‘It is you, and your presidents in the first place, who have made Bolgar a holy place’
The time capsule has been laid in the foundation of the Islamic Academy in Bolgar
On 21 May, the next stage in the construction of the Bolgarian Islamic Academy was started in Tatarstan. The symbol of this event has become the laying of the capsule with a message to descendants in the foundation of the future building. The muftis, who came to the annual congress 'Izge Bolgar zhyeny', in the framework of which there was the ceremony, already under becoming traditional pouring rain, said warm words in the address of the main initiators of the project — Rustam Minnikhanov and Mintimer Shaimiev.
Double celebration
'A historic event' — the Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov called the laying of the memorial capsule in the foundation of the Bolgarian Islamic Academy. The ceremony was timed to the annual holiday meeting in Spassky district of Tatarstan 'Izge Bolgar zhyeny', which is dedicated to official adoption of Islam by the ancient Bolgarians.
The time capsule contains a message to descendants, which is in four languages – Tatar, Russian, English and Arabic. The document, issued in the form of a scroll, encourages future generations to maintain the values of religion, to live in peace and harmony, to preserve their faith, to respect the neighbors.
The process was carried out under takbir ('Allāhu Akbar') which was recited by the gathered.
The ceremony, in addition to the President, was attended by Tatarstan state advisor Mintimer Shaimiev, the head of Federal Agency for Ethnic Affairs Igor Barinov, the chairperson of the Central Muslim Spiritual Board of Russia, Tatarstan mufti Talgat Tadzhuddin, the mufti of Tatarstan Kamil Samigullin, the metropolitan of Kazan and Tatarstan Feofan, as well as the guests of KazanSummit-2016 (the leading Islamic figures of the world, regional muftis, imams, etc.). Thousands of believers from all over Russia gathered in Spassky district to witness 'the historic event'.
'Today we have a double event,' addressed to everyone Rustam Minnikhanov. 'On this day we remember our ancestors who in 922 adopted Islam. And, of course, our task is to preserve our religion, traditions, culture. There have been done quite a lot.'
He thanked the heads of the enterprises who supported the construction of the Academy, and particularly the first president Mintimer Shaimiev.
The head of the Republic also said that here the nice hotel 'Kul Gali' is being constructed, where all guests will stay.
'In order to save our spirituality, there should be worthy educational institutions. Unfortunately, for a hundred years we have lost a lot. In our history there were a lot of Tatar Muslim figures known all over the world. That time has passed. Today we have a new stage. Thanks to the support of the federal center and Russian President Vladimir Putin we started the foundation of this Academy,' he said.
He wished the Academy has become a world spiritual-educational center that trains outstanding preachers, and a place of good neighborly relations between peoples.
Mintimer Shaimiev: 'We are implementing two projects, it will be beautiful. It is no doubt that they will be implemented. The most important thing is that it is all supported by our multinational people of Tatarstan.'
Bez buldyrabiz!
Mintimer Shaimiev pointed out that in recent years the Republic has implemented many projects: the Kazan Kremlin has been restored, as well as the mosque Kul Sharif, the Annunciation Cathedral. Now they are engaged in the revival of Sviyazhsk and Bolgar.
'Now we have started the implementation of two major projects: the construction of the Bolgarian Islamic Academy, what you are witnessing, and the restoration of the Kazan Cathedral of Our Lady. We are implementing two projects, it will be beautiful. It is no doubt that they will be implemented. The most important thing is that it is all supported by our multinational people of Tatarstan. After all, we all understand that this work is from the soul and for the soul!' emphasized the RT adviser.
Igor Barinov agreed with the first and current presidents. According to him, such projects serve strengthening of peace and accord between peoples and faiths – especially in today's times when 'it is a real ideological war against us'.
Traditional Islam à la Tadzhuddin
'Yes, indeed, there are many of those who would like to incite peoples on each other and the followers of traditional faiths,' continued Talgat Tadzhuddin. 'But we, the believers in the oneness of Allah and his messenger Muhammad, revere and believe in revealed by God the Torah, the Bible and the Koran. In order to distinguish the extremists and terrorists of all sorts, we need to know both the law and holy scriptures.'
As the supreme mufti noted, the Bolgarians always were renowned for their education, the correct understanding of the religion.
'It is what we call traditional Islam, when people understand that we are one united family! All God's messengers said: 'No one of you will become a true believer until you wish others what you wish for yourself.' And not only wish but also do good things,' summed up the guest from Ufa.
He also noted that the laying of the capsule takes place in Muslim honor month of Shagban, before Ramadan and before the Holy night of Baraat. This means that this sacred event will respond positively in the future.
Ismail Berdiev: 'They, as two worthy Muslims, started this together. Allah, give them good health to continue the work.'
How two presidents 'made' Bolgar a holy place
The chairman of the Coordinating Muslim Center of the North Caucasus, the mufti of Karachay-Cherkessia Ismail Berdiyev pointed out that the ceremony is attended by two Presidents of Tatarstan — the first and current. This, according to the mufti, is a good example for everyone.
'Usually we see that a current president starts to condemn the one who was before him: 'Everything has been ruined, destroyed. Now we are going to do different.' But here they are together. They, as two worthy Muslims, started this together. Allah, give them good health to continue the work,' wished the mufti of the Caucasus.
He also said that he has long been acquainted with the present here Feofan — since the days when the metropolitan was working in the North Caucasus. Besides, Hajji Ismail thanked Talgat Tadzhuddin for that he brought important relic here — a hair of prophet Muhammad.
'Your place is holy not because Bolgaria adopted Islam. It is you who have done this place holy — and your presidents in the first place. You should know that the Muslims of the North Caucasus are with you! This Academy is not only for Tatars but for all of Russia, for the whole world.'
After the speeches of the state and religious figures and the laying of the capsule they read Koran and made Dua. The ceremony ended at the cathedral square with midday namaz, in which the guests of 'Izge Bolgar zhyeny' participated. Talgat Tadzhuddin headed a collective prayer.
