Islam in Ukraine - RAMU "Ummah"

Small Mosque for Kharkov Prisoners

oksana — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:18:35 +0000

For many prisoners of the Holodnogorsky corrective colony No 18 it became that very place where they reflected on soul rescue. In this corrective colony people who committed grave crimes are imprisoned. The colony management welcomes those who are interested to rethink their life and their criminal conduct and to turn to God with repentance: here for more than ten years functions a small orthodox church, and now there also appeared a small mosque.

In the HCC No18 about four tens of Muslims are imprisoned. The prayer room which they respectfully name a mosque was officially opened on Wednesday, on February, 1st, 2012. This date is twice significant for Muslim prisoners; this day is the 9th of Rabi-al-aawwal of 1433 year on Muslim chronology. On the 9th of Rabi-al-awwal the Prophet Muhammad was born, peace and blessings be upon him.

What is between you and your repentance?

In the solemn opening participated the head of the HCC No 18, Sergey Ivanov, the deputy chief of the department on execution of punishments of the Kharkov region, Andrey Lapinsky, the chairman and the vice-president of the social organization "Al-Manar" which is a part of the AUASO "Alraid", Otman Shadi and Bilal Hamza, the chairman of the religious community "Mercy" ("Milost'"), Sergey Putilin, and parishioners of the mosque.

Sergey Putilin, in particular, emphasized: if people found themselves in this correctional colony owing to some events which took place in their lives, it does not mean that the gate of pardon of the Almighty is forever shut in front of them. After all, the main thing is that this stay in the colony will further affect their lives and how they will rethink their lives.

The room is completely repaired, laid by a carpet; the place for ablution and a toilet are equipped there, too. Each of parishioners can freely use copies of the Holy Quran available on book shelves and translation of its meanings, and also theological and moral-developing literature not only during their stay in the mosque, but also temporarily take it with them.

Muslims pray five times a day, however, stay in a colony introduces corrective amendments in possibility of their collective realization. The mosque is visited regularly by 8-9 persons; among them just five can pray there daily without additional complexities as the mosque is located in their local zone and they do not need escort support. They submit to the internal schedule of the penal institution; however, they find possibility to perform collectively at least three daily prayers.

It is more complicated with carrying out of the Friday sermon: unfortunately, the level of religious knowledge of the prisoners does not allow any of them to carry out the function of the Imam-preacher, and at present representatives of Muslim social organizations carry out negotiations with the colony administration to have an opportunity that at least a short Friday sermon would be carried out by the Imam "from outside".

Improvement of conditions of religious practice of prisoners - is their work

Nevertheless, the imprisoned are not completely left to themselves: every Thursday three-hour visit of Muslims by representatives of aforementioned social organizations is provided. They conduct lectures, lessons, teach reading of the Holy Quran, performing prayers and other instructions of their religion.

Before the imprisoned could pray in a former “a red corner”; however, the colony management, seeing positive changes in behavior of the prisoners, observance by them of the regime and mutual relations with the associates, allocated a separate premise. Repair work was carried out by the prisoners.

Religious Administration of Muslims of Ukraine "Ummah" supports 173 prisoners from Ukraine and the countries of the nearest abroad - the Russian Federation, Belarus, the Czech Republic. Each of these people expressed initiative in due time and started correspondence with the Religious Administration which address they could find on the literature dispatched to prisons. They are encouraged in personal correspondence and sent literature, rugs for prayer; those who out of prison walls have no relatives who can help them, if necessary, get clothes, footwear and food stuffs.

The head of the RAMU "Ummah", Igor Karpishen, emphasized that expansion of possibilities of prisoners depends exclusively on them; no anyone from the outside can arrange their life and give conditions for realization of religious practice if they under the influence of occurring in them on the basis of work on themselves deep changes do not show aspiration to develop in themselves those personal qualities for which Islam calls. At the given stage it was reached by the Kharkov prisoners, and we ask the Almighty to strengthen them on an uneasy way of self-improvement and correction of their lacks, and to help them to return subsequently to the society as full and productive members.

Staff reporter.

