Russian/Nat Months of war in Chechnya has sparked a powerful Islamic revival in the breakaway republic, playing an increasing important - and visible - role in everyday life. As Chechens look forward to a future without conflict, APTV looks at the faith separatist leaders claim won the war - and which may dominate the peace. A group of fighters gathers at a sacred site in the southern hills of Chechnya - the last stop in a "Hadj" or religious pilgrimage they have made. Chanting the Zikr, the nation's traditional act of faith, these men believe they come closer to Allah with every step. Months of war have sparked a powerful Islamic revival in the breakaway republic and sacred sites like this one at Erten-Kort are constantly busy. But in the month of Ramadan when Moslems fast all day, only the toughest people are able to make such a pilgrimage. SOUNDBITE (Russian): Not a day passes when people don't come here to worship. There aren't very many right now but in autumn and spring you can't even get close, there are so many people. Not only for us, but for all Moslems, this is one of the most sacred places. SUPER CAPTION: Senior Lieutenant Rezvan Akayev, Chechen Fighter Wounded fighters smuggled out of Chechnya to hospitals in the Middle East brought back with them renewed faith in Islam. Today, many Chechens are studying in seminaries in Arabia, Turkey and Jordan. Islam was among the key tools of the separatist ideology when Chechen separatists began their war with Russia in 1994. But what was once just expedient politics has now taken on a life of its own. In the village of Alkhazurovo, the Mullah, Vakha Alamy, calls the faithful to prayer. During Ramadan, prayers are held at the mosque every day. In the past it was usually only the elderly who observed Ramadan, but more and more young people are now turning to Islam. Bread, salt and water are blessed and money collected for those who lost everything in the war. They pray for peaceful elections and ask Allah to prevent conflict breaking out again after the elections. The Mullah believes that Islam, not guns, was the decisive factor in the Russian's defeat. SOUNDBITE (Russian): "There are only about a (m) million of us and Russia has over 150 (m) million people. We were victorious only because of the help of the great Allah. We believe in Allah and will always believe in Allah." SUPER CAPTION: Vakha Alamy, Chechen Mullah Next Monday, Chechnya holds presidential elections and there are 16 candidates to choose from. The Mullah says he will ask Allah's help to choose the right man for the job of steering Chechnya away from further conflict and rebuilding the shattered republic. The scars of war in Chechnya are visible at every turn. And as people return to the homes they fled during the fighting, many look to Allah for comfort and support. At sunset, ceremonies are held throughout the village before the fast of Ramadan is broken. Islam is increasingly the guiding force preparing the nation both for long-awaited peace and stability - or a return to the battlefields. Whether or not the peace in Chechnya holds - and many doubt that it can - Islam, it seems, has come to stay. You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/youtube/4e32ca853b06de58cc1bda21744a3256 Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork

• published: 21 Jul 2015
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