Quran of Said Ismagilov

The Quran belonged to Said (Serhii) Ismagilov — Mufti of the Religious Administration of Muslims of Ukraine “Umma” and imam chaplain. He is known for promoting moderation, interfaith dialogue, and the integration of Muslims into Ukrainian society.

 During the Revolution of Dignity, he supported the protesters and called for non-violent dialogue. After the annexation of Crimea and the outbreak of war in Donbas, he strongly condemned Russia’s aggression and urged Muslims not to support military mercenaries.

In the spring of 2014, he remained in Donetsk but, following threats from the so-called “DPR,” was forced to flee with his family to Mariupol and later to Kyiv. He initiated and contributed to the establishment of a Muslim chaplaincy service within the Armed Forces of Ukraine and personally served as a chaplain in combat zones. In 2017, Muslim chaplains officially received authorization from the Ministry of Defence to perform pastoral duties in the Joint Forces Operation area.

At the same time, Ismagilov continued his civic efforts to unite Ukrainian Muslims and counter disinformation about Islam. After the full-scale invasion in 2022, he resigned from his position as Mufti, joined the Territorial Defence Forces (Bucha–Irpin Joint Territorial Defense Battalion), and later went to the front. In the first months, he participated in the evacuation of civilians and animals, worked as a paramedic, and took part in frontline missions. Serving as a driver-rifleman and paramedic, he continues to evacuate the wounded and provide support to soldiers in various frontline sectors.

His homes in Donetsk (2014) and Bucha (2022) were both affected by Russian aggression, yet he remains in active service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.