Moscow Jadid: Theological and Legal Views of Imam ‘Abdulwadud Fattahetdinov (1882-1954)
The article for the first time describes the theological and legal views of a famous Moscow imam ‘Abdulwadud Fattaheddinov’ (1882-1954), identifi ed on the basis of analysis of one of his publications in “Shura” Journal. Presenting a detailed critique of two Qadimist fatwas, it quite vividly characterizes its author as a consistent progressive man who denies blind imitation of tradition in matters of religion, who calls for modern rational proofs of Islamic truths and explanations of the Quran, the author comes as a supporter of a principle of “Sharia goals” and a defender of women’s rights. At the same time, the theologian bases his fatwa-making not only on his own interpretation of the sacred primary sources, but also appeals to classical works of a traditional for Tatars Hanafi madhhab. The research for the first time among Russian Muslims coveys the need for the translation of Quran and other Islamic literature into Russian. The paper also reports the unknown fact of the fi rst neophyte Muslims appearance in Russia just after granting freedom of conscience by the Provisional Government in July 1917.