The first Muslim veterans' space in Ukraine is being renovated in Kyiv. It will allow tens of thousands of Muslims serving in the Armed Forces to gather, share experiences, pray, and receive support. The space is scheduled to open in a few weeks.
This was reported by Arslan Misiratov, the head of the Crimean Organization of Military and Combatants, a veteran, in a commentary to Suspilne Krym.
"We are in close contact with the chaplains of the General Staff. A lot of men are dismissed, and they cannot find a place for themselves. So we decided to open this space and help them with employment, provide legal advice and help their families," he said.
The veterans' space will have four rooms: a hall, a namazhana (a place for prayer), a room for study sessions, and a room for a chaplain and lawyers.
"In war, there is no difference in religion or nationality. We all fight as one family, as brothers, for we have the same enemy. Yet, when the postwar period comes, many people pay attention to halal food. They pay attention to the fact that they need to pray and they need a room for prayer. We have to provide these conditions," said Rakhim Babaiev, head of the Kyiv regional organization of the All-Ukrainian Trade Union of Defenders of Ukraine, a veteran.
Both male and female veterans who practice Islam will be able to visit the space. All services are free of charge.