Azerbaijan president Ilham Aliyev has warmly congratulated the Head of the Board of Caucasus Muslims, Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade on the occasion of his 70th birthday and the 40th anniversary of his activities as Sheikhulislam. Pashazade is considered the most senior Muslim cleric in the Caucasus region and holds the titles of Sheikh ul-Islam and Grand Mufti of the Caucasus. He is also the current chairman of the Religious Council of the Caucasus.
Allahshükür Pashazade was born in Cil, in the Lankaran region of Azerbaijan.
In his message to the Sheikhulislam, president Ilham Aliyev said:
You have always displayed high patriotism and the position of a true citizen both as a religious leader and public figure during the fateful events for our nation. You have provided effective services in communicating the truth about Azerbaijan to the world community, in particular our fair position on the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Throughout your life, you have worked hard to maintain high moral values and national solidarity in society and have been engaged in successful activities towards preserving the spiritual wealth of our people. You have initiated a number of firsts in your time as Sheikhulislam. In particular, you have organized the translation and publication of the Holy Quran, arranged for blood donation campaigns during the Ashura ceremonies and contributed to the revival of the tradition of unity prayer in our country. Your contributions to the emergence of exemplary relations between the state and religion in Azerbaijan are also undeniable.
Your efforts towards communicating the problems and concerns of Muslims not only in Azerbaijan but also of the entire Caucasus to the international community are also worthy of note. You have always followed the principles of Muslim solidarity in condemning the bloody events in the Muslim world, raising the issue of protecting the sacred sites and ancient historical monuments with international organizations and great superpowers, and striving to achieve peace and tranquility in the world.
As a person enjoying tremendous respect and authority among leaders of various confessions, you are represented in many international religious organizations and centers and are making a significant contribution to the deepening of the dialogue between cultures and civilizations.
President Aliyev concluded his message saying, "on this remarkable day, I would like to wish you a long life, robust health and continued success in your benevolent and effective activities."
source: commonspace.eu
photo: Sheikhulislam Allahshukr Pashazade
