The Muslim community of , institutionalization and development

PREFACE

Yurij Kochubey

The Muslim community of Ukraine, institutionalization and development

Muslims in Ukraine are known from ancient times. International trade route "from the Vikings to the Greeks" was an important site for acquainting population of the region with representatives of the peoples of the Middle East and their religion. Archaeologists sometimes find the treasures of dirhams and other eastern coins in what is now Ukraine. Small groups of Muslims who lived in commercial centers, did not become the victims of violence, though between Ukrainian and Muslim Turks on land and at sea in the Middle Ages were frequent skirmishes that had usually material background, not religious. Quite revealing that highly revered Saint Theodosius of Kiev in his "Poucheniyi" says that we should help also "Saracens" who got into trouble. The struggle of Ukrainian people for their freedom associated with friendly and even allied relations of the Cossacks with Muslims and the . Sufficient is to recall the agreements and treaties of Dmytro Vishnevetsky, , , Petro Doroshenko, or Orlyk. We see that Otherness of religion does not prevent with neighbors from finding common ground if necessary. It should be noted that in the a prominent scholar Ismail Bey Gasprinsky (1851-1914), who defended the right of Muslim inhabitants to education, creating school, developed his new progressive system of training and tried to distribute it in all the countries of the Muslim world. He was the initiator and one of the active organizers of the World Muslim Congress, which would have taken place in Cairo. I. Gasprinsky in 1908 he began to publish in Arabic in Cairo newspaper "An-Nahda" ("Revival"). October events in Petrograd stirred the passions of the peoples of the former empire, including those living in the Crimea, but no hatred of Muslims in Ukraine was reported. This is because Islam in Ukraine was not aggressive. The deportation of the Muslim peoples of the North Caucasus and the Crimean Tatars in 1944 was accompanied by a false official propaganda against these nations, in which clearly sounded anti-Islamic motives. The full of false insinuations was published in 1952 theses by the famous archaeologist, then Academician B.A. Rybakov (1908-2001). Only Ukraine's independence created conditions for the revival of the Muslim religion. In Kiev in 1992 was created by Spiritual Directorate of Muslims of Ukraine and in 1994 in was founded the Spiritual Center of Muslims of Ukraine. There existed at one time the Party of Muslims of Ukraine (1997-2005), worked Ukrainian Islamic University (1999-2001). The invasion occupation forces has led to changes in the religious life of the followers of Islam. An important role in the religious life of Muslims in Ukraine plays created in 1997 Ukrainian Association of Social Organizations "Al Raid." The political conditions of democracy and religious freedom in Ukraine contribute to the creation of different communities and structures. Currently, the main Muslim centers are , , , Odesa, many Muslims live in the Donbass. Ukrainian Muslims have notable achievements, in our country were made several translations of the meanings of the Holy Koran. Translation by M.M. Jakubowicz took the Award of the King of Saudi Arabia Fahd. The war in the East pushed the development of cooperation between our country with Muslim countries. The Ukrainian Muslims as citizens of the country can be an important link in establishing mutually beneficial cooperation of their country with the Muslim world in the spirit of tolerance and mutual understanding. Denys Brylov

The story of Islam in Ukraine

This chapter deals with the history of Islam in the territory of modern Ukraine. Review shows Islam appears for the first time in the days of the Old Russian state. At the same time, Islam acted as a competitive Christianity, a religion considered by old Russian rulers as a possible state religion. Author describes the presence of Islam on the territory of Ukraine in the Golden Horde period, as well as during the existence of the and the Ottoman Empire. The chapter ponts features aof the existence of the Islamic community in the period of the Russian Empire, as well as in Soviet times.

SPIRITUAL CENTER OF MUSLIMS OF UKRAINE

Denys Brylov

All-Ukrainian Spiritual Administration of the Muslims “Unity”

This chapter reviews All-Ukrainian Spiritual Administration of the Muslims “Unity” registered in 2012. Description is based on formation history of the spiritual organization and its connection to the Central Spiritual Board of Muslims of , headed by Mufti Talgat Tadzhuddin. Author provides with narration on organization's transformation after the occurrence of so-called Donetsk People's Republic.

