Emomali Rahmon instructed to tighten control over religious events

On March 12 of this year, the President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, discussed tightening control over traditional, folk, and religious celebrations and rituals during a meeting with leaders of law enforcement agencies, security forces, and research institutions in the country.

According to the press service of the President of Tajikistan, Rahmon held a working meeting on the practical implementation of the directives and proposals that were voiced during a meeting with activists, representatives of the public, and religious figures in the country on March 9.

It was reported that the meeting was attended by the leadership of the Executive Office of the President, the Supreme Court, the General Prosecutor’s Office, relevant ministries and agencies, and research institutions in the country.

Emomali Rahmon instructed officials to develop justified and targeted plans and programs, as well as to take necessary measures for the practical and effective implementation of the directives. In particular, Rahmon instructed to take control of the ceremonies for visiting the Hajj, receiving guests after the Hajj and Umrah, and costly feasts.

Rahmon emphasized that during the events and the ceremony of “Hajioshi” or “Hajitalbon,” there are cases of law violations, and some people still indulge in extravagance during the events. Rahmon noted that “the displayed ostentation, extravagance, and non-compliance with certain norms and measures of folk and religious traditions and customs, in particular, hinder the improvement of the population’s living standards.”

However, government critics argue that the tightening of control and oversight by the Tajik government over traditional events has an anti-religious character, as there are many costly and extravagant events and ceremonies in society that are unrelated to religion, yet no attention is paid to them.

Recently, some Tajik activists on social media have criticized religious rituals and ceremonies, particularly the increase in the number of pilgrims to Mecca for the obligatory Hajj or Umrah. They argue that the increase in the number of pilgrims to Mecca in Saudi Arabia is a sign of subservience to foreign influences and the promotion of foreign culture.

However, others respond that for over 30 years, Tajiks have been going to work in Russia and other countries, and this process is now intensifying even more. However, the government does not attempt to prevent subservience to foreign influences or the promotion of foreign culture by creating jobs in the country so that residents do not emigrate abroad and live there for years.