Russian Muslims celebrate Eid al-Adha holiday

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - More than 14 million Russian Muslims began Wednesday celebrating Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, which will last until Monday.

In regions with a Muslim-majority population, the holiday will be non-working.

All mosques across Russia also hold festive services for the day.

Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Muslims and emphasized the holiday’s "deep moral and spiritual significance."

"Since the dawn of time, this day has been commemorated by practicing good deeds and caring about one’s neighbors. It serves to reinforce the ideals of kindness, charity and justice in society," Putin said in a statement.

The Russian president noted that the Russian Muslim community plays "a major creative role in the country’s life and contributes to strengthening inter-ethnic and inter-faith peace, to preserving family values and raising the younger generation."

Separately, Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gainutdin, head of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation, congratulated Muslims on the holiday, noting millions of believers from all over the world gathered in Mecca, united by faith in Allah.

He wished that the days will fill the hearts of people with mutual love, mercy, compassion and bring peace and prosperity to the motherland and all mankind.