At the initiative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, where many Muslim fighters serve, Ukraine has opened its first military mosque, As-Salam. The construction of the religious building was made possible thanks to the efforts of caring patrons.
The grand opening, as per tradition, began with the recitation of the Quran and a collective prayer. The event was attended by fighters from the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine who follow Islam, Brigadier General Dmitriy Usov, a representative from the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, Head of the Center for International Relations Peace and Security Husameddin Al-Khalawani, chaplains Konstantin Kholodov and Suleyman Khayrullayev.
"Regular Friday prayers and gatherings for Muslims will be held here, where they will be able to learn how to read the Quran and strengthen their spiritual faith," noted Suleyman Khayrullayev.
The new mosque is fully equipped for religious ceremonies. The Quran is available in both Arabic and Ukrainian.
"For a Muslim, the mosque is a place where he can gather spiritual strength, which is incredibly important for a soldier. The opening of this mosque is a very significant example for all of Ukraine and a great gift for all the Muslims serving in Ukraine," said Husameddin Al-Khalawani, Head of the Center for International Relations "Peace and Security."
The opening of the As-Salam mosque was attended by the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov. He thanked the Muslim fighters for their bravery in the battle against the Russian occupiers and presented the mosque with collections of prayers and supplications for Muslim soldiers, arranged by the Military Chaplaincy Service of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine.