10/02/2012

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RAMU "Ummah" Congratulates Muslims of Ukraine on Approach of Month of Prophet Muhammad

oksana — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:11:32 +0000

The Religious Administration of Muslims of Ukraine "Ummah" congratulates Muslims of Ukraine and the whole world on approach of Rabi al-Awwal - the month of the Prophet Muhammad's birth (peace and blessings be upon him), sent by the Almighty Lord to the mankind as a Favor for the worlds.

This Blessed month Allah the Almighty gave to the mankind the last chance of rescue and sent to this world His last Prophet, and through him He granted to the people His last Revelation.

"The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) started the great Islamic religion, and we continue this mission. Each Muslim is responsible for the future of Islam.

Let all of us be worthy followers of our beloved Prophet, and in all completeness realize in ourselves those high spiritual qualities which he taught us", goes in the congratulation of the RAMU "Ummah", which text possesses "Islam in Ukraine".

Staff reporter.

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10/02/2012

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Independence – Gift of God, - Muslim Organizations of Ukraine

nourdeen — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 09:19:26 +0000

On the occasion of the twentieth anniversary of the Independence of Ukraine the all-Ukraine Association of Social Organizations "Alraid" and the Religious Administration of Muslims of Ukraine "Ummah" sincerely congratulate the fellow compatriates with the great favor of the Almighty who after centuries of indefatigable struggle of the Ukrainian people granted it freedom and independence.

"In strive for freedom there were joined efforts of representatives of many faiths: Orthodox and Muslims, Catholics and Protestants. There is no doubt; it is a common victory of all patriots which was granted to us by the Almighty", it is emphasized in the address of the Muslim organizations.

Muslims of Ukraine honor and remember in their prayers all who struggled for the independence, all who were killed and suffered for the sake of our light future. The authors of the address are assured that freedom, equality before the law and leadership of right should be defended. In the Holy Quran it is stated, "Verily never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves" (The Holy Quran, 13:11).

Celebrating the nice anniversary, that AUASO "Alraid" and the RAMU "Ummah" call all fellow citizens to peace, mutual respect and tolerance.

Urging all people to respect rights of their compatriots, the representatives of the Muslim organizations of Ukraine pay special attention to observance of rights for religious and spiritual life.

"Muslims of Ukraine is an integral part of the Ukrainian society. We love and we appreciate our country, we are proud of the level of religious freedom in it because we know how it is hard for our coreligionists in the authoritative states", they mark.

The AUASO "Alraid" and the RAMU "Ummah" wish our country "freedom forever, power, richness and firmness of the democratic rights and freedoms" and ask God the Almighty to bless our land and our people.

By the press-service of the AUASO "Alraid" and the RAMU "Ummah"

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15/09/2011

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RAMU "Ummah" trusts in new Blossoming of Original Islamic Culture of Crimea

nourdeen — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:08:22 +0000

On favor of Allah the Almighty, in Crimea once again will blossom the original Islamic culture of the Crimean Tatars. Such belief expressed the Religious Administration of Muslims of Ukraine "Ummah" in the official reference to the Crimean-Tatar people on the occasion of the 67th anniversary of the deportation.

"The brutal dictatorial mode for many long years not only brought death and sufferings to many worthy sons and daughters of the proud Crimean-Tatar people, but also torn you off from your Motherland, damaged spiritual and material culture", is stated in the circulation and it is noticed that consequences of this tragedy have an effect up to nowadays.

However in the Religious Administration believe that on favor of Allah the Almighty, the Crimean-Tatar people will overcome all troubles and difficulties and "the original Islamic culture of Crimea will blossom once again, well-being of the people will increase, all land and legal problems will be successfully solved".

In the mourning day, on May, 18th, the Ukrainian Muslims joined the Crimean Tatars in their grief and entreaties for victims of deportation, and also asked Allah about "well-being and prosperity of the Crimean-Tatar people for many years".

By the press-service of the RAMU "Ummah"

Muslims of Crimea are in Search of Identity, — Mufti of SMMU "Ummah"

22/06/2011

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The Mufti of the RAMU "Ummah" congratulated the newly elected leader of Muslims of Moldova

oksana — Fri, 06 May 2011 18:40:40 +0000

On March, 14th, 2011, the Ministry of Justice of the RM registered the first Muslim religious organization – "Islamic League of the Republic of Moldova" (ILRM) - "Liga Islamica din Republica Moldova".

