The Committee on Religious Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

In 2024, significant efforts were made in the field of religious education. In particular, the Committee for Religious Affairs fully implemented the tasks set out in the State Program, as well as the annual plans and programs related to the sector.

On October 15-16, 2024, an international scientific-practical conference on the theme "Islam – A Religion of Peace and Goodness" was held in Tashkent and Khiva. More than 200 religious figures from Uzbekistan and 22 foreign countries participated in the event.

From November 11-16, in connection with the International Day of Tolerance (November 16), a series of cultural, educational, and scientific-practical events were organized at a high level in Tashkent and throughout the country as part of Tolerance Week.

During the week, 132 employees of state and public organizations were awarded the "Religious Tolerance" badge.

Moreover, systematic efforts were made in cooperation with relevant ministries and departments to strengthen the social and spiritual environment's stability.

In collaboration with systemic organizations, 10,171 materials (4,664 videos, 3,954 articles, 900 audios, and 653 infographics) countering extremist and radical ideas were prepared and distributed.

2,676 leaders and staff of state and public organizations enhanced their qualifications at the Training Center and its branches.

Currently, there are 2,145 mosques operating across the country. In 2024, 14 new mosques were registered, 64 mosques underwent major reconstruction, and 17 mosques were repaired.

At present, 198 non-Islamic religious organizations operate in Uzbekistan. In 2024, a new religious organization—the Evangelical Christian Church—was registered in the Jizzakh region.

During the reporting period, the participation of representatives of the Committee for Religious Affairs, Uzbek Islam scholars, and researchers in 486 international events related to religious education was ensured.

The leadership of the Committee for Religious Affairs also organized 12 meetings with foreign partners.

These meetings discussed the changes and reforms being carried out in the religious-educational sector of the country and the issues of mutual cooperation.

The 2024 Hajj season and Umrah pilgrimage were organized at a high level. Specifically, 15,150 pilgrims performed the Hajj rites.

In 2024, the Committee received 1,477 appeals. Of these, 1,108 were provided with legal information, 298 were resolved positively, 36 were rejected (due to deficiencies in documents for registering religious organizations), and 19 appeals were forwarded to the relevant authorities.

It should also be noted that preparations for the current year's Ramadan and its proper observance were undertaken.

On February 6 and 10, 2025, online meetings were held with the participation of representatives from Uzbekistan, the Caucasus Muslim authorities, the religious administrations of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, the Directorate of Religious Affairs of Turkey, the Fatwa boards, and the representative of the Organization of Turkic States. The meetings discussed the beginning of Ramadan in 2025 and the determination of the first day of Eid al-Fitr.

The members of the Fatwa boards unanimously concluded that the first day of Ramadan would fall on Saturday, March 1.

This year, it is planned to hold Quran recitation events (Khatm al-Quran) in 1,743 out of the 2,145 mosques operating in the country.

Yesterday, on February 27, a decree of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan was adopted on "The Proper Conduct of the Blessed Month of Ramadan."

According to the decree, during this holy month, under the slogan "Ramadan – A Month of Charity, Unity, and Tolerance," the following tasks were set:

• Supporting initiatives to help those in need and young people seeking knowledge and education;
• Strengthening family bonds, promoting mutual understanding and trust in communities, and fostering the values of respect and compassion;
• Focusing on environmental protection, the improvement of sacred places, pilgrimage sites, and cemeteries, planting trees, and ensuring moderation in Ramadan-related events while avoiding wastefulness.

A joint program and media plan have been developed by the Committee for Religious Affairs and the Administration of Muslims of Uzbekistan to organize the blessed month