Ramadan in Russia: How 20 million Muslims observe the holy month
How do nearly 20 million Muslims observe the holy month of Ramadan in Russia? Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia, Mr. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, joined the Ramadan transmission “Noor-e-Ramadan” on 24 News via video link from Moscow and spoke about the traditions and religious enthusiasm associated with Ramadan in Russia.
During the conversation, he said that the history of Islam in Russia is more than a thousand years old. In 922 AD, the ruler of Volga Bulgaria accepted Islam, after which the religion gradually spread throughout the region. Over time, Islam established strong roots in areas such as Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, Chechnya, and Dagestan. Today, more than 20 million Muslims live in Russia, representing diverse ethnicities and cultures.
During Ramadan, mosques across Russia become centers of worship and social activity. Historic mosques such as the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, Kul Sharif Mosque in Kazan, and the Grand Mosque of Grozny arrange special Taraweeh prayers, Quranic lectures, and collective Iftar gatherings.
A particularly interesting Ramadan tradition in Russia is the “Ramadan Tent.” These large tents host daily Iftar gatherings where around 300 to 400 people break their fast together, while nearly 2,000 people may gather outside the tents. After Iftar, worshippers often perform Isha and Taraweeh prayers at the same venue. These tents attract people from across the city, including non-Muslims, promoting interfaith harmony and cultural dialogue. In many regions, such as Dagestan and Tatarstan, local governors, ministries, and ambassadors help organize these events.
This appearance of Ambassador Faisal Niaz Tirmizi on the special Ramadan transmission Noor-e-Ramadan marked his first interview on any Pakistani television channel since assuming his post in Russia. He noted that large Muslim populations live in Moscow, Chechnya, Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, and Dagestan, where Ramadan is observed with great devotion. In Moscow, the mosques are remarkable examples of architecture and attract large numbers of worshippers.
The ambassador also mentioned that Russia places great importance on culture. On Jumat-ul-Wida, the last Friday of Ramadan, large crowds gather even on the streets for prayers. According to him, Russian President Vladimir Putin also encourages the observance of Ramadan with enthusiasm.
The Ramadan tents are also attended by a large number of international students, giving them an opportunity to learn about Islam and study Islamic literature. Ambassador Tirmizi said that Pakistan and Russia enjoy strong relations, and there is a need to further strengthen these ties at the public level.
He added that Russia has produced world-renowned literature, with great writers such as Anton Chekhov, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Maxim Gorky. Russian music is also admired globally. The poetry of Faiz Ahmed Faiz has been translated into Russian, and about two years ago a book by Saadat Hasan Manto was also translated.
According to the ambassador, there is considerable interest in Pakistani culture in Russia. Pakistani artists frequently visit the country, and around 1,300 Pakistani students are currently studying there, with efforts underway to increase that number.
The Pakistani Embassy also organizes special Iftar gatherings during Ramadan, attended by ambassadors from various countries, Russian guests, and members of the Pakistani community. Chand Raat and Eid are celebrated with great enthusiasm as well.
He also pointed out the extreme weather conditions in Russia, where snow is often seen on the streets during winter. The fasting duration varies significantly: in summer it can reach up to 20 hours, while in winter it may be around 7 to 8 hours.
During the transmission, viewers were also shown scenes from the Ramadan tents and Iftar gatherings, which helped Pakistani audiences learn more about Russian culture and the way Ramadan is celebrated there.
Reporter: Nadeem Anjum