Russian Muslims: Population, History, Culture, Life-Style and more

Muslims in Russia account for about 15 percent of the population in 2022, making it the country with the second-largest Muslim population in Europe after Germany.

Most Russian Muslims are Sunni, and the Russian Federation is home to a number of Islamic organizations, including the Russian Islamic Congress and the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia.

Muslims in Russia have faced discrimination and violence in the past, but the Russian government has made efforts in recent years to engage with the Muslim community and to promote religious tolerance.

Russian Muslims Population

Muslims have been living in Russia for centuries. In the early period of Russian history, Muslims were the second-largest religious group in Russia after Russian Orthodox Christians. However, their number has decreased significantly in the past century. According to the 2010 Russian census, there are about 14 million Muslims in Russia, which is about 10.5% of the population.

The majority of Russian Muslims are Sunni Muslims, while there is also a significant number of Shi’a Muslims. The Muslims in Russia are ethnically diverse, including Tatars, Bashkirs, Chechens, Dagestanis, Ingush, Kabardin, and others.

History of Islam and Muslims in Russia

The Russian Muslim community has a long and rich history. The Tatars, who are the largest Muslim ethnic group in Russia, are believed to have first arrived in the country in the 13th century. They initially lived in the area around the Volga River but eventually spread to other parts of Russia.

The Tatars played an important role in the development of Russian culture and society. They were one of the first groups to adopt Christianity in 922 and they also played a significant role in the development of Russian literature, art, and architecture.

Despite their significant contribution to Russian culture, the Tatars have faced discrimination and persecution throughout Russian history. In the 18th and 19th centuries, they were forcibly converted to Russian Orthodox Christianity and were subjected to religious and political persecution. In 1944, the Tatars were deported to Central Asia by the Soviet authorities. Many of them were not allowed to return to their homes until the late 1980s.

Challenges in Everyday Muslim Life in Russia

The Russian Muslim community has also faced challenges in recent years. In the early 1990s, the Russian government began to promote a policy of Russification, which aimed to assimilate Muslims into Russian culture. As a result, many Russian Muslims have experienced discrimination and have been unable to practice their religion freely.

The Russian government has also been involved in military conflicts in the Muslim-majority regions of Chechnya and Dagestan. As a result, Muslims in these regions have experienced violence and persecution at the hands of the Russian military.

Despite the challenges they face, Russian Muslims have been active in the struggle for democracy and human rights in Russia. Muslim organizations have played a significant role in the protest movement against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Cultural Life of muslims in Russia

Russian Muslims are also active in the cultural life of Russia. There are many Muslim cultural organizations in Russia, and Muslims have their own television channels and newspapers. Muslims also participate in the Russian Orthodox Christmas and Easter celebrations.

The Russian Muslim community is an important part of Russian society and has a long and rich history. Muslims in Russia have faced many challenges in recent years, but they have also been active in the struggle for democracy and human rights. Russian Muslims are an important part of the cultural life of Russia and will continue to play a significant role in the development of Russian society.

FAQs Answered on Islam in Russia and Russian Muslims