On January 12 Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov, State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev, Head of Central Muslim Spiritual Board Talgat Tadzhutdin, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Muftis of Russia Rushan hazrat Abbyasov, Chairman of Tatarstan Muslim Spiritual Board, mufti Kamil Samigullin, religious, public and political figures from all over Russia, took part in solemn celebrations dated to Mawlid an-Nabi.

One of the most important months in Muslim lunar Hijri calendar, Rabīʿ al-Awwal, when Prophet Muhammad was born, began on January 2, 2014. Mawlid an-Nabi is celebrated on January 12. Festive events are held in all mosques and medrese during this month.

Main celebrations dated to the holiday were held today in a White Mosque in Bolgar.

Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov congratulated everyone who came to the mosque to celebrate the holiday: “Today we are celebrating Mawlid in Bolgar, and it means that major work is carried out on maintaining our religion, nation and traditions.” He expressed hope that such celebrations would be held in Bolgar in future.

Tatarstan President also informed that development of Bolgar and the whole Muslim ummah had been discussed at the meeting with Muslim leaders.

State Counsellor Mintimer Shaimiev reminded, in his turn, that great work on reviving historical and cultural heritage had been done in Bolgar for the last few years, including construction of the White Mosque.

Rushan Abbyasov read out greetings on behalf of Chairman of the Council of Muftis of Russia Ravil Gainutdin.