MOSCOW (Realist English). These and other questions of the Realist News agency were answered by the Russian religious and public figure, Mufti of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia, member of the Public Chamber of the Russian Federation Albir Krganov.
Humanity is living now not the easiest time: wars, natural disasters, economic crises. If we look at everything that is happening from a religious point of view, how can we explain these trials? Why are they given to us and how to pass them?
Albir Krganov: From the very creation, the human race has been tested. The tests are different for each epoch and have always been difficult. We must also remember that there are trials of God, and there is also the fault of the person or society itself. For example, think about climate issues, excessive consumption, the arms race between countries. Trials can become an absolute misfortune for us if a person perceives them as punishment, and can lead to the fact that he moves away from the Creator. “Among people there is one who worships the Almighty, being on the verge between faith and unbelief. If he gets good, then thanks to this he feels confident; if he is tempted, then he turns back. He loses both this world and the Last Life. This is the obvious loss!” (Quran 22:11).
The teaching of overcoming life’s difficulties is to strengthen the connection with the Creator during difficulties. When the Almighty is with us, none of the situations in our life seems so hopeless and unsolvable.
In the Qur’an, Allah said: “Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I hear and I see” (20:46).
What should be done to establish an interreligious dialogue? What steps should be taken by the parties?
Albir Krganov: When there are no arguments, the ignorant use models of artificial conflicts. Therefore, the main thing for dialogue is mutual respect, knowledge, according to source studies devoid of the influence of pseudoscience, extreme prejudices and the like. The Almighty in the Qur’an calls to know each other and live together in harmony on earth. This is the ability to talk, listen and hear partners.
On March 10, Iran and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement on the resumption of diplomatic relations with the mediation of China. It was a political decision, and what steps should these two communities (Sunnis and Shiites) take from a spiritual point of view in order for reconciliation to take place?
Albir Krganov: Even earlier this topic was discussed in the Islamic world, on this basis the Amman Declaration was born in 2005 (July 4-6). Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in 2017 declared Russia’s readiness to help “build bridges between the main protagonists in the region — Saudi Arabia and Iran.” Speaking at the OIC conference in Morocco, I also cited this proposal. Both sides are losing by self-exhausting themselves in other people’s global games and, apparently, the “cup has filled” and the understanding and political maturation has come that it is necessary to find solutions.
Our people say: “There is a mistake in both the horse and the poles.” And here it is important to draw objective conclusions. There are no easy ways, you need to calm down, take into account the extreme emotional statements of public opinion leaders and calmly return to the origins of the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). After all, Islam forbids excess. If both sides really care about Islam and understand their responsibility, then they love the Prophet and his blessed family, then we need to unite in this love.
The world of Islam is moving towards unity. What about the dialogue between Islam and Judaism? What are the prospects?
Albir Krganov: Muslims call Jews yahudi (Jews) and the sons of Israel. Sometimes, yahudi can have a negative meaning, while banu Israel has the character of a polite naming according to the Qur’an. Jewish communities (Kainuka, Nadir, Qurayza) also lived in Medina. According to our tradition, they knew about the arrival of the “Seal of the Prophets”, and many scientists moved in families in anticipation of it. But some of the leaders of the Banu Israel in Medina rejected the teachings of Islam and there was a dogmatic and personal conflict. Despite the political contradictions with the Jews in Medina, the Qur’an and subsequent tradition do not demonize the Jews. There was no “anti-Semitism” in the Islamic environment, which is present in the West. The Holy Qur’an calls the followers of the Torah, Ahlul kitab — people of scripture.
Jewish communities were present in the cities and villages of the Islamic world.
They achieved high recognition and administrative posts. Muslims did not use violent acts of conversion of Jews to Islam. Believers come from the Creator’s command, and if they are not subject to worldly political temptations, they can find ways to cooperate in the name of good in an honest dialogue. By the way, our communities in many countries of the world hold joint events, successfully cooperate, and jointly implement useful social projects.
Why do the powerful of this world manage to provoke interreligious contradictions and wars?
Albir Kurganov: Modern realities clearly show how cognitive models and propaganda technologies play on human consciousness. Large financial projects are being implemented due to the radicalization of society by pseudo-religious dogmas and nationalist views. Very often, due to ignorance, poor knowledge of the basics of their faith and culture, people become vulnerable, fall under the influence of radical preachers.
Russia has a long-standing experience of interreligious cooperation and peace. What can the Russian experience teach the world and whose experience can be useful for Russia itself?
Albir Krganov: Russia has its own unique way according to its historical tradition. Our country was initially formed as a multi-religious and multinational state. There are constitutional, legal and political guarantees for the realization of freedom of religion, cooperation of the state and religion. We really have public and expert councils under federal and regional authorities, interreligious coordination and discussion platforms. I will not list them, they are widely known.
For centuries, temples of traditional religions have been located on the same street, where bells are ringing and azans are heard. Common spaces are being built on the basis of interreligious centers, such are planned on the territory of New Moscow, in Yekaterinburg, and in a number of other cities. These projects are designed to minimize the fear of a person of a different faith and cultures, to familiarize citizens with the beauty of different Abrahamic traditions. Of course, there are examples of this kind in different countries, for example in the UAE, Egypt. They need to be studied and positive practices used in our lives.
