Islamic scholars assessed the mufti's words about praying for Kadyrov.

The Mufti of Chechnya, Salah Mezhiev, called prayers for Ramzan Kadyrov a duty of Chechens, and declared his inauguration a “mercy of the Almighty.” Praying for a ruler is part of the traditions of Muslim countries and regions, but it is not an obligation for believers, scholars interviewed by "Caucasian Knot" stated.

As reported by "Caucasian Knot", on September 30, Ramzan Kadyrov reported to Vladimir Putin on the results of the elections held in Chechnya. Kadyrov received a record 99.85% of the votes, while his opponents Ismail Denilkhanov and Khalid Nakayev received 0.05% each. On October 5, the day of Kadyrov's 50th anniversary, his inauguration took place in Grozny.

The Mufti of Chechnya, Salah Mezhiev, who spoke at the inauguration of the head of Chechnya, called it a duty for Chechens to pray for Ramzan Kadyrov, and referred to the ceremony of taking office as a "mercy of the Almighty." A video of his words was published by the pro-government Instagram community chpgrozniy.

“We must know that we should thank the Almighty, appreciate what He has given us. As Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal said: “If I had only one prayer, I would pray for the ruler.” Therefore, by the will of Allah, we must pray for him and appreciate,” Mezhiev said in a comment to Chechen TV channels and the federal channel “Russia.”

Praying (dua) for a leader or ruler is not elevated to the status of an obligation even in Muslim countries, noted an expert in Islamic law, Doctor of Law, Professor at HSE Leonid Syukiyainen.

“I don’t even recall seeing or hearing this anywhere. I was present when high-ranking officials prayed – I was present, I did not perform the prayers myself – but it was never the case that the leader was mentioned at every step, that prayers were made for him. And even if some sermon before the prayer mentions certain events, including those involving the leader, it does not mean that the prayer is directly dedicated to him,” he told "Caucasian Knot."

Although there are “no contraindications” for praying for a ruler on a specific occasion, performing it for any political reason, especially imposing it as a duty on people, is inappropriate, the Islamic scholar believes.

“We have, in principle, a secular state. I understand that we can pray for the health of any person we feel sympathy for and wish some good, but why attract attention like this, such collective actions? It is clear that they support the authorities; let’s assume that this is wonderful, let them support, but why specifically pray for this? It seems to me that this should not be done for every occasion. And a normal leader would not welcome this,” Syukiyainen concluded.

Prayers for the current authorities are mainly proclaimed by Muslims during Friday sermons, said the leading researcher at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences Dmitry Mikulsky.

“Traditionally, this was an obligation because proclaiming a prayer for the one who rules is, in fact, documenting that power is being exercised. This is a classic situation, but it concerned rulers in Islamic states. What is happening now in Muslim regions of the Russian Federation, I do not know, but it is clear that this is not an obligation,” Mikulsky told a correspondent of "Caucasian Knot."

The imam of one of the Moscow mosques Rauf-khazrat confirmed that dua for the ruler is indeed widespread in Muslim regions.

“There is nothing surprising about this. This is, firstly, from the etiquette of relationships, so to speak, of Muslims with their ruler. On the other hand, this is an act from the desirable, conditioned by the Sunnah, when a Muslim prays for his ruler, wishing him well. But by doing so, he wishes well, including for the entire ummah, and in some way for himself. Wishing well for someone who is more important is, one might say, a kind of strategic step, probably for the good and prosperity of the ummah,” the imam explained to "Caucasian Knot."