By Adnan Hameed
TWA
_____
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, hosted a significant iftar event, joined by representatives of the Muslim community, Ukrainian military personnel professing Islam, and leaders of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar people. Held at the Religious Administration of Muslims of Crimea, the iftar marks a continuation of a tradition initiated by President Zelenskyy in 2023 to foster unity during the holy month of Ramadan.
According to the MOFA Ukraine Press Note, it’s says that during the event, President Zelenskyy underscored the importance of unity, particularly amidst the challenges of conflict and adversity. He expressed gratitude to all attendees, especially the Muslim warriors defending Ukraine’s sovereignty, presenting them with prestigious military honors for their bravery and selflessness.
Ukrainian Muslim servicemen currently serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine were honored with Orders of Bohdan Khmelnytsky and Orders “For Courage” for their exceptional valor in defending the nation’s territorial integrity. President Zelenskyy also acknowledged efforts to support citizens in occupied territories and expressed gratitude to those aiding the return of deported individuals, particularly children, and adults facing Russian repression.
He wished that the holy month of Ramadan would become another occasion for greater consolidation of the entire Ukrainian people to defeat the enemy.
In his address, President Zelenskyy extended wishes for peace and tranquility to those affected by conflicts globally, emphasizing the importance of justice and protection of life. Mustafa Dzhemilev, leader of the Crimean Tatar people, echoed sentiments of unity and resilience, expressing confidence in overcoming adversity and gratitude to international partners aiding Ukraine’s defense.
Mufti of the Religious Administration of Muslims of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea Ayder Rustamov recited the iftar prayer, which symbolizes the end of the fast on this day.
The President of Ukraine also visited the exhibition “Qurans that Survived Deportation”, which features copies of books published in Crimea and beyond. The oldest edition of the Quran presented was published in the late XIX century. Some of the books were carried by people during the deportation, and later their children returned them to their homeland.
The iftar was also attended by: Chairman of the Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People Refat Chubarov and other members of the Mejlis, Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea Tamila Tasheva, Mufti of the Religious Administration of Muslims of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea Sheikh Ayder Rustamov, Deputy Mufti of the Religious Administration of Muslims of Ukraine “Ummah” Mamet Mamutov, Chief Ombudsman of the Republic of Türkiye Şeref Malkoç, Secretary General of GUAM Altai Efendiev, Ambassadors of Türkiye, Turkmenistan, Palestine, Uzbekistan, Egypt, Libya, Pakistan, Indonesia, South Africa to Ukraine, representatives of diplomatic missions of Azerbaijan, Algeria, Sudan, Qatar, Iraq, Kyrgyzstan accredited in Ukraine, cultural and public figures.
