Russian Muslims condole with SL Calls Ambassador Jayatilleka ‘brother’

On May 6, 2019, the official opening of the ‘XIV Ramadan Tent’ Muslim cultural event took place at the Memorial Mosque on Poklonnaya Hill near the VictoryMuseum in Moscow. 

Sri Lankan Ambassador to Russia, Dr. Dayan Jayatilleka and Madame Sanja Jayatilleka were invited to attend the opening ceremony of the Ramadan Tent by the Mufti of Russia, Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, Head of the Spiritual Assembly of the Muslims of Russia, and Mufti of Moscow, Ildar-hazrat Alyautdinov, who chairs the Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Moscow. 

Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin congratulated Muslims on the beginning of the Ramadan month-long fast and called the Ramadan Tent ‘the House of Wisdom.’ Thanking him for accepting the invitation, the Mufti of Russia addressed Ambassador Jayatilleka as ‘brother,’ expressing heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the people of Sri  Lanka on the recent series of terrorist attacks and wishing peace, wellbeing and God’s blessings to the families of the victims on behalf of all Russian Muslims. The Mufti of Russia stressed there was no religion, nationality or colour of skin when it was for the fight against terrorists. He voiced that there was no traditional religion in the world that taught its believers to kill innocent people. 

Evgeniy Eryomin, Head of the Department for Cooperation with Religious Associations, Domestic Policy Directorate of the Presidential Executive Office, took part in the opening ceremony as the honoured guest of the cultural event. He conveyed his congratulations to all Muslims of Russia and spoke about the important role of Russia in the development of Islam and the great tradition to organise the Tent of Ramadan that gave another opportunity for everybody to look inside his/her soul and make life better. Evgeniy Eryomin referred to Ambassador Jayatilleka as ‘friend,’ quoted the Mufti of Russia addressing to him as ‘brother’ and extended his deepest condolences to all Sri Lankan people in connection with the series of explosions on Easter Sunday. 

Ildar-hazrat Alyautdinov, the Mufti of Moscow, highlighted in his speech that to be a Muslim was a huge responsibility and called upon all to be kind and watch their own behaviour, speech and deeds. He mentioned that kindness could be understood by anybody in any language with no translation required. The Mufti of Moscow spoke about the recent tragedy in Sri  Lanka and at the airport  of Sheremetyevo, Moscow. “These tragic events underline how fragile the world we live in is,” he said. 

The Ramadan Tent is a cultural, educational and charity project dedicated to the beginning of the holy Muslim month of Ramadan. The event is hosted by the Spiritual Administration of the Muslims of Moscow under support of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of  Russia and the Government of Moscow. 

Within this month of Ramadan, the event will bring together more than 30,000 guests represented by officials from State authorities, public organisations, diplomatic corps, scientists, artistes, spiritual leaders of traditional religions and people of different nationalities and faiths. This year, the Ramadan Tent programme will include thematic evenings on culture and traditions of national republics of Russia, former Soviet Union and other countries, as well as round tables, social projects for veterans, people with disabilities and military service personnel and of course special days for children. From May 6 to June 5 a.c. at sunset whoever comes shall be welcome to share iftar and enjoy the traditions of national dances and singing.