The members of the new formation aimed to co-ordinate process of Islamic religious development in Moldova, to consolidate views of Muslims, to represent their interests in the country and abroad. As the first Mufti of Muslims of Moldova was elected Sheikh Sergiu Sochirca – the citizen of Moldova and ethnic Moldavian.

In celebrations which took place on April, 17th, in the Republican Palace of Kishinev, participated the Mufti of the RAMU "Ummah" Said Ismagilov, the ambassador of the United States of America Asif Chaudhry, the Mufti of Constance (Romania), Bare Nerdin, diplomats from Muslim countries, representatives of the United Nations, and also a considerable quantity of Muslims of Moldova.

Speaking on the solemn action, the Mufti of the RAMU "Ummah" Said Ismagilov on behalf of Muslims of Ukraine congratulated Muslims of Moldova on this significant event. He wished patience and successes to the newly elected first Mufti of Moldova, and presented to him a copy of the Holy Quran as a sign of spiritual and religious unity of Muslims of both countries.

By "Islam for all" and the press-service of the RAMU "Ummah"

06/05/2011

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Ukrainian Mufti calls for ‘canonical’ translation of Koran

oksana — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 09:53:29 +0000

«KyivPost», 18.01.2011

In the last week alone, new translations of the meaning of the Koran have appeared in both Hungarian and Ukrainian, and in many countries, including Turkey and the Russian Federation, there are now multiple translations, often fundamentally different one from another.

But because Islamic doctrine holds that the Koran itself exists only in Arabic and that all translations are at best an approximation, few Muslim leaders have addressed the issue of how to deal with the fact that almost four out of every five Muslims in the world do not know Arabic and thus must rely either on translations or the commentary of others.

Even discussing this issue is difficult for Muslims both because translations entail the risk of change in the Koran’s meaning, something anathema to most Muslims and because Muslim leaders are aware that putting their basic text in the vernacular could affect Islam in the same way that German and English translations of the Vulgate Bible affected Western Christianity.

But now Mufti Said Ismagilov, the head of the Muslim Spiritual Directorate (MSD) of Ukraine, has suggested that the faithful in his country need “a canonical translation of the meanings of the Holy Koran,” an obvious step toward acceptance of a translation of the Koran in each language as authoritative.

Ismagilov’s comments are a reaction to a Ukrainian translation of a Russian version of the Koran, a translation the mufti says forces him to note that “both the scholarly community and the Muslims of our country need a canonical translation of the meanings of the Koran, made from the language of the original and corresponding to the demands of the Islamic tradition.”

As Ismagilov points out, “it is not enough simply to know the Arabic language well and to know the specific language that its ayats must be rendered into. Koranica Arabic is itself a unique phenomenon in Arabic philology itself to the point that it is a separate trend within Arabic.”

“In view of the extraordinary complexity and sacral nature,” the mufti continues, “the Koran for a long time was forbidden to be translated into other languages.

Later, in order to allow an acquaintance with the meanings of the Holy Writing of Islam by those peoples who do not know Arabic, Islamic theology began to allow the possibility of translations.”

But in order to make such a translation, the Ukrainian MSD head says, “it is considered insufficient to be a linguist and translator.” Instead one must be a specialist in a whole group of Shariat fields.” Because of that requirement, most translations have been the work not of individual scholars but of editorial groups.

A decade ago, the MSD of Ukraine together with the All-Ukraine Al-Raid Association of Public Organizations began the process of translating the Koran into Ukrainian.

The first four suras were translated and published in 2002. That translation, which is still not done, will be “canonical” and authoritative. Unfortunately, the latest one from Russian is not.

The original article on «Kyiv Post» site

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Chairman of Assembly of Imams of Europe met Mufti of RAMU "Ummah"

oksana — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 17:37:49 +0000

On end of a practical seminar for the Ukrainian Imams which took place on December, 11-12th, in the building of the Islamic Social Cultural Centre of Kiev, the chairman of the Assembly of Imams of Europe Sheikh Haysam Rahma and the Mufti of the RAMU "Ummah" Sheikh Said Ismagilov held a meeting in the course of which they shared an operational experience and discussed pressing questions.

