A Russian republic has nearly banned two of the biggest Muslim holidays in response to a local resident's complaint.
Among the holidays protested by the discontented local were Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha – the end of the holy month of Ramadan, and the end of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.
In 1992, Bashkortostani authorities declared both to be non-working days – taking into account that Islam is the region’s dominant religion.
The local’s complaint was at first satisfied when a regional court ruled that locals should not have two extra days off. Then, however, the Muslim community and the higher authorities stepped in. The Bashkortostan’s head, Rustem Khamitov, said the ruling violated the rights of more than two million Muslims residing in the region.
Russia’s PM Vladimir Putin also asked the Supreme Court to review the case.
“If this is against current legislation, then the decision must be amended,” Putin said.
On December 21, the Supreme Court reconsidered the case, ruling that the local authorities had had every right to introduce their own holidays.
A law cementing the right of regional authorities to set public religious holidays is currently being discussed in the State Duma.
Despite Russia’s multinational population, wide celebrations of Muslim holidays have long caused controversy among some residents – especially in light of increasing immigration from Muslim countries bordering Russia.
Some non-Muslim Russians claim that during such holidays, animal sacrifices often take place in streets or residential areas, an outrage to those who do not practice Islam.
source : http://abna.ir