Denys Brylov

Central Spiritual Administration - Tauride muftiat

This chapter reviews Central Spiritual Administration (Tauride muftiat) registered in 2014 in Crimea and its structure, authorities, area of activities. Research marks its pro-Russian character and pro-Sufi position. The chapter shows that the emergence of the spiritual administration caused by the split in the Spiritual Center of Muslims of Crimea.

Denys Brylov

Council of Representatives of Spiritual Administrations and Centers of Muslims of Ukraine

This chapter describes the Council of Representatives of Spiritual Administrations and Centers of Muslims of Ukraine. Author shows that the organization occured as the result of the conflict within the Muslim community in Ukraine, as one of the parties to the conflict. One of the main reasons for the creation of this organization was the need for the allocation of quotas to Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). By combining a part of Muslim Organizations of Ukraine, the Council was not viable, having existed for only a few years.

Oleg Yarosh

Missionary movements “Tablighi Jama'at” and “Hizmet”

Transnational missionary movements are aimed at the revival of Islam in Muslim countries through the religious and moral improvement of the Muslims, as well as the spread of the Islamic message (tabligh) and call (da'wa) to Islam in all of the world. The most numerous and widespread Muslim missionary organizations in the world are “Tablighi Jama'at” and “Hizmet” of Fethullah Gülen. In Ukraine, the Tablighi Jama’at movement has been present mainly in the Crimea, at least until its annexation by the Russian Federation. Other regions, first of all, Kiev and , were visited by the delegations of Tablighi Jama'at, whose representatives delivered lectures in the local Muslim communities, however, their activities in these regions were not systematic. Tablighi Jama’at activities were observed in , Belogorsk and Bakhchisaray districts. Its centre (markaz) has been located at the autonomous Muslim community in the Trudovoye village in the Simferopol district. Tablighi Jama'at was also active in the Plotinnoye, Doroznoye of Bakhchisaray district. Amir of Tablighi Jama'at lived in Simferopol. Members of the movement used to perform a regular three-day long mission trips in the Crimea, inviting Muslims to gather in a local mosque and delivering sermons and lectures there. Roughly estimated total number of its active members is 50 - 60 people. Movement “Hizmet”of Fethullah Gülen originated in Izmir in the 60s of the last century, where Gülen began to develop dershane network. In the 70 – 90th in Turkey with the financial support of his businessmen followers Gülen established a nationwide network of schools, colleges and other educational institutions. Gülen is an ideologist of “conservative modernization” as an alternative to Kemalism, which includes the construction of a new state, through the raising of the educational level and spiritual progress of the Muslim nations. Since the early 90th “Hizmet” gained a foothold in Western Europe, mainly among the Turkish diasporas in Germany, the Muslim regions of Central Asia and other countries, including Ukraine and Belarus. In Ukraine there are schools in Kiev and Odessa, and, until recently, in the Crimea.

Denys Brylov

Religious Administration of Independent Islamic Communities "Kiev Muftiat"

This chapter reviews Religious Adminisration of Independent Islamic Communities "Kiev Muftiat" registered in 2007 and its structure, authorities, area of activities. Research shows Kiev Muftiat to have ethnical nature and unite Volga Tatars.

Oleg Yarosh

Shi'a communities

The local Shi'a community in Ukraine is represented primarily by the following ethnic groups: Azeri, Iranian nationals (Persians and Iranian Azeri), Arabs (mainly Lebanese), Hazars from Afghanistan. We can assume that the current number of Shi’a Muslims in Ukraine is about 10% of the total number of Ukrainian Muslims in general, that corresponds with global trends. Ukrainian Shi’a believers in religious matters follow Ayatollah Sayed Ali Khamenei, Ayatollah Sayed Ali Sistani, Ayatollah Mukarram Shirazi and other Muslim scholars-mujtahids. Shi’a communities in Ukraine are located in Kharkov, Kiev, Vinnitsa, Donetsk and Lugansk. They are mostly registered as non-profit organizations, not as religious communities. As well in Ukraine one of the Shi’a Sufi communities is present, namely Nimatulahiyya, which belongs to the branch of Dhul Riyasatayan or Munavvar Ali Shah. This branch became widespread in the Western countries at the beginning of the 80th of the last century. Ukrainian Nimatulahiyya communities predominantly consist of members who are not practicing Muslims and do not maintain contacts with Shi’a centers in Ukraine.