Sheikh Haysam Rahma lives in Sweden since 1979; he works as the Imam in a Stockholm mosque. He is elected as a chairman of the Assembly of Imams of Europe.

Speaking about Muslims of Ukraine, Sheikh Haysam highly appreciated activity of Islamic social organizations in our country.

"They play a key role in formation of a not deformed view at Islam among the Ukrainian population, acquainting people with culture, customs of our religion. It is not surprising, after all Islam exists on the territory of Ukraine since long time, and differently from the European countries there live the aboriginals who are practicing Islam", the honored visitor noted.

He believes that introduction of Ukraine into the European community is an issue of a near future, and it is a "fine possibility for association of the European religious organizations in the duty of acquaintance with Islam".

"I was pleasantly surprised, having seen what huge work is carried out among the Ukrainian Muslims: the high organization, self-return, fidelity and the most important thing — sincerity of intentions before the Almighty. I hope for close cooperation in the future between the European assembly of Imams of Europe and the RAMU", Sheikh Haysam Rahma emphasized.

Staff reporter.

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09/01/2011

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Muslims of Ukraine condemn the attack on a church congregation in Alexandria, and urge the Egyptian people to stand firm and united

oksana — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:01:03 +0000

Muslims of Ukraine express their strong condemnation of the criminal act of exploding a car bomb in front of a church in the Egyptian city of Alexandria on New Year’s Eve, which resulted in a large number of innocent victims. "This evil attack, regardless of its perpetrators, is condemned in the strongest terms; no pretext or excuse can possibly justify taking innocent lives, violating the sanctity of places of worship, and terrorising society". With this statement acted the all-Ukraine Association of Social Organizations "Аlraid" and the Religious Administration of Muslims of Ukraine "Ummah".

The AUASO "Alraid" and the RAMU "Ummah" express their condolences to the Egyptian people, their solidarity with the families of the victims, and their wishes for the swift recovery of the injured.

In this context, the AUASO "Alraid" and the RAMU "Ummah" remind of the Islamic teachings, the human principles, and the ethical values that prohibit and criminalise such attacks, severely forbid shedding the blood of innocents, protect their sanctity, and guarantee the safety and security of worshippers in their churches and temples.

No doubt that the attack in Alexandria targets fundamentally the unity of Egyptians, and the integrity of their relationships and brotherhood that lie firmly rooted in their one nation through history.

Therefore, the AUASO "Alraid" and the RAMU "Ummah" calls upon the Egyptian people, Muslims and Christians alike, to show unity and solidarity in this difficult time, and to reinforce the ties of harmony and coexistence, and the spirit of dialogue and communication, and not give anyone, regardless, the opportunity to attempt to spread tension, or undermine social peace.

By press-service of AUASO "Alraid" and RAMU "Ummah"

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04/01/2011

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Muslims of Ukraine pray only in their Mosques

oksana — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:11:10 +0000

Muslims of Ukraine respect the rights of followers of other faiths and laws of our country. In vain some journalists search for sensation there where it is not present and write articles with such headings, "Muslims to pray in Laura?" (ProUA.com, 27.09.2010). Having supported artificial scandal in the Russian mass-media because of the misinterpreted words of the Moscow Imam Ildar Alautdinov, they try to drag it here.

And it is not a single case. Some journalists cannot get used till now that Ukraine is not Russia. It is absolutely unacceptable to transfer Russian problems on the Ukrainian ground. For very simple reason: in Russia there are 25 million Muslims, and here, in Ukraine, about one million. Only these figures should prompt to journalists' absurdity of reflexions on a topic "Is it possible here?"

I will tell more; in this case the problem of shortage of places for prayers in Russia for Muslims exists only in Moscow and St.-Petersburg and only in the days of holidays, and also on Fridays, at times of juma-namaz. In other days there is no such congestion of believers.

In these two big cities of our northern neighbor, really sharp is a question of shortage of mosques. But as Russians say, "Moscow is not the whole Russia". In other cities the situation is much easier.

