Mintimer Shaimiev visits Bolgar Islamic Academy

On 27 September Tatarstan State Counselor Mintimer Shaimiev, who is also the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Regional Revival Fund, came to Bolgar to take part in the events dedicated to the religious holiday of Mawlid an-Nabi - the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.

In the morning, upon his arrival to the town, Mintimer Shaimiev together with the Head of the Administration of the Rais of the republic Asgat Safarov took part in a ceremony of opening a sports ground, built with the support of the Fund for Support of the Islamic Culture, Science and Education, in the Bolgar Islamic Academy.  

Speaking at the ceremony, Mintimer Shaimiev said: “Establishment of the Bolgar Academy in Tatarstan was a historical event in Russia. Today the Academy in the ensemble with the White Mosque is a wonderful place for studies and comprehensive development of future theologists. The sports ground we are opening today enriches the Academy creating additional favourable conditions for students,” and expressed his gratitude to everyone who helped in the sports ground construction and equipment.

The Mufti of the republic Kamil Samigullin, the Rector of the Academy Farkhat Khusnutdinov and the Counselor of the Fund for Support of the Islamic Culture, Science and Education Aleksey Petrov also took part in the ceremony, in the end of which Mintimer Shaimiev left his autograph on a soccer ball.

Later the same day, the State Counselor of the republic and people accompanying him moved to the multi-functional hall of the Bolgar Islamic Academy where they had a meeting with the Academy students. 

Speaking to the students, Mintimer Shaimiev said: “A bright future is ahead the Bolgar Academy. Doctors and Masters in Islamic Sciences, theologists who got education in our academy are in demand and their role in development of Islam will become rather important in the future.   It is gratifying that the beautiful building we erected is filled with a perceptive content. This is a huge step ahead towards revival of our spirituality. We will continue supporting Islamic education in the republic, also by improving conditions for studies. After having opened the sports ground we should continue improvement of the academy territory, think it over carefully and do everything beautifully. We can do it. Intentions pronounced in the Mawlid festive day are extremely responsible and I hope we will be able to bring them into life by our efforts and with the help of the All Mighty.”  

In conclusion, on behalf of the Shaimievs family and all its relatives, Mintimer Shaimiev made a gift of 60 books by famous Islamic theologists to the Bolgar Islamic Academy, having written in his dedicatory inscription: “I wish you to follow the covenant of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and Allah’s blessing) both now and always:  “Knowledge is a sole and a backbone of religion”.