The Head of State was reported on measures taken to strengthen the social environment and develop religious education.
Uzbekistan is a state governed by the rule of law, a social and secular country. The Constitution guarantees freedom of conscience for all citizens. As a result, inter-ethnic harmony and an atmosphere of religious tolerance prevail in the country. Representatives of all faiths freely perform religious rites.
Over the past five years, three laws, four presidential decrees and many resolutions have been adopted in the religious-educational sphere. During the meeting it was noted that their implementation serves the interests of representatives of religious communities.
In particular, comfortable conditions have been created for muslims in Uzbekistan: more than 100 new mosques have been built and 555 have been renovated. A procedure has been introduced to allocate land for the construction of buildings of religious organizations.
The hajj quota has been doubled. More than 60,000 citizens have performed the pilgrimage in the last seven years. Arrangement of umrah has been regulated and brought into legal order.
Special attention is paid to issues of qualification and education. At the initiative of the President, international centers named after Imam Bukhari, Imam Termizi and Imam Moturidi, as well as the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, have been established to provide a platform for scientific research. The Tashkent Islamic Institute, the Mir Arab Higher Madrasa, the School of Hadith Studies and the Imam Termizi Specialized Educational Institution train qualified specialists. More than 30,000 citizens have completed courses on the Koran and Tajweed.
Improvement of cemeteries has also become a priority. The memorial complexes of Abu Isa Termizi, Abu Muin Nasafi, Sultan Uvais Karani and Suzyk-ota have been restored in recent years. Work continues at the memorial complex of Imam Bukhari and the Center for Islamic Civilization. The Waqf Charitable Foundation has repaired and beautified 90 pilgrimage sites.
International relations are actively developing to disseminate Islamic enlightenment and share experience. This year, Uzbekistan has held international scientific and practical conferences on “Islam as a religion of goodness and peace” and “The scientific heritage of Imam Termizi in Islamic civilization”, as well as Tolerance Week.
At the same time, the growing threats in cyberspace pose a serious challenge. Radical ideas are spreading through Internet platforms that do not recognize borders and laws, leading to the involvement of vulnerable segments of the population, including youth, in the activities of illegal groups. It is essential that the entire society should be vigilant and religious scholars and elders guide the right path.
The establishment of “Councils of Elders and Parents” in mahallas, based on the experience of Kokand and Margilan, plays an important role in these processes. The initiative of pilgrims of Uzbekistan
“Become devoted servants of the New Uzbekistan and preachers of spiritual values” has also become an important step to improve the social situation.
The meeting emphasized the need to continue with such good initiatives, strengthen the spiritual environment in mahallas and attract young people to education and labor. Responsible persons were instructed to adapt those in need of social protection to society and provide them with employment. Particular attention will be paid to preserving religious tolerance and interethnic harmony in the country.