Putin's Quran: A Deeper Look at the Russian President's Interest in Islam

A recent video circulating on social media platforms shows Russian President Vladimir Putin presenting a gold-encrusted copy of the Quran to the Nabi Isa Mosque in Chechnya. The footage captures Putin kissing the Quran before gifting it to the newly constructed mosque in Grozny, the Chechen capital. He is also seen listening to verses from the Quran recited by Chechen President Ramzan Kadyrov.

Putin's visit to Chechnya, his first in 13 years, came on Tuesday, August 20, amidst the ongoing Ukrainian offensive into Russian territory. The visit coincided with Ukrainian forces making significant gains in the Kursk region, capturing numerous villages and towns within Russian borders.

During his visit, Putin toured training camps at the Russian Special Forces Academy in the Chechen city of Gudermes, which has graduated over 47,000 fighters since the start of the war in Ukraine, according to Kadyrov.

Putin's interest in the Quran has been evident since 2019, appearing in various political, military, and cultural contexts. He has been seen reciting verses, holding the Quran, and kissing it on multiple occasions.

While Putin is a practicing member of the Russian Orthodox Church, his apparent fascination with the Quran has sparked curiosity. His interest seems to go beyond mere symbolism, as he has been known to quote verses from the Quran in his speeches, suggesting a deeper understanding of the text.

Here are some notable instances where Putin has displayed his connection to the Quran:

• July 2023: Putin was seen holding a copy of the Quran during a visit to the Russian city of Derbent, just days after the Quran was burned in Sweden.
• 2019: During a meeting with Iranian President Rouhani and Turkish President Erdogan, Putin referenced verses from the Quran twice while commenting on drone attacks on Saudi oil refineries. He said, "I can only recall verses from the Quran: Remember the mercy of Allah. You were enemies one day, and Allah mended your hearts and made you brothers. And here I believe this is what we should start from, explaining that any division among people leads to conflicts that should be put aside."

Putin specifically quoted the verse from Surah Al-Imran: "And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allah upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers."

He continued, "By the way, the Quran speaks about not committing any kind of violence, except for the protection of the people and the country."

• Meeting with Religious Leaders: Putin quoted verses from Surah Ash-Shura during a meeting with religious leaders, reciting verse 23: "That is what Allah promises His servants who have faith and do righteous deeds. Say, 'I do not ask you for any reward for it except love for near relatives.' And whoever does a good deed, We will increase its goodness for him. Indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Appreciative."

A copy of the Quran was also present on Putin's desk during this meeting.

While Putin's religious beliefs remain his personal matter, his public displays of respect for the Quran and his knowledge of its verses raise questions about the depth and motivations behind his interest in Islam. The significance of these actions in the context of Russia's foreign policy and domestic politics is a subject of ongoing debate and analysis.