MOSCOW, July 28./ITAR-TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin has congratulated Russian Muslims on the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, the Kremlin press service said.

One of Muslims' main and most important holidays, which marks the end of the holy month of Ramadan, turns the faithful to Islam spiritual and moral sources. From ancient times, it is marked with good deeds and care for the needy and represents people's wish for self-improvement, the Russian leader said in the congratulation.

Thousands of Muslims gathered in the Russian capital's mosques on Monday for praying, marking the holiday of Eid al-Fitr.

The Head of Russia's Council of Muftis, Ravil Gainutdin, also participated in the early praying in the city's main mosque. He congratulated the faithful with one of Muslims' main holidays.

The press service of the Council of Muftis said congratulations were received from Russian regions, CIS countries, the Islamic world, ministries and departments, international religious and public organizations and people.

More than 230,000 Muslims were expected to come to mosques in the Russian capital later on Monday. Moscow authorities prepared additional grounds for mass events. People will gather for hour-long prayers in six mosques and on special grounds in park and near cultural centres.

Russia's Muslim community actively participates in the country's life, makes a great contribution to inter-religious dialogue, fruitfully cooperates with state and public organizations in the causes of charity, education and bringing up of young generations and contributes to saving of the country's rich cultural and spiritual heritage, the president said.