As to the statements of Imam Ildar Alautdinov whom I personally know well and respect, as it was found out, he did not make such statements. His words that similar precedents took place in the Middle Ages, and basically Muslims can pray in temples of Abrahamic faiths, journalists interpreted in their own way and there and then trumpeted in mass-media that Muslims plan to pray in churches. Actually, the Imam did not call to it and did not consider similar variants.

All it took place at the time of solving of a problem concerning building of a new mosque in Moscow in Textilschik area. This artificially created and forced problem which purpose is not to admit building of one more mosque in Moscow deeply afflicted the Russian Muslims. And how differently? At the present in the capital of Russia live about two millions Muslims, and thus they have only four small mosques for all! It is catastrophically insufficient for the country capital in which live 25 million Muslims.

Great pleasure from news that in Moscow was given permission for building of one more mosque, was replaced by disappointment from aggressive counteraction to its building.

And though practice of use of temples of other faiths under the needs of Muslims took place in the Middle Ages in the Arabian Caliphate, now it is hardly possible, especially in Russia, where people are set towards Muslims rather unfriendly, and here and there even actively prospers Islamophobia. And Muslims will not go to pray in a church. The cultural print in the consciousness of Muslims of the whole world differentiated for a long time such concepts, as "our temple", "our religion" and "their temple", "their religion".

It would be desirable to hope that Muslims of Russia will be given the chance to build so many temples, as they actually need, and the incident will be settled.

As to the Muslims of Ukraine, we do not apply for praying in temples of other faiths. If we have no place for carrying out of festive prayers, we rent on holidays premises of sport halls, clubs, etc.

Also we want everywhere where there is a significant amount of Muslims, to have our cult constructions. Very much we hope that local authorities will assist us and give to Muslims of Ukraine possibility of building of mosques, there, where it is necessary.

On this background exciting is the problem of counteraction to building of the Cathedral mosque in Simferopol. We are sure that the capital of the Crimean autonomy is worthy to have the new capacious Cathedral mosque as in Simferopol and nearby villages lives a considerable quantity of Muslims – the Crimean Tatars.

And the last, the big request to journalists is not to transfer anything "with the blame on others". Do not transfer a problem of Muslims of Russia on Muslims of Ukraine. Our Muslims have different mentality, different education and culture. Address with questions to the Muslims of Ukraine before writing such articles.

Mufti of the RAMU "Ummah"

Said ISMAGILOV

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On September, 9th, Ukrainian Muslims to Celebrate End of Ramadan

oksana — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 21:33:59 +0000

On Thursday, on September, 9th, 2010, in the mosque of the Islamic Social Cultural Centre of Kiev over 1500 Muslims among whom are diplomats from the countries of the Islamic world, will take part in the solemn Morning Prayer devoted to the termination of the Holy Month of Ramadan and approach of Id al-Fitr.

As it informed "Islam in Ukraine" in the press-service of the Religious Administration of Muslims of Ukraine "Ummah", the action will take place in 7:50am at the address: Kiev, Degtyarevskaya Street, 25.

Id al-Fitr (Turk. Ramazan-Bayram, Uraza-Bayram) is the big holiday of the termination of the Muslim fast which marks the first month following Ramadan. It is one of the two greatest holidays in Islam which is celebrated by Muslims all over the world. This day in the morning believers gather for the general festive prayer in mosques.

Prior to the festive prayer Muslims pay Zakat al-Fitr — the social help to the poor and the needy. As a rule, these are the savings which were saved up during the fast in the month of Ramadan. Zakat al-Fitr is given from each member of the family of the benefactor, even for children. The best and at the same time the last time for paying Zakat al-Fitr is the morning before the festive prayer.

Traditionally together with Zakat al-Fitr the part of Muslims pays the common Zakat.

Celebrating of Id al-Fitr takes place in the atmosphere of especial enthusiasm and is accompanied by sincere entertainment, gifts, visits, etc.

The sense of celebrating of Id al-Fitr consists in strengthening of spiritual growth of Muslims in belief in God and life in accordance with His instructions.

By the press-service of the SMMU "Ummah"

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17/09/2010

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