Russia, the largest country in the world, has a population of around 144 million, most of whom follow Orthodox Christianity.
There are more than 20 million Muslims in Russia, most of whom live in the southern republics such as Tatarstan, Dagestan, Chechnya, and Bashkortostan.
Russia’s Muslims consider Ramadan to be the best time of the year. Like other Muslims worldwide, they fast from dawn to sunset during this month as a way to both ensure physical health and enhance Taqwa and purify the soul.
In Moscow, the capital, Muslims fast from 1:50 am to 9:20 pm, meaning that they refuse to eat and drink for nearly 19 hours.
Followers of Islam in Russia hold special religious rituals in Ramadan, with many going to mosques to read the Quran.
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Major mosques in the country host the Khatm Quran (reading the Holy Book from the beginning to the end) ritual over the 30 days of Ramadan.
There are also Quran memorization competitions, which are popular among Muslim children and teenagers.
Muslims also hold mass Iftar events where believers break their fast after sunset.
Visiting fellow-Muslims’ homes is also a common tradition during Ramadan nights.
Since two decades ago, every year a Ramadan Tent opens at the Memorial Mosque on Poklonnaya Hill in Moscow.
The Ramadan Tent is an annual cultural and charitable project organized by the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Moscow with the support of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation and the Moscow Government.
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Thematic evenings of countries, performances and creative performances of professional national groups are held, aimed at promoting family values - love for children, respect for parents and elders.
Along with the cultural program, everyone is invited to share a festive iftar dinner at sunset. In addition, iftar boxes will be distributed. The organizers increase the area of the “Ramadan Tent” year after year, happily welcoming thousands of visitors throughout the month.
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