Until recently the term “Russian Islam” was something difficult to imagine. Half a century ago Islam was considered only as a religion of ethnic minorities only. The pioneers of Islam among the ethnic Russians were Russian women married to Muslim foreigners, Russian soldiers captured during the war in Afghanistan (1979-1989) and some spiritual seekers who were not satisfied with Christianity and found in Islam the true religion. Actually they were at the margin of the Russian society major parts of which were adepts of the Russian Orthodox Church. Nevertheless they successfully produced a strong wave. Although their number is still relatively small (about 100 000) they are young, energetic, vibrant and widespread in many Russian cities. There are among them politicians, famous artists and even some former Christian clergy. Many politicians share the opinion that Islam is a force of life in Russia and if the country want to exist further it must consider this force. A sector of Russian culture featured by Islam in the situation when other sectors are in decline, have opportunity to become one of the most important and influential force in the development of Russian society in the future.
Source: World Journal of Islamic History and Civilization
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