The message reads, in part:
“The multi-million Muslim community in Russia plays a key role in preserving the deep-rooted tradition of friendship between different peoples, religions and cultures in our country.
This holiday symbolises spiritual purity, charity and piety, encouraging kindness and justice and teaching compassionate and considerate attention to one’s neighbour. Commitment to these universal values is the basis for interethnic and interreligious harmony, promotes spiritual evolution of society, educating our young generation in the spirit of patriotism and respect for high moral principles.”