Head of the Religious Administration of Muslims of Russia
His Eminence Sheikh Rawi Ainuddin
His Eminence Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin is one of the most prominent religious leaders in Russia. He has served as Chairman of the Religious Board of Muslims of the European Part of Russia since 1994, and as Secretary-General of the International Muslim Forum since 2015. Born in the Republic of Tatarstan, he received his religious education at the renowned historic madrasa “Mir Arab” in Bukhara. He holds a PhD in Philosophy and has authored numerous works on Islamic creed and jurisprudence. Since 1987, he has also served as the imam and preacher of the Kazan Cathedral Mosque Nur-Islam.
Under his leadership, the Religious Board has expanded its representation of Muslims to more than 60 federal regions across Russia. His tenure has been marked by strong support for the construction and restoration of mosques, as well as the advancement of Islamic education throughout the country. A tireless advocate for civil peace and interethnic harmony in Russia’s multicultural society, Mufti Sheikh Ravil Gaynutdin has received numerous prestigious awards and honors from leading religious, international, and Russian institutions.
