Russia’s Grand Mufti Highlights Quran’s Emphasis on Diversity as Sign of God
Sheikh Gaynutdin, who is also the Chairman of the Religious Board of Muslims of the Russian Federation, made the remark in an address at the Award Ceremony of the International Quran Prize. Kazan, on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Following is the text of his speech at the event:
Honorable Marat Gotovich, Acting Chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan!
Honorable Irada Hanum Khafizyanovna, Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan!
Esteemed participants of the International Quran Prize and distinguished guests!
Residents of Kazan and guests of the city of Kazan!
As-salamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh!
On this blessed Friday, I am pleased to welcome you to the grand hall of the new building of the Galiaskar Kamal Tatar State Academic Theatre – a place where the high culture of the Tatar people and its aspiration for the future are organically united. Today, April 24, as the Muslim world celebrates the birth of the final Messenger of Allah, the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), according to the solar calendar, here in the northernmost outpost of Islam, in Kazan, the verses of the Holy Quran will be heard in the most beautiful recitation. We are sincerely grateful to the Rais of the Republic of Tatarstan, Chairman of the Strategic Vision Group "Russia – Islamic World," Rustam Nurgaliyevich Minnikhanov, for supporting our initiative to hold the International Quran Prize as the opening event of the "Kazan – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World" program. As our people say, "A work begun with the name of Allah will be blessed."
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For the first time in the history of the Russian Federation, one of its cities has been honored with such a high and responsible status. This is not only a recognition of the rich spiritual and historical heritage of Tatarstan but also evidence of Russia's special role as a space for the peaceful coexistence of religions, cultures, and peoples united by common moral values, traditions, and centuries of good neighborly experience, which is relevant and in demand beyond our country's borders.
Tonight is not merely a competition of reciters; it is a celebration of the Quran, where beautiful voices proclaim the message of God. The performances of world-class reciters who have achieved the highest mastery in the art of recitation – tilawah – open here in Kazan the fragrant gardens of the Holy Quran, filled with the truth, wisdom, and boundless mercy of our Creator, Almighty Allah. Their recitation penetrates hearts, reminding us of the immutability of eternal values: good neighborliness, justice, mercy, love for one's neighbor, and responsibility for the world around us.
The special significance of today's event is further enhanced by the fact that it takes place during the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, proclaimed in the current year 2026 by the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin. The Noble Quran teaches us to see in the diversity of peoples the signs of the Almighty and calls us to mutual knowledge, respect, and cooperation.
"O mankind, indeed We have created you from male and female and made you peoples and tribes that you may know one another..." (49:13)
"And cooperate in righteousness and piety, but do not cooperate in sin and aggression..." (5:2)
I prayerfully ask Almighty Allah to grant peace and harmony to those corners of the earth from which troubling news arrives. I ask the Creator, the Lord of the Worlds, to bestow His mercy upon our country – Russia, to grant it a swift victory, and upon our native Kazan, the Republic of Tatarstan, and all its hardworking people – prosperity, mutual understanding, spiritual strengthening, and assistance in all good deeds and endeavors. I am confident that the "Kazan – Cultural Capital of the Islamic World" program will become an important milestone in the development of international humanitarian dialogue, and the upcoming "Russia – Islamic World: KazanForum" will further strengthen the bridges of friendship and cooperation. May the Almighty bless our intentions, our labors, and this blessed evening.
I wish all our participants wonderful performances, the members of the jury impartial and easy judgment, and all of us, dear viewers, an enjoyable viewing!
Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh!
