On the 11th day of the month of Rabi’ al-Akhir (October 3), the Russian-Qatari interactive exhibition “The World of the Qur’an” was solemnly opened at the Al-Marjani Mosque in Kazan.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Mufti of the Republic of Tatarstan Kamil Hazrat Samigullin, Deputy Chairman of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation (SAM RF) and Mufti Rushan Hazrat Abbyasov, Assistant to the Rais (Head) of the Republic of Tatarstan and Deputy Chairman of the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia – Islamic World” Marat Gatin, Rector of the Bolgar Islamic Academy Farkhat Khusnutdinov, representatives of the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs of the State of Qatar, members of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan, public and cultural figures, journalists, and shakirds (students of Islamic sciences).

The project was organized by the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation and the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs of the State of Qatar, with the support of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of the Republic of Tatarstan.

The exhibition opened with the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an and a du‘a (supplication) by the world-renowned scholar, holder of the highest qualification in Qur’an memorization (master of ten qira’at), chief judge and head of juries in Qur’an competitions in the Gulf countries, descendant of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, and member of the Qur’an Manuscript Preparation Commission in Kazan — Sheikh Ma’mun ar-Rawi.

Mufti Kamil Hazrat Samigullin, greeting the guests, noted that Kazan is the center of Qur’anic studies in Russia:

“Not only in Russia, but in the entire world, the Qur’an in the Rasm-Uthmani script was first printed in 1803 here in Kazan. Books often say: ‘The Qur’an was revealed in the Hijaz, recited in Egypt, written in Istanbul, and printed in Kazan.’ For us, this is a great honor — we must never forget our historical legacy,”
said the Mufti.

In honor of the exhibition, he presented Rushan Hazrat Abbyasov with a facsimile edition of the “Kazan Print” of 1803 and expressed hope that the book would find its place in the exposition. The Mufti also thanked everyone who took part in organizing the event and invited the public to visit this remarkable exhibition.

Marat Gatin, speaking on behalf of the Group of Strategic Vision “Russia – Islamic World”, emphasized that under the leadership of Rais of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, the group has been contributing for twenty years to the development, strengthening, and expansion of Russia’s ties with the Islamic world.

“Today we open this exhibition together with our partners from the State of Qatar, and we extend our gratitude for their active participation,”
he said, also thanking the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Tatarstan, represented by Kamil Hazrat Samigullin, for its support, and the SAM RF, represented by Rushan Hazrat Abbyasov, for their initiative and for implementing such a major project. He added that the Group of Strategic Vision actively supports such initiatives and remains open to further joint projects in the future.

Speaking next, Rushan Hazrat Abbyasov conveyed greetings from the Grand Mufti of Russia Ravil Hazrat Gaynutdin, and expressed gratitude to Kamil Hazrat Samigullin for his support, as well as to the guests and media representatives for their interest in this unique exhibition. He then spoke about the history and development of the project. Last year, the exhibition was held at the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, receiving wide acclaim and sparking interest in various regions. This year, it has become a traveling exhibition, displayed in Moscow, Saratov, and Saransk, with Kazan as the final stop.

“The exhibition will be interesting for both young visitors and the older generation, as it includes a virtual reality experience where one can see the Kaaba as it looked in the time of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and even step inside it,”
he noted, encouraging guests to explore the interactive areas, read the materials on display, and take part in activities to receive valuable gifts.

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About the Exhibition

“The World of the Qur’an” is not just an exhibition but a large-scale educational project that combines history, spirituality, and modern technology. It allows visitors to experience the rich legacy of the Holy Scripture, to see how the Qur’an unites generations and cultures, and to feel its timeless significance for all humankind.

The project is an example of spiritual diplomacy — through Russian-Qatari cooperation, it strengthens mutual understanding, develops cultural ties, and demonstrates that people’s diplomacy, grounded in faith and respect, can bring hearts and societies closer together.

The main exposition tells the story of the revelation and preservation of the Qur’an — from the first revelations to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) to modern printed and digital editions. Visitors will learn about ancient writing methods, oral transmission, the work of the first scribes, the history of Qur’an printing in Russia and worldwide, as well as its universal message to humanity.

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Interactive Zones

Visitors can also explore several interactive areas:

• Virtual Reality Experience – a journey to Mecca and Medina during the Prophet’s time.

• Arabic Calligraphy Workshop – an introduction to the art of beautiful writing.

• Arabic Alphabet Lessons – first steps in learning the language of the Qur’an.

• Recitation of Surah Al-Fatiha – an opportunity to hear and recite the opening chapter of the Qur’an.

• Children’s World – an educational and play area for young visitors.

• Gifts – engaging and useful presents for participants.

From October 4–6, the exhibition will also feature documentary and feature films by Russian and Qatari directors dedicated to Islamic culture and spiritual values. Some of these films were previously presented at the “Altyn Minbar” Kazan International Muslim Film Festival.

The “World of the Qur’an” exhibition will be open October 4–6, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Source: dumrt.ru