2.A Rich Tribute to 15 years Old Russian Muslim Islam Khalilov
Dr. Syed Mehboob
Economic and Political Analyst
http//: www.thenewslark.com
Islam in the religion of peace and prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was sent as blessing for whole mankind. According to Michael H. Hart. Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was the most influential personality of the world since the history has been recorded. There are 57 Muslim countries in the world. Approximately 12% Muslims live in Indonesia, the largest Muslim populous country in the world, 31% live in South Asia, 21% live in the middle east- North Africa, 15% live in Sub Saharan Africa. Sizeable Muslim communities are present in Americas, China, Europe and other parts of the world. Islam is the world’s fastest growing major religious group, and is projected to be the world’s largest religion by the end of 21st century. There are about 1.9 billion Muslims in the world.
There are significant numbers of Muslims in Russia. Islam is the second largest religion of Russia and accounts about 10% of its total population. Russia has the largest Muslim population in Europe. According to the US Department of State in 2017, Muslims in Russia were about 14 million or roughly 10 % of its population. The Grand Mufti of Russia, Sheikh Rawil Gaynetdin, estimated the Muslim population in Russia at 25 million in 2018. Recognized under the law and by Russian traditional religions, Islam is part of Russian historical heritage and is subsidized by the Russian government. President of Russian Federation Vladimir Putin called Islam as, “Integral part of Russian code”.
On 22nd March,2024 at around 20. MSK (UTC+3), a barbaric, inhumane and coordinated attack occurred at the Crocus City Hall music Venue in Krasnogorsk, Russia, on the western edge of Moscow. The attack started shortly before the Russian band Picnic was scheduled to play a sold-out show at the venue. Four gunmen carried out a mass shooting, as well as slashing attacks on the people gathered at the venue and used incendiary devices to set the venue on fire. Around 150 innocent persons were killed and more than 182 injured. The gruesome terror incident shocked the whole world. Pakistan is fighting against terrorism since long and we have witnessed the horror of these incidents so we can better understand the Himalayan grief, oceanic sorrow of the families of the victims therefore we have deep sympathy with these families and express complete solidarity with Russia, its people and leadership. On 25th Marach,2024 I visited at Russian Federation Consulate and signed on the condolence book there. I spoke to the staff and other people there and expressed my deep sorrow and condolence and also conveyed the message of Chief Editor of the News Lark, Karachi, Mr. Jawed Ahmed Malik, who was also very shocked after hearing this news and asked me to express condolence on his behalf too.
Those terrorists who killed innocent people including women and children in Moscow they were not human being rather they were wolves in the shape of human beings and those who used them as their puppets are even worst then them. At a time when Muslims of the world coming closer to Russia which was playing very important role and trying its best to restore peace in Palestine to stop the genocide of Palestinian. These terror and barbaric attacks were planned to sabotage the growing and strong relations between Muslims and Russians.
Human life, honour are sacred and to be protected in every way according to the teaching of Islam. Quran says, “And whoever saves a life, it is as though he had saved the lives of all mankind. (5:32). True Muslims act on these instructions.
At the one hand these terrors were busy in killing innocent people while at the other hand there was a hero, Islam Khalilov, a 15-year-old Muslim boy who saved a hundred people on Friday 22nd March,2024 during terror attack on the Crocus City concert hall in the Moscow region. The attack was a harrowing experience, especially amid a panicked crowed and gunfire,
While speaking to media persons and recording his interview, the teenager described that day as “ a typical working day” noting that he was not anticipating any mishaps but performed his duty, serving the spectators, and took a break. When the third bell rang, signaling the closure of the auditorium doors and the commencement of the concert exactly eight in the evening, the terrorist attack unfolded and killed 150 people and wounded more than 180 others. Islam Khalilov said,” At first, I heard unusual sounds from the first floor while I was working in the wardrobe on the basement floor. Initially, I thought it might be a drunken altercation or escalator malfunction," he said. "Then, panic-stricken people began fleeing in different directions from the escalator and stairs, confirming my suspicion of a terrorist attack. I immediately initiated the evacuation plan, directing people towards the Crocus Expo International Exhibition Center adjacent to the concert hall. “Khalilov mentioned that the staff had recently undergone training on responding to such emergencies. He further said,” The training was prompted by intelligence suggesting the possibility of a terrorist attack, particularly in concert halls, disseminated on March 8. Consequently, management decided to prepare us. Overall, we were prepared," he emphasized. In such crises, remaining composed and executing tasks swiftly and accurately is imperative. He further said, “ It's crucial to act promptly and efficiently, almost instinctively, because lives hang in the balance," he noted. "My first step was to gain people's attention. Dressed in the hall's uniform and being a familiar face from the wardrobe, individuals instinctively trusted my guidance. I directed them according to the evacuation plan, ensuring order and safety throughout. “The boy affirmed that he would return for anyone left behind inside the building, but once outside, security personnel prevented re-entry. He thanked Allah Almighty that he who made enabled him to save lives of people and said, "Fortunately, the attack occurred after Iftar, the meal to break the Ramadan fast, leaving me feeling refreshed and fortified. Thanks to Allah's protection, I returned home unharmed," he emphasized. Regarding the aftermath, he expressed that interacting with others and his faith provided solace, alleviating any lasting effects. He said Islamic teachings made him strong enough and created humanity and love for people and said, “Religious practices, such as nighttime prayers and dhikr recitations, bring me peace and aid restful sleep," he remarked. "Had the attack not occurred, it would have been an ordinary day at work with no special plans," he added.
On Monday, Islam attended school, where he was honored in a ceremony attended by notable figures. "I received warm accolades, being hailed as a hero for my actions," he said. ‘I named my first-born after our religion'. Islam's father, Bakhtiyar Khalilov, said,”"At first, I didn't grasp the gravity of the situation. It wasn't until the second time that it sank in – there had been a terrorist attack, people had been shot at close range," he recalled. "I inquired about his well-being, and he assured me of his safety. He mentioned evacuating over 100 people, although he didn't keep count. He managed to capture a few videos, which later confirmed the number of individuals rescued." Khalilov Senior recounted returning home to embrace his son after work: "We recited prayers and watched footage of the evacuation, offering prayers for those still inside," he shared. He further said that he is proud of his son. He said that his son is incredibly active, pursuing football with aspirations for a professional career. He said. "I'm immensely proud of my son's heroism. Islam, named in honor of our religion, embodies the teachings of Islam through his actions. I constantly remind both my sons to lend a helping hand, emphasizing the importance of honesty and integrity," he emphasized. He categorically denounced terrorism and further said, “Our religion promotes kindness and condemns acts of terror. Those responsible have no affiliation with Islam. Islam does not teach us that. Islam is a very beautiful and orderly religion," he stressed.
Islam was presented with the Medal of Muslims of Russia by Grand Mufti of Russia Ravil Gaynutdin. Rapper Morgenshtern said he would send the boy 1m roubles (£8,500; $10,900). Russian Children's Rights Ombudswoman Maria Lvova-Belova presented an award Tuesday to Islam Khalilov.
Every Muslim appreciates and is proud of the heroic action of Islam Khalilov . Future of Russia-Muslim relations is bright and it can not be distorted by such acts of terrorism.