Russia's Cathedral Mosque to Open in September

Rabat – The Muslim Board of Russia’s European Party is reportedly expecting several political and religious leaders of Islamic countries to take part in the opening ceremony of a Cathedral Mosque in Moscow.

The opening ceremony of the historical mosque in Moscow, located near the sports complex Olimpiysky is scheduled on September 23, 2015.

According to OneIslam, DamirGizatullin, First Deputy Chairman of the Muslim Board, confirmed to the media the attendance of several religious leaders from different faiths and countries around the world.

“I think the top officials [of Islamic countries] will undoubtedly attend. The leaders of the countries that are friendly to us and whose attitude toward Russia remained unchanged, both during peaceful times and in crises, will definitely be invited,” Gizatullin said.

“World-famous religious figures, and not only Muslims, but also our brothers — Orthodox Christians, Jews and Buddhists will also be invited,” he added.

The mosque that will stand as an Islamic landmark will serve as a place of worship to a “growing number of Muslims” in Russia and help advocate religious tolerance in the country.

According to the same source, quoting political analyst Alexei Malashenko, “Russia is home to about 12.5 million Muslims, with at least 1.5 million living in the country’s capital”.

During the last Eid El Fitr, a Muslim Holiday celebrating the end of Ramadan, a drone captured footage of thousands of Muslims praying outside the golden-domed SobornayaMosque led by the Grand Mufti of Russia, RavilGainutdin.

In their attempts to attract more Muslim tourists, some Russian hotels started to offer Halal products and services with “no bacon in meals, a room for prayers and the Qur’an on guests’nightstands.”

With the increasing number of Muslims around the world, “experts say that by 2050, Muslims will make up about half of Russia’s population,” according to Russia Today.