Muslims mark end of Ramadan in Moscow (VIDEO)

Thousands of worshippers in Moscow joined millions of Muslims across Russia on Friday to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the holiday marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The largest gathering in the capital took place at the Moscow Cathedral Mosque, where religious leaders representing various Muslim communities led collective prayers.

Russia is home to more than 20 million Muslims. In Russia, the holiday is widely known by its Tatar name, Uraza-Bairam, highlighting the historical role of the Tatar people in the country’s Islamic tradition. The Moscow Cathedral Mosque – originally built in 1904 and rebuilt in 2015 as a larger complex capable of hosting up to 10,000 worshippers – has long been referred to locally as the “Tatar mosque.”

Senior Russian officials, including President Vladimir Putin, extended their greetings to Muslims marking the occasion. In his message, Putin said the holiday “has for centuries embodied believers’ pursuit of spiritual improvement, charity and compassion,” which he described as central to the religion.

Charitable giving, one of the core principles of Islam, is an important part of Eid al-Fitr.