Muslims practice religion freely in Russia -- Imam

By Adeeb Al-Sayed (with photos) MOSCOW, Sept 22 (KUNA) -- Ramadan is a special occasion in Russia, and Muslims practice their religion freely here, said Imam of the historic mosque of Moscow Hasan Fakhreddin on Saturday.
Fakhreddin told KUNA that Muslims in Russia spent the holy month worshiping, giving alms to the needy, discussing religious issues, and calling for practicing good deeds.
Many Muslims have their Iftar (their post-fast meal) at the historic mosque, he said.
Halls and corridors of the mosque get filled every evening with worshipers who arrive to take part in the Taraweeh prayers and listen to lectures, he added.
In 1813, the Russian authorities gave the approval for building the mosque in Moscow's center in appreciation for the role of Muslims in defeating the armies of the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. (end) as.ris KUNA 221040 Sep 07NNNN