Alexandr Aulin

Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Crimea

The appearence of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Crimea (DUMK) in the early 1990s accompanied the process of repatriation of the Crimean Tatars. At the initial stage of the Islamic revival in the peninsula SAMC undoubtedly played a positive role, as well as a powerful consolidating factor in Crimean Tatar environment. In accordance with the charter of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Crimea supreme bodies of the spiritual power and control in the Crimea are Kurultai of Muslims of Crimea, the Council and the clutch of the DUMK. Kurultai is elected for five years, it communicates with other spiritual administrations, represents DUMK to the state and international organizations, monitors the operation of all religious institutions of Muslims of Crimea. The DUMK Board between Kurultai of Muslims of Crimea has a complete legislative and judicial power. Muftiyat is watching the correctness of clarify the teachings of Islam, the Muslim norms of morality and piety, makes disciplinary decisions concerning priests, decides on the appointment and dismissal of the of the Crimea in consultation with religious communities. Mufti is the head of the Crimean Muslims elected by Kurultai of Muslims of Crimea. He is the chairman of the Muslim Board. In 2015, in accordance with Russian laws DUMK was registered as a religious organization Spiritual Central Management of Muslims of the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol. After the annexation of Crimea by the Russian government it decided to use the activities of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Crimea in its own interests. After the elimination of the local political scene other influential national institutions they hope Spiritual Central Management of Muslims of the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol to help them control social and political activity of the Crimean Tatars.

Denys Brylov

Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Ukraine

This chapter reviews Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Ukraine headed by Ahmed Tamim and registered in 1992. Author describes its formation history, its origin from clandestine Muslim communities existed in Ukraine during the Soviet period. Analyses focuses on area of the organization activities, its distinctive features. The chapter provides with close view on publishing business and nature of the religious literature produced. Also mentioned international activities with conclusion of its multi-vector nature, aimed at both the Middle East co-religionists, and the Muslims of South and Southeast Asia, Europe and America. The features of the ideology underlying the DUMU activity, its pro-Sufi and anti-islamist character, as well as ideological connection with the Association of Islamic charity projects (AICP). Author describes activity on the development of inter-confessional and public-faith dialogue as part of the All-Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations (UCCRO) and Social Councils in a number of ministries.

Denys Brylov

Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Ukraine "Ummah"

This chapter reviews Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Ukraine "Ummah" registered in 2008 and its structure, authorities, area of activities. Author focuses on significant place of the activities involved in charity work and inter-religious dialogue, especially with the pro-Ukrainian minded denominations, such as the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Kyiv Patriarchate). The analyses shows close ideological and organizational relationship with the spiritual administration of the European network of the Muslim Brotherhood and comes to reasoned conclusion that «Ummah» is a front-muftiat for "Al-Raid" association.

Denys Brylov

Spiritual Center of Muslims of Ukraine

This chapter reviews Spiritual Center of Muslims of Ukraine registered in 2010 as altervative to existed Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Crimea. Author points ideological connection with the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Ukraine, headed by Sheikh Ahmed Tamim and its Sufi nature. Research considers the conflict between the center and muftiat of Crimea as a conflict of canonical territory and religious authority among the Crimean Tatars. Chapter describes a secession in the center, which led to the emergence of a new, pro-Russian, Spiritual Administration (Tauride muftiat) in Crimea.

