Faith leaders opening mosque

Preparations are underway for the long-awaited opening of the Cathedral mosque in Moscow

This Islamic Russian Muslim Board event will be attended by several Muslim leaders.

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According to Damir Gizatullin first deputy chairman of the Muslim Board of Russia's European Part, told Interfax-Religion on Friday, July 31.

”I think the top officials [of Islamic countries] will undoubtedly attend. The leaders of the countries that are friendly to us and whose attitude to Russia remained unchanged both at peaceful times and in crises will definitely be invited, this ceremony will give a message that will also become a starting point for Muslims in their countries as regards development in a secular democratic state"

The opening ceremony of the decades-old mosque is scheduled on September 23 and is expected to draw hundreds of political and spiritual leaders of Muslim countries, World-famous religious figures, and also Orthodox Christians, Jews and Buddhists" were also to be invited.

As reported by the political analyst Alexei Malashenko. With an official population of 12.5 million, Russia's capital is now home to at least 1.5 million Muslims

Experts say, by 2050, Muslims will make up about half of Russia's population, making it one of the world’s largest countries.

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