The fifth death of Emomali Rahmon

On the morning of July 19, a government delegation led by Emomali Rahmon visited the Kaaba and performed Umrah (minor pilgrimage).

On July 19, the President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, along with his accompanying delegation, traveled from Jeddah to Mecca for the purpose of performing Umrah.

After completing all the ceremonies of the minor pilgrimage, Emomali Rahmon returned to Jeddah with the delegation to participate in the Summit of the Council of Heads of State of Central Asia and the Arab Gulf States, as noted in the report.

It is reported that since coming to power, Rahmon has visited Saudi Arabia six times, but this pilgrimage is considered his fifth.

Earlier, on April 27, 2023, Emomali Rahmon met with leaders and activists regarding the celebration of Eid al-Adha and stated that performing Hajj (pilgrimage) multiple times has no other name than “fanaticism and imitation.”

“Recently, pilgrimage — Hajj, including minor pilgrimage, has become a mandatory event among residents of certain regions of the country, even a family and clan competition, as well as a form of tourism and trade. According to analysis and observations, people who go on pilgrimage and even take infants and children with them do not think about what the rituals and ceremonies of pilgrimage consist of, what the living conditions and lives of their families, children, relatives, and loved ones are,” Rahmon stated at that time.

Interestingly, Emomali Rahmon intensifies repression and pressure on Islam and Muslims in the country after each of his pilgrimages. He has repeatedly spoken out against women in hijabs and bearded men, insulting them on state television and banning individuals under 18 from attending mosques.

He has also prohibited individuals under 45 from performing Hajj. According to the UN, there are currently more than 14,000 prisoners in Tajikistan’s jails, including many well-known religious figures.