Oleg Yarosh

Spiritual Center of the Muslim Communities of Ukraine

The main Muslim ethnic group in Donbass is Volga Tatars, and in this ethno-religious environment the first Muslim communities appeared. The Spiritual Center of the Muslim Communities of Ukraine headed by Rashid Bragin has been established in 1994 in Donetsk. According to the statute, the Center’s main objectives are: the spread of Islamic worldview and spirituality; protection of legitimate rights and interests of the Muslims; realization of civil, interethnic and interreligious harmony; resolving of certain religious issues; development of religious communities; construction and restoration of mosques, houses of worship; charity, education, establishment of religious schools. Currently SCMCU includes 17 communities and 16 religious Sunday schools. This figure declined slightly in compare with 2013, when it included 21 communities. Under the auspices of SCMCU Ukrainian Islamic University was established in Donetsk in 1999. It was sponsored by the “Arraid”. In 2002 there was a conflict between SCMCU and “Arraid” about ownership of the University facilities, which led to its closure.

SOCIAL ORGANIZATIONS OF MUSLIMS IN UKRAINE

Denys Brylov

All-Ukrainian Association of Social Organizations "Alraid"

This chapter reviews All-Ukrainian Association of Social Organisations "Alraid" registered in 1997 (previously as «Arraid») and its structure, authorities, area of activities. Chapter describes ideological, organizational and financial links with the Association of European network of the Muslim Brotherhood movement. Author analyzes publishing business of "Alraid" with significant place given to the works of the representatives of Islamism, primarily to Yusuf Qaradawi. Educational activities of the association are considered, as well as its attempts to establish an Islamic institution. Political activism highlighted in the association's activities and the aspiration to be incorporated in the state structures to create a political lobby.

Oleg Yarosh

Association of Muslims of Ukraine and “Salafi” communities

The Islamic movement known as self-professed “Salafiyya” has been spread in the Muslim countries, as well as among the Muslim diaspora and Muslim converts in the West in recent time. Researchers characterize this movement as a “neo-fundamentalist”, and in the polemical literature its followers are usually called “Wahhabis”, named after Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab (1703 - 1792). In the 90th of the XX century the process of institutionalization of Islam in Ukraine was accompanied by substantial activities of Muslim charities, mainly from Saudi Arabia. Also students from Ukraine who studied in the Islamic universities of Saudi Arabia significantly contributed to the spread of so called “Salafism”. After the annexation of the Crimea most of the local “Salafis” have fled to the mainland Ukraine, escaping possible persecutions by the Russian authorities. Some of them settled in the Vinnitsa region and Kiev. The first official organization of Ukrainian Muslims, many of whom adhere to the “Salafism”, became the Association of Muslims of Ukraine (AMU), founded in 2014 by the refugees from Crimea in Kyiv. In recent decades “Salafis” turn into quite noticeable phenomenon in the Muslim community of Ukraine. Most of them don't support Islamic political radicalism and are predominantly engaged in the religious activities in their communities, as well as in realization of educational and charitable projects.

Rustem Zhangozha

Social organization "Arabic House"

Social organization "Arabic House" has been established in 1998 in Kiev. Chairman of Rule is doctor of science (philosophy) professor Zakut Salah. Chapter of Department of the external connections is Ph.D in History Djaber Zakariya. Main Business "Arabic House" - dissemination of Arab culture and the development of Ukrainian-Arab relations in various spheres.

Andrei Shabashov

World Congress of Crimean Tatars

World Congress of Crimean Tatars is an international public organization, uniting and coordinating the efforts of public organizations of the Crimean Tatars, which created in different countries and which expressed desire for mutual cooperation. The aim of the Congress is to unite the efforts to facilitate the process of revival and further development of the Crimean Tatar people returning after decades of exile to their historical homeland – Crimea. For this Congress, and for all public organizations of Crimean Tatars, which united in the composition of Congress, the supreme representative Plenipotentiary body of the Crimean Tatars is the Kurultay of the Crimean Tatars. The first Congress of authorized representatives of 162 Crimean Tatar’s public and political organizations from 12 countries, was held in the Crimea on 19 – 22 may 2009. The delegates of the Congress unanimously adopted bylaws, elected a Coordinating Council and President of the Congress, which became Refat Chubarov. The second World Congress took place 1 – 2 August 2015 in the capital of Turkey – Ankara. On the background of the Majlis and Kurultay, which in the circumstances cannot fully operate in the Crimea, the Congress is able to take over some of their functions. The penultimate meeting of the Executive Committee of the Congress took place in the Henichesk, Kherson region in January 2016. Including, a question was raised about necessity of creation of the Muftiate of Crimean Tatars on "mainland Ukraine". The next meeting of the Executive Committee of the Congress was held April 11 – 13, 2016 in the capital of Lithuania Vilnius.

THE POLITICAL LIFE OF MUSLIMS IN UKRAINE

Andrei Shabashov

Crimean Tatar National Qurultay / Mejlis

Crimean Tatar National Qurultay is the national social-political organization of the Crimean Tatar – is the highest representing plenipotentiary body of the Crimean Tatars. At Qurultay are represented by delegates elected by Crimean Tatars and members of their family regardless of their nationality permanently residing on the territory of Ukraine as well as those Crimean Tatars and members of their family who are citizens of Ukraine regardless of their place of residence. Crimean Tatar National Mejlis is the single highest executive-representative body of the Crimean Tatars in period between sessions of the Crimean Tatar National Qurultay. In its activities Mejlis is subordinated to Qurultay, guided by its decisions, the Crimean Tatar Mejlis “Statute”, norms of international law and legislative acts of Ukraine. The main goal of the Qurultay and Mejlis is the liquidation of consequences of genocide conducted by the Soviet state in regard to the Crimean Tatars (1944), reinstatement of national and political rights of the Crimean Tatar people and realization of their rights on the free national state self-determination on its national territory. From its foundation in 1991 until 2013 its chairman was Mustafa Dzhemilev, since October 2013 the chairman is Refat Chubarov. The first Qurultay was convened during the national liberation struggle of the Crimean Tatars in 1917-1918. Second Qurultay was convened in 1991, shortly after the beginning of the mass return of Crimean Tatars from the places where they lived after the deportation of 1944 following: the third – in 1996, the fourth – in 2001, the fifth – in 2007, the sixth – in 2013. The activities of the Mejlis and Qurultay are closely coordinated with the Clerical Board of Crimean Tatars Muslims. The objectives of these organizations are the same. The difference is that the former are mainly in the secular field, the second – in the religious field. In 2014, the Mejlis boycotted the Crimean referendum after Russian military invasion in Crimea. In May 2014, Crimean Tatar leaders Mustafa Dzhemilev and Refat Chubarov was prevented from entering Crimea and Crimean authorities accused the Mejlis of extremist activity regarding "illegal" gatherings marked by "violence and threats of violence", warning that the Mejlis could be dissolved and outlawed.

Alexandr Aulin

Hizb ut-Tahrir in Ukraine

The Party of Liberation (Hizb ut-Tahrir al-Islami) can be considered as an international religious-political organization, which has a two-tier (indoor and outdoor), umbrella structure. The main aim of the party – construction / reconstruction of the World theocratic state (Caliphate) based on Shariah principles. In Ukraine, especially in Crimea, the party activity was observed in the second half of the 1990s. The legal wing of the party is represented by the Information office (a kind of press center) Hizb ut-Tahrir in Ukraine, which is headed by Fazil Amzaev. At the initial stage of the ideology the party was distributed in Ukraine by students and other immigrants from Muslim (primarily Arab) countries. In Ukraine, Hizb ut-Tahrir was legalized by registration of the autonomous Muslim religious communities. In 2013, the orbit of Hizb ut-Tahrir in Ukraine included about 20 registered and dozens of unregistered Muslim communities of Crimea. First of all, in Simferopol, Dzhankoy, Nizhnegorsky, Bakhchissaray, Kirovsky districts. Until 2014 from 40 mosques in Simferopol region and the city of Alushta, 11 were under the control of the party. Hizb ut-Tahrir in Ukraine also created public organizations. In ethnically vast majority of party members were Crimean Tatars. But among them there were slavs from Russia and Ukrainian who converted to Islam. The number of members of the party until 2014 according to various estimates ranged between 5 000 and 15 000. After the Russian annexation of the Crimea the number of active supporters of Hizb ut-Tahrir has considerably decreased. The main reasons – repressive legislation of the Russian Federation in relation to the Party and the transfer of its management and of the party activists on the mainland territory of Ukraine. A few months after the Russian capture of the Crimea in early 2015 on the peninsula begin the first repression against Hizb ut-Tahrir (4 Crimean Tatars were arrested on suspicion of having links with the party). In February 2016 several members of the Hizb ut-Tahrir were detained.

