RUSSIA’S MUSLIM EDUCATIONAL BASE

Russian Muslims are striving to build a sophisticated Islamic educational base to help spread the Islamic teachings in the far-flung Russian cities. “There are many challenges facing Muslims in Russia,” Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin, Chairman of Russia Mufties Council, said. Gaynutdin, who heads the Religious Board of Muslims in European part of Russia, informed while attending a three-day conference on the Muslim minority in Russia. There are a few educational institutions serving the size Muslim community in Russia, including the Grozny Islamic university, which was launched recently. Addressing the conference opening Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said his government is doing its best to meet the demands of its Muslim citizens. Sponsored by Russia Mufties Council, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and Russia’s Foreign Ministry, the conference seeks to deepen strategic relations between Russia and its Muslim community. Organisers say the conference, which comes as part of celebrating five years on Russia’s joining to the OIC as observer, marks a breakthrough for the flourishing ties between Russia and the Muslim world.