Islamic Cultural Centre in Kyiv invited state representatives, celebrities, famous scientists and artists, public activists and politicians, representatives of diplomatic bodies and diasporas in order to celebrate together Eid al-Fitr (festival of breaking of the fast).
Mufti of the Religious Administration of Ukrainian Muslims “Umma” sheikh Said Ismagilov and chairman of AUASO "Alraid" Bassil Mareei addressed the audience in the welcome speech.
The Deputy Minister of Culture of Ukraine Rostyslav Karandeev, addressing the gathered, mentioned the following:
— We all share one Motherland; we all have the very same problems, the very same tasks. Religion should help us and each and every human solve these problems. I am well aware about the efforts which Muslim community is putting in order to help the displaced Ukrainians, most of whom come from the Crimea, as well as those who are suffering on the territory of the occupied Donetsk and Luhansk regions.
Member of Parliament of Ukraine Olha Bohomolets congratulated Ukrainian Muslims with the feast. Among other things she emphasized the significant contribution of Islam followers to the state development.
Andrii Yurash, Director of the Department on Religion and Nationalities of the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, was impressed with the atmosphere in the Islamic Cultural Centre:
— I feel myself so homey here. There are neither any barriers, no any issues. It is a unique atmosphere! I believe that those beautiful spiritual impulses and prayers which have taken place today in front of God, in front of Allah, are going to become the guarantee for their implementation.
Oksana Korchynska, Member of Parliament of Ukraine, pointed up pro-Ukrainian affiliation of the Ukrainian Muslims:
— Though our nation consists of different faiths, it is very important that they all feel love towards their Motherland. It is the land which was chosen for them by God and thus we have to love and protect it. There are a lot of Muslim volunteers who are on the front-line defending our country. There is even a freestanding volunteer battalion in Donetsk region.
Deputy Director of the Department of Education and Science, Youth and Sports, Head of Family, Youth and Sports Aleksei Trofimov highlighted the following:
— I’d like to mention that such feasts really unite all the city residents, especially during this time when there is a war in the East of Ukraine. We are all a single family.
Mr. Trofimov said that he could understand well those Muslims who had been forced to move to Ukrainian capital from the Crimea or Donbas region: “I have been displaced myself from the Crimea. I was born in Sevastopol but I am a citizen of Ukraine.”
Famous politician and leader of the party “Bratstvo” Dmitrii Korchynski spoke about traditions which are common for both Muslims and Christians:
— Muslim fast resembles the fast of early Christians during the first centuries after Christ. That is why it is important for us to see this old tradition in action. All pillars of Islam are present in the Christianity as well and we appreciate that.
Famous Ukrainian singer Jamala who was present among the guests said that Ramadan reminds people of the most important:
— Month Ramadan reminds people to be more humane, more compassionate, and more tolerant. It reminds people of helping others!
With admiration and respect, Tatiana Kotseba, head of the organization “Women Federation for Peace in the Whole World”, congratulated Muslims on finishing their fasting:
— I congratulate all the sincere people who could have given up food and water and had prayed a lot because it is so important for peace in the world and in our country as well as in our souls.
The video with the speeches of some of the guests is published on the official webpage of Association "Alraid" and in Facebook.
The celebration gathered around 2600 people.
