In the history of Muslims of Ukraine there was a significant event: for the first time the Muslim organizations united in the general representative-advisory body which intends to represent interests of Muslims in the country and behind its limits and to protect their rights.
On April, 15th, in Kiev in the building of the State Committee of Ukraine on Affairs of Nationalities and Religions took place the meeting between representatives of spiritual managements and centers of Muslims of Ukraine, the outcome of which was the creation of the Council of Representatives of Spiritual Managements and Spiritual Centers of Muslims of Ukraine.
All spiritual managements operating in Ukraine were invited to the meeting; however, there were present representatives of only three out of five managements: the SMMU of Ukraine "Ummah", the SMMU of Crimea and Regional Association of Muslim Communities "The Kiev Muftiyat". These three associations unanimously expressed necessity of creation of the general body uniting the Muslim organizations of Ukraine.
After the draught agreement discussion, taking into account wishes of all parties, three spiritual managements signed the document confirming creation of the Council which becomes the advisory-representative body of Muslims of Ukraine at the State Committee of Ukraine on Affairs of Nationalities and Religions.
Into the structure of the new Association entered not only Muftis, but also two representatives from each spiritual management — totally three persons from each association. For this reason the association which originally had to be called the Council of Muftis of Ukraine, was called the Council of Representatives of Spiritual Managements and Spiritual Centers of Muslims of Ukraine.
After the procedure of signing of the draught agreement, the SMMU of Ukraine "Ummah" suggested to elect on the position of the chairman of the Council the Mufti of the SMMU of Crimea — Emirali Ablaev. This offer was unanimously supported.
The participants of the meeting discussed questions of activity of the created council, its purpose, responsibility and powers.
The Council can represent interests of the Ukrainian Muslims in Ukraine and behind its limits, will protect their rights guaranteed by the constitution, laws of Ukraine and international certificates which were ratified by the country; also will promote the opinion of Muslims to be heard by state structures of the government in the course of preparation and decision-making.
In the competence of the Council is to provide performing of necessary religious practices, in particular to carry out co-ordinated policy concerning the organization of Hajj of Ukrainian Muslims and distribution of quotas to annual pilgrimage between associations of Muslims of Ukraine.
Also the Council will be engaged in organization of scientific conferences, seminars and decision of other questions which concern Muslims of our country.
Certainly, the major task of the council is strengthening of mutual understanding and respect not only between Muslims of Ukraine, but also between representatives of all faiths and citizens of Ukraine as a whole.
The staff reporter islam.in.ua
