Abkhazia Receives Delegation from Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Adygea and Krasnodar Territory

SUKHUM / AQW'A — In a significant gesture to foster religious and cultural ties, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Adygea and the Krasnodar Territory, led by Deputy Mufti Ibrahim Shkhalakhov, visited Abkhazia. The visit aimed to deliver financial contributions towards the construction of the United Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Abkhazia administrative complex in Gudauta, inclusive of religious and educational facilities.

A high-level meeting was held in the Sukhum Mosque, with the participation of Rezo Katsia, Advisor to the President of the Republic of Abkhazia on religious affairs. The Mufti of Abkhazia and Chairman of USAMA, Timur Dzyba, welcomed the delegation and reflected on the progress since the cooperation agreement between the two organisations was signed five years ago.

"Many successful events have taken place in the religious, social, educational, and charitable spheres since then," Dzyba remarked. He also highlighted the profound religious and ethno-cultural connection between the Abkhaz and Adyghe (Circassian) peoples, reinforced during the Patriotic War of the people of Abkhazia in 1992-1993.

"The deep-seated religious and ethno-cultural bond that exists between the Abkhaz and Adyghe people is a known fact to every individual from these communities. As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Abkhazia Patriotic War victory of 1992-1993, we particularly remember the substantial role played by our Circassian brethren who were at the forefront of those who offered us aid. Their acts of bravery are etched in our memory, and we send prayers to Allah for those who did not survive to see this day, that they may be blessed with His mercy and find a place among the residents of Jannah (heaven).

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It is through these shared experiences that our bond with the Adyghe people was not only affirmed in words, but was sealed with blood. Our hope and prayer to Allah are that in the future, the strengthening of our fraternal ties would be fostered through shared religious, economic, social, and cultural endeavours, rather than through shared bloodshed."

In his welcoming address, Rezo Katsia underscored: "Religious tolerance is a fundamental cornerstone of our government's domestic policy. Historically, the Abkhazian people have been a tapestry of two prominent religious threads – Islam and Orthodox Christianity. Given this diversity, it's incumbent upon us to approach each other as brethren. As such, we always receive our brothers in faith with open arms in Abkhazia, extending our support to all their virtuous initiatives."

Ibrahim Shkhalakhov, the Deputy Mufti of the Republic of Adygea and Krasnodar, echoed Dzyba's sentiments and acknowledged the long-standing relationships that preceded the formal cooperation agreement between the spiritual administrations. Shkhalakhov confirmed that the delegation's visit served dual purposes - to meet with their brothers in faith and to transfer the collected donations for the construction of the United Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Abkhazia administrative complex and the mosque in Gudauta.

He further emphasized the spiritual and societal role of mosques. "Mosques are like pure healing springs, educating young people on religious observance, societal behaviour, and healing and purifying those who visit with good intentions," Shkhalakhov stated.

Concluding the event, Shkhalakhov expressed his hopes for the future, "I ask Almighty Allah to instil mutual fraternal love in our hearts and strengthen us in all good deeds."

• The majority of Abkhazians within Abkhazia are Orthodox Christians, comprising approximately 75% of the population. Another 10% of Abkhazians are Sunni Muslims, and there are small numbers of Jews, Lutherans, Catholics and followers of new religions. Abkhazian historian Stanislav Lakoba, when asked about the religion of Abkhazia, answered that the Abkhaz are eighty percent Christian, twenty percent [Sunni] Muslim, and one hundred percent pagan!