Emirali Ablaev, the Mufti of Crimea, tells in the interview about the created Council of Representatives of Spiritual Managements and Centers of Muslims of Ukraine, its purposes and prospects.
- On April, 15th, was signed the document on creation of Council of Representatives of Spiritual Managements and Centers of Muslims of Ukraine at the State Committee on Affairs of Nationalities and Religions. What was the precondition for such a step?
- Consolidation between organizations or social groups, which are connected by the uniform purposes, interests, and, furthermore, practicing one religion, is a usual thing. Recently in our country developed an uneasy political condition, ambiguously there is a process of democratization, and as a matter of fact there is a development and formation of relations between representatives of different views and outlooks. Inter-confessional and intra-confessional relations, and also relations between representatives of any faith, in this case Muslims, and the state, are not an exception. Relations in this sphere should be improved in all directions, get more objective and constructive character. Otherwise, all parties suffer. Moreover, Muslims of Ukraine till this time did not have a uniform body which would represent all Muslims of the country or at least the majority both in relation with the state, and on international scene. We think that it is a big step in this direction.
— - Why at "… the State Committee on Affairs of Nationalities and Religions", it would be not better to create the independent council…?
- "Independence" is a relative concept; we anyhow depend on the state, the state policy. Eventually, we live in the legal field of this state … besides our purpose is not to abstract or stand apart, on the contrary, we wish meaningful dialogue and cooperation in the decision of arising questions with the account of interests of each party.
- It means that all the same there exist some inter-confessional problems which pushed you to such a format?
- I do not like the word "problem", however in each society between people who even profess one faith there are questions demanding the urgent decision, and also there are questions which should be solved at the state level. In any case questions must be solved, and be solved together, and if they would be held back or ignored, they would develop into a problem, and even into a conflict. Hence, the given format, for a certain time, was accepted as an optimum not only from our party, i.e. from outside the SMMU, but also from outside other spiritual managements and the State Committee on Affairs of Nationalities and Religions.
- As far as we know, only three Spiritual Managements of Muslims out of five, functioning on the territory of Ukraine, were a part of the Council. What is it connected with?
- Why representatives of other two managements did not become a part of the Council, I think it is better to ask them! Possibly, they considered that it is unnecessary for them, or probably they wish to observe the efficiency of work of the Council and subsequently they will express desire to join.
- I.e. you do not exclude the possibility of their inclusion into the Council in the course of work?
- First of all, nobody individually does not include or exclude anyone from the Council. The Management which wishes to be a part of the Council addresses with the corresponding statement to the chairman of the Council and this point in question is considered at the next session by already existing councilors. And, secondly, it is necessary to note that in the course of creation of the Council of Representatives of Spiritual Managements of Muslims of Ukraine these two managements, in particular the SMMU and the SCMU, did not participate under their own initiative. In other words, they were invited twice by the State Committee on Affairs of Nationalities and Religions, once to the consultative meeting, and at the second time on the constituent assembly. Besides, they were sent projects of the statute of the Council for consideration and entering offers at the discussion stage. Hence, we done everything depending on us, and if someone decides and will address, we will consider the offer in an order established by the statute.
- Emirali effendi, you were selected as a chairman of the council for the first period, what purposes has the Council led by you, what questions you intend to discuss and to solve?
- Firs of all, on behalf of the Spiritual Management of Muslims of Crimea (SMMC) I would like to thank the colleagues, representatives from the "Kiev Muftiyat" and the SMMU "Ummah" for the honor and trust given to me. At the nearest meeting there will be considered the question of Hajj – the journey of the delegation of Muslims of Ukraine to Saudi Arabia for signing the contract on allocation of quotas and organizational questions. We repeatedly sent letters to all Spiritual Managements of Muslims with the request to send us the data about the representative from their management for inclusion to the delegation structure. The answer was received from the SMMU "Ummah" and the "Kiev Muftiyat". Thus, the delegation is already formed, and we hope that we will safely carry on negotiations with the ministry on Hajj of the KSA, we will receive the necessary quantity of quotas and we will try to let all Muslims of Ukraine willing to perform Hajj this year to be able to visit these holy places.
- Emirali effendi, out of any doubts, Hajj is a very important organization, but it is a procedure through which you pass from year to year, do you have any original ideas, plans or tasks which you would like to realize this year within the limits of the Council?
- I am not sure concerning the originality, but I consider as the main task for me and the Council to promote formation and strengthening of peace, tolerance and stability in the Ukrainian community, eradication of xenophobia and stereotypes concerning Islam.
It is clear that all speak about it, but not all behave accordingly. Therefore we consider that it is possible through the establishment of meaningful dialogue with the state structures, in particular with the State Committee on Affairs of Nationalities and Religions, to solve urgent problems together, as upon it depends the stability in the society, especially in Crimea. We will develop closer cooperation between managements on the platform of brotherhood and mutual respect, to develop and realize joint projects on distribution of universal values, acquaintance with culture and civilization of Islam. It is for the good of Muslims and all Ukrainian community, as peace is needed by all of us, and people treat that, what they do not know, with hostility or, at least, with skepticism. Therefore, the development of the dialogue and preventing of distribution of false information concerning Islam and Muslims of Ukraine, taking measures against escalation of extremist moods, prevention of destructive actions, are our priority problems.
- Certainly, it would be desirable to hear about the concrete plans. But nevertheless, from the aforesaid it is possible to draw a conclusion that the spectrum of your activity will be wide enough and you intend to make serious work. What would you like to tell to our readers at last?
- There will be concrete plans in sha Allah, but since we appeared not long time ago, at first it is necessary to adjust our work, and then and to talk. Speaking "you", as I understand, you mean not me personally or our management, but the Council, and it will be correct because we will discuss and accept plans a consensus. And, if the Almighty wills, we will realize them.
At last I would like to tell that Faust did good, too, but for the sake of the evil, therefore our motto, the motto of Muslims, the slaves of Allah is to do good for the sake of good.
Conversed Emirasan UMEROV, press-service of the SMMC.
By the site of the SMM of Crimea
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