Alexandr Aulin

The Muslims and the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine

The specificity of the Muslim parliamentarism in Ukraine lies in the occurrence of this group of the population of registered voters nationwide (not formed along religious lines) political forces. This has been generally observed a proportional relationship between the number of deputies - Muslims in parliament and their total number in Ukraine.

Oleg Yarosh

Party of Muslims of Ukraine

Party of Muslims of Ukraine (PMU) was established in 1997 on the eve of parliamentary elections in 1998. Rashid Bragin has been elected as its head. The organizers aimed to establish a center that would consolidate the activities of Muslim organizations of Ukraine. Nevertheless PMU lost the elections in 1998. PMU congress in 2005 decided to dissolve the party and appealed to its members to join the Party of Regions.

ACADEMIC AND RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS

Denys Brylov

Islamic universities in Ukraine

This chapter review Islamic higher educational institutions operating in Ukraine. Research shows that higher Islamic education in Ukraine is characterized by decentralization, and the inconsistency of both educational approaches and curricula of mederese which belong to different spiritual centers; this situation is a reflection of the general fragmentation of Ukrainian Ummah. Also Islamic universities belonging to different spiritual offices considered. Author provides with conclusion that the most viable and incorporated in the Ukrainian reality is t the model presented by the Islamic University of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Ukraine.

Denys Brylov

Islamic Studies centres in Ukraine

This chapter reviews Islamic Studies centres performing in Ukraine. Research shows the split between 1) as the substructure of the Institutes of Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (Orient Studies Institute, Religious Studies Department at Institute of Philisophy, Asia and Africa Institute of World Economy and International Relations Department); 2) as the substructure inside the universities (Center for Academic Islamic Studies and Center for Islamic Stidies Research); 3) inside the non- go-vernment organizations (Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Ukrainian Center for Islamic Studies and Ukrainian Center for Islamic Stidies Research).

Alexandr Aulin

EPILOGUE: TRENDS AND PROSPECTS

The collapse of the former Soviet Union has made religious freedom a reality, and was one of the main pulse that initiated the process of Islamic revival in the post-Soviet space. Today, Muslims make up about 1-2 % of the Ukrainian population (the vast majority are Sunni). They are united in 230 religious communities, most of which are the parts of the Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Ukraine (DUMU) headed by the mufti Ahmad Tamim. Alliance can be considered the second potential, whose members except the Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Ukraine “Umma” (the mufti Said Ismagilov) at different times were and the Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Crimea (DUMK) (the mufti Emirali Ablaev). Another important element in the Muslim environment in Ukraine are public organizations that unite their members both in purely religious and ethnically base. Prominent representatives of both trends are in accordance the All-Ukrainian Associations of Social Organizations “al-Raid” and the Social Organization «Arabic House». In the religious sphere of Ukraine significantly influenced by Russian aggression. Separatists through “Tavrian Muftiat” monitored the political activity of the Ukrainian Muslims. Fearing persecution by the henchmen of the Kremlin, Crimea left the head of the Information Office and activists of Hizb ut-Tahrir in Ukraine. Now on the peninsula there are reprisals against Muslims suspected of membership in the party, as well as against the supporters of the national representative body of the Crimean Tatar National Mejlis. However, despite all the problems and difficulties The Islamic revival process continues in Ukraine. And the nature of its flow gives us confidence that the peaceful coexistence and mutual understanding between the tendency of Muslims and representatives of other denominations of Ukraine will continue in the future.