Putin kisses Islamic Quran during Chechnya visit

GROZNY,— Russian President Vladimir Putin made an unannounced visit to Chechnya, where he toured the “Prophet Isa” mosque in Grozny, the capital of the republic. In a gesture filled with symbolic significance, Putin was seen lifting a gold-encrusted Quran, kissing it, and posing with the sacred text, alongside Ramzan Kadyrov, the leader of Chechnya.

Footage released by state media captured the moment when Putin, holding the gold-leafed Quran with both hands, pressed it to his lips before looking up at the camera. Kadyrov, known for his controversial role in Russia’s political and military spheres, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, stood by Putin’s side throughout the visit. The visit marks Putin’s first trip to Chechnya in nearly 13 years, a region that has seen turbulent history and a brutal crackdown on dissent under Kadyrov’s rule.

Putin’s journey to Chechnya is noteworthy, occurring at a time when Russian forces are facing significant challenges on the battlefield in Ukraine. Ukrainian troops have made notable incursions into Russian territory, including the Kursk region, which has seen intensified fighting. Amid these military setbacks, Putin’s presence in Chechnya appears to be a calculated move to galvanize support from Chechen fighters, who have been actively participating in the conflict on the side of Russia.

The visit included a stop at a special forces training academy, where Chechen soldiers are being prepared for deployment to Ukraine. Addressing the troops, Putin lauded the Chechen volunteers, emphasizing their importance to Russia’s military efforts. “As long as we have men like you,” he stated, “Russia remains invincible.” This statement underscores the Kremlin’s reliance on Chechen forces, who have been pivotal in several key operations since the outset of the conflict.

Kadyrov, who has led Chechnya with an iron grip since 2007, expressed his gratitude to Putin for the visit. “We have been waiting for you for 13 years,” Kadyrov said, acknowledging the challenges faced by Chechnya and the direct involvement of Putin in managing issues within the republic. Under Kadyrov’s leadership, Chechnya has transitioned from a region torn apart by separatist wars in the 1990s and early 2000s to one where dissent is severely suppressed, and loyalty to the Kremlin is enforced with strict measures.

The timing of Putin’s visit is particularly significant, as it comes amidst reports of rising casualties among Russian troops. According to a report by the Daily Express, Western officials have estimated that approximately 1,200 Russian soldiers were killed or wounded in the months of May and June alone, marking some of the heaviest losses since the invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022. These losses have put additional pressure on the Kremlin, which is seeking to bolster its forces with the help of Chechen fighters.

In addition to visiting the mosque, Putin’s gesture of kissing the Quran is seen as part of a broader effort to appeal to the Muslim population within Russia, particularly in the context of recent events in Europe. Following a series of Quran burnings in several European countries and a foiled attempt to do the same in Russia, Putin made it clear that such actions would not be tolerated on Russian soil. He warned that anyone attempting to desecrate the Quran in Russia would face severe consequences, including imprisonment and trial in the country’s Muslim-majority areas.

The presence of Kadyrov and Mufti Salah Mezhiev, a prominent spiritual leader, during Putin’s visit to the mosque further highlights the importance of this symbolic act. By aligning himself with Islamic leaders and showing reverence for the Quran, Putin is likely aiming to solidify support among Muslim communities in Russia, which could be crucial as the conflict in Ukraine drags on.

Putin’s visit to Chechnya, coming on the heels of a trip to Azerbaijan, underscores the strategic importance of the region in Russia’s broader geopolitical aims. As Ukrainian forces continue to make gains in the conflict, the Kremlin is evidently seeking to leverage all available resources, including the loyalty and combat prowess of Chechen fighters, to maintain its position and counter the growing threats to its territorial integrity.

This visit, combined with Putin’s symbolic gestures, reflects a concerted effort to strengthen alliances within Russia’s diverse population, particularly among the Muslim community, as the war in Ukraine enters a critical phase.

It is notable that Surah At-Tawbah in Quran contains verses often referenced in discussions about violence against non-muslims. For example, Ayah 29 states: “Fight those who do not believe in Allah or in the Last Day, and who do not forbid what Allah and His Messenger have forbidden, and who do not follow the religion of truth, among those who were given the Scripture, until they pay the jizyah willingly while they are humbled.” Another verse from the same Surah (9:5) says: “But when the sacred months have passed, then kill the polytheists wherever you find them, and capture them, and besiege them, and sit in wait for them at every place of ambush. But if they repent, establish prayer, and give zakah, then let them go on their way. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”

Some experts argue that these verses are explicit and do not require further interpretation, suggesting they represent a blanket call for violence against non-Muslims.

(With files from agencies)