Anwar builds a bridge with Russian Muslim community during Moscow visit

FOLLOWING his official engagements with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim held a meeting with Russia’s Grand Mufti, Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, who also serves as Chairman of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation.

The meeting, described by Anwar as a meaningful exchange, aimed to deepen ties between the Muslim communities of both countries, transcending geographic and cultural divides.

“This meeting opened avenues to strengthen ukhuwah between our two Islamic communities across geographical borders and cultural differences, while fostering ties with more than 25 million Muslims in Russia who live amidst a diversity of traditions and schools of thought,” said Anwar.

The two leaders exchanged views on shared concerns, including the strengthening of Islamic institutions, expanding the exchange of expertise, and empowering the halal industry in Russia by leveraging Malaysia’s globally recognised halal certification leadership.

Anwar also conveyed appreciation for Sheikh Ravil’s role in promoting interfaith harmony and fostering mutual understanding in Russia’s plural society.

“This is a most valuable effort in a world increasingly scarred by division, hatred and prejudice,” he said on his official Facebook page today.

As a gesture of friendship and da’wah, Anwar presented the Grand Mufti with a Qur’an and its Russian translation, aligning with the MADANI aspiration to endow one million Qur’ans worldwide in an effort to deepen understanding of Islam and counter Islamophobia.

In a meaningful reciprocation, Sheikh Ravil gifted Anwar a copy of the Uthmani Qur’an from Uzbekistan, a manuscript steeped in history and regarded as a symbol of Islamic scholarship and artistic heritage across continents and generations.

Outside his official schedule, Anwar took time to explore Moscow on foot, reflecting on its rich historical and cultural legacy.

“I admired the grandeur of architecture around Red Square, a historic site that bore witness to key moments in Tsarist rule, the October Revolution, and the Soviet era,” he said. He also visited the iconic 16th-century St Basil’s Cathedral, described as a symbol of Russia’s victory over the Kazan Tatars.

Anwar later strolled through Zaryadye Park, crossed its suspension bridge, and enjoyed scenic views of the Moscow River. - May 15, 2025