Mawlid an-Nabī celebrated at White Mosque in Bolgar

On January 3, representatives of Muslim religious leaders from Tatarstan and other Russian regions, Chairman of Muslim Spiritual Board of the Republic of Tatarstan, mufti Kamil hazrat Samigullin, State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev, Chairman of Central Muslim Spiritual Board of Russia supreme mufti Talgat hazrat Tadzhuddin, Chairman of Muslim Spiritual Board of Moscow and Central region “Moscow muftiyat”,Chairman of Muslim Spiritual Board of Chuvash Republic, Albir hazrat Krganov took part in Mawlid an-Nabī celebrations dedicated to the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad at the White Mosque in Bolgar.

Muslims all over the world celebrate Mawlid, -the birthday of the founder of Islam, the Prophet Muhammad, on the 12th day of the Rabi' al-awwal month that began on December 23, 2014.

Festive events accompanied with stories about life of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions, praising Allah and blessings of the prophet and chants, and Koran recitation are being held at mosques and madrasahs of the republic.

Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov and State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev took part in a festive event organized by Muslim Spiritual Board of the Republic of Tatarstan that was held at the White Mosque in Bolgar in 2014 for the first time.

“Mawlid is a great holiday that pays tribute to the Prophet Muhammad. Faith is reviving in our society today, and we have an opportunity to praise the Prophet Muhammad, dedicate our prayers and good deeds to him. And we are glad to use this opportunity,” Mintimer Shaimiev said.

Shaimiev reminded that this holiday was celebrated in 2010 in Kol Sharif Mosque for the first time. 300 million TV viewers watched the celebrations live on TNV and TRT channels.

The State Counsellor congratulated everyone on the holiday and thanked all believers for coming to the holy land of Bolgar to celebrate the holiday. He also conveyed greetings from Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov and Chairman of Tatarstan State Council Farid Mukhametshin.

Shaimiev also noted that the Bolgar historical and archeological complex was included in UNESCO World Heritage List last year because of rich spiritual heritage of the site where Islam was adopted in 922.

Later on in their interview, Mintimer Shaimiev and Kamil hazrat Samigullin stressed the immense significance of Mawlid holiday for Muslims living in the republic.