I look out and I same place I look out and I see the love and Minister Ardern and shared by the MWL—values see the love and compassion in the eyescompassion of thousandsin the eyes of thousands of New of New Zealandersthat are universal and and humantimeless, serving beings as the from around the Zealanders and human beings from around the principal standard upon which modern, civilized globe". globe.” societies live and grow together and as one. Speaking to mourners in the crowd, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said "New Zealand mourns with you. We are one". Quoting the Prophet Muhammad, she said: "The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy“We are need just governmentlike one body. and faithWhen organizations any part of around the body the world suffers, to the whole body feels pain.” work together to encourage religious tolerance and understanding to We at the Muslim Worldprevent League all forms are bothof incitement spiritually and encouragedhatred, such that and which morally occurred inspired when members in New Zealand.” of the international community recognize such values as expressed by Prime Minister Ardern and shared by — His Excellency Ridwaan Jadwat, Ambassador of Australia to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. the MWL—values that are12 universal and timeless, serving as the principle standard upon which modern, 13 Photo Credit: Kazan.ru; governmental site, public domain. civilized societies live and grow together and as one. ~ The Editors Figure 4 Photo Credit: Kazan.ru; governmental site, public domain.
“It’s our first visit, we are proud of this visit, we are proud of the ties—cultural and civilizational that we have already established with some of the greater cities. We’ll continue to develop them.” -
--H.E. Sheikh Dr. Muhammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa
“You are playing an important humanitarian role and acting as an international spiritual authority worthy of appreciation for its Islamic status. We offer you all the capabilities, services, and assistance to promote the concepts of traditional Integration, and we’ll make every effort to cooperate to eliminate extremism.” — Ms. Valentina Matviyenko, Chairwoman of the Russian Federation Council
“Followers of our Prophet Muhammad came It is this fascinating world that H.E. Sheikh Dr. to Russia twenty-two years after he left earthly Al-Issa entered when he and his diplomatic life,” Grand Mufti Gaynetdin has explained in colleagues from the MWL visited four great interviews. Those followers arrived at the city of Russian cities in late March through early April Derbent, in Southern Dagestan, the site of the as part of the international Islamic conference oldest mosque in the country. “The first Adhan, or “Islam: A Message of Mercy and Peace,” an call to worship, in Russia, was made on the lands event held in high esteem by the host cities. of Dagestan,” the Grand Mufti said. He also has The conference started at the President Hotel pointed out that most Russian Muslims follow in Moscow and closed in Grozny, the capital the Hanafi school of Islam. Like the founder of of Chechnya, and included participants from the MWL, the late King Faisal, the Grand Mufti forty-three countries. emphasizes a united Ummah: “We do not divide Muslims,” he told the Arab press media in March During the trip, Dr. Al-Issa was awarded the 2018. “For us they are all members of the United highest honor of Muslims of the Caucasus with Muslim Ummah [community].” the medal “For Merit to the Ummah” by the Coordinating Center for Muslims of the North Caucasus. Mr. Vyacheslav Volodin, Speaker of the Russian Duma, was present: “The very fact of such a great number of prominent scholars gathering for the event indicates the authority of the region,” he noted. Dr. Al-Issa was received by the Grand Mufti (the highest- ranking member of the Islamic community and legal scholar) of Moscow/Russia, Ravil Gaynetdin, who is also the head of the Supreme Council of Muftis; the Grand Mufti of Chechnya, Salah Mezhniev; and the muf- tis of St. Petersburg and Kazan, Ravil Pancheev and Kamil Samigullin, respectively. Dr. Al-Issa also took part in appreciating Russian culture as well, with a high-level tour of the famous Hermit- age Museum of St. Petersburg and the occasion to speak to a packed audience of students and Meeting Vyacheslav Volodin of the State Duma. faculty at St. Petersburg State University, one of Photo Credit: MWL the world’s great institutions.
14 The conference was organized with support of religion but also the participation of repre- from the Muslim World League, the Russian sen- tatives of Muslim communities in discus- Academy of Sciences, the Regional Public Fund sions of policy decisions affecting the interest named for Ahmad Kadyrov, and the Fund for of the faithful.” the Promotion of Islamic Culture, Science and Education. Today, there are three federal centers for the management of Muslim religious affairs in It has not been an easy historical road for Russia variously interpreted in name but in Russia and Islam. The tumultuous journey has general referred to as: the Council of Muftis of ranged from forcible conversions of Muslims Russia (Moscow); the Muslim Spiritual Authority under the legendary Czar Ivan the Terrible in the (in Ufa) and the Muslim Spiritual Authority in 16th century to great tolerance and granting the Caucasus (the coordination center for the of political power to Muslims under Catherine concentrated Muslim population of the North the Great in the 18th. It has experienced World Caucasus). War I Russian princes fighting side by side with Muslim chieftains from Tatarstan against the Russian Christian culture and Islam have per- Bolshevist takeover of the country, only to be fol- sisted together in an extraordinary history of lowed by the severe persecution of Muslims and intertwined cultures and interrelated destinies their attempted physical and cultural eradication over the centuries, demonstrating a remarkable by the Soviet terror regime. It has moved on to respect for each other’s traditions and increas- the flourishing of liberalization and the building ing mutual understanding. This first-ever visit by of mosques in the post-communist period only the MWL to the country was an all-out triumph to enter a phase of prolonged, anguished civil of such spirit. conflict during the two Chechen wars in the 2000s. With God’s grace this fighting has not only ended but the Chechen Republic enjoys stability, strong autonomy and status within the Russian Federation, as does the general Muslim population overall. Russian Federal Law (1997) states that Islam together with Christianity, Judaism and Buddhism, “constitutes an integral part of the historical heritage of the peoples of Russia.” “The“ present day laws of the The introduction to that law emphasizes that the government “has respect for” Islam equally with Russian Federation are the most other traditional religions of Russia. In 2009, the predominantly Muslim city of Kazan, the capital favorable for Muslims ever in of Tatarstan, was officially named the “third city of Russia” by President Putin. the history of our country as
As the Russian leader noted at a conference in they ensure freedom of faith and November 2018: “The present day laws of the legal equality with the rest of Russian Federation are the most favorable for Muslims ever in the history of our country as citizens.” they ensure freedom of faith and legal equality with the rest of citizens.” — Russian President Vladimir Putin
“The government statutorily guarantees not only the freedom of individual and collective exercise
15 The Journal of the Muslim World League May 2019
The government statutorily guarantees not only the freedom of individual and collective exercise of religion but also the participation of representative of Muslim communities in discussion of policy decisions affecting the interest of the faithful” Today, there are three federal centers for the management of Muslim religious affairs in Russia variously interpreted by name but in general referred to as: the Council of Muftis of Russia Moscow the Muslim Spiritual Authority in Ufa and the Muslim Spiritual Authority in the Caucasus, the coordination center for the concentrated Muslim population of the North Caucasus. Russian Christian culture and Islam have persisted together in a remarkable history of intertwined cultures and interrelated destinies over the centuries, demonstrating a remarkable respect for the traditions of one another and increasing mutual understanding. This first-ever visit by the MWL to the country was an all-out triumph of such spirit.