15-year-old Islam awarded 'Medal of Merit': He had saved hundreds of people

The Religious Administration of Muslims of the Russian Federation announced that 15-year-old Muslim youth Islam Khalilov, who saved more than 100 people during the terrorist attack at the "Crocus City Hall" concert venue in Moscow, has been awarded a 'Medal of Merit'.

The ceremony held at the Moscow Cathedral Mosque was attended by Ravil Gainutdin, Chairman of the Religious Administration of Muslims of Russia and the Council of Muftis of Russia, as well as Khalilov and his family.

Before the Friday prayer at the mosque, Gainutdin presented the Russian Muslims' 'Medal of Merit' to Khalilov.

In his speech, Gainutdin stated that they were presenting this medal to Khalilov as a symbol of gratitude.

Emphasizing that they are grateful to everyone who helped save lives during the attack, Gainutdin announced that another youth who assisted in the evacuations, 14-year-old Artyom Donskov, was also deemed worthy of the same medal. Gainutdin noted that Donskov was unable to attend the ceremony.

Stating that people generally try to save themselves when their lives are in danger, Gainutdin expressed that some individuals, in critical moments, strive to save not their own lives, but the lives of those around them.

Gainutdin said, "Such a young friend of ours (Khalilov) emerged. He saved the lives of more than 100 people by showing them the way there (at the concert hall where the terrorist attack took place). Of course, our reward is only in this world. But he will receive his true reward from the Almighty Allah who created us."

15-year-old Muslim youth Khalilov, who worked part-time at the cloakroom at Crocus City Hall, took control when terrorists launched an armed attack on the concert hall on the evening of March 22, directing more than 100 people to the correct evacuation corridor and ensuring that people could exit the building and reach a safe place.

Video footage captured by a mobile phone regarding the moments when Khalilov carried out the evacuation had appeared on social media.

News Source: AA