ABSTRACT
The role of Islam has shaped the personality and identity of the Russian and particularly of the Central Asian Muslims regardless of its severe suppression during the long decades of communist rule. The religious feelings of the representatives of the Muslim communities of Russia have been a very important factor for the preservation of their national and cultural identity. A typical phenomenon preceding the 1996 presidential elections was the ambition of the Muslim parties to achieve national prominence by associating themselves with the campaigns conducted by the Russian political parties. The contradiction between the numerical rise of the Muslim community of Russia and its failure to produce a political party able to attract the support of the majority of the Muslims brought about an increase of the authority and prestige of the religious leaders of this community.
