Image Credit: The Kashmiriyat
On August 20, Russian President Vladimir Putin garnered widespread acclaim for a respectful gesture towards Islam during his visit to the Prophet Isa Mosque in Grozny. Captured on video, Putin’s act of kissing the Quran, a sacred text for Muslims, quickly went viral across social media platforms including X and YouTube. The footage has since been prominently featured in news broadcasts across Turkey, the UAE, Egypt, Syria, and other regions.
The Quran, encrusted with precious stones and gifted by Putin himself to the mosque, became a focal point of international attention. Social media users responded with enthusiasm, praising the Russian leader for his display of reverence. One X user expressed profound admiration, stating, “Mr. President of Russia, I love you for this respect; my respect for you is limitless.” Another commentator highlighted the contrast between Putin’s gesture and perceived Western attitudes, noting, “Putin shows respect for Muslims, while the West demonstrates racism and hatred of Islam.” A third observer remarked, “A gesture like this builds bridges, not destroys them. I’ve never seen any other world leader do something like this.”
The visit and the subsequent viral video have garnered significant attention not only for Putin’s gesture but also for its impact on interfaith relations. The head of the Chechen Republic, Ramzan Kadyrov, shared the video of the event on social media, further amplifying its reach.
The incident highlights the global importance of respectful gestures in shaping perceptions and promoting intercultural dialogue. As the video continues to spread, the international reaction to Putin’s visit reflects a broader dialogue on respect and understanding between cultures.