Religious Board of Moslems in Kalmykia granted 50 sheep to poor brothers in faith

In honour of Kurban Bairam holiday Religious Board of Moslems in Kalmykia allotted money for purchase of 50 sheep to poor believers. This was reported by Asludin Kalabegov, Deputy Chairman of Religious Board of Moslems.

"The animals were distributed among the districts of the republic and we are currently getting reports of successful accomplishment of the ceremonies from local imams", the clergyman said. The sheep were mortified in the courtyards of housing estates, far from the people's sights, in order not to traumatize anyone, Asludin Kalabegov added.

"To me, Kurban Bairam is a holiday of obedience and humility. We find these features with Ibrahim who was ready to sacrifice his son Ismail for the sake of Allah, - Zukarnay Sataev says. - We immolated a sheep, prayed for the sins of all the living people in the World and for the repose of the deceased". According to custom, the Sataevs divided the flesh of the sheep into three parts: one was given to the poor, another to their relatives, the third one was boiled and treated to elderly people and they left a little for themselves.

"Kurban Bairam is the only holiday in the year when we pray to Allah and offer up animals for the sake of Allah Himself, not for the purpose of receiving anything from Him, Zukarnay's wife Natalia adds. - It is especially important to keep pure thoughts on this day".

Prime Minister of Kalmykia Ludmila Ivanova congratulated the Moslems on the holiday. "Traditions of mutual respect among representatives of different ethnic groups, religions and cultures are deeply rooted in our republic. The holy day of Kurban Bairam symbolizes inner purity, charity and devotion, turns people towards good and justice, teaches them humane and careful attitude towards their fellows", the congratulation runs.

Representatives of non-Moslem confessions are loyal to celebration of Kurban Bairam in the territory of Kalmykia. "I can see nothing bad in it", resident of the republic Savr Aduianov says.

"I like the custom of donation to the poor and therefore I think Kurban Bairam is a humane holiday calling for kindness and charity", Alexey Ivanov, another respondent, remarks.

It should be reminded that in other regions of the Russian South where Moslem population predominates a day off was established on November, 7, in honour of the holiday of Kurban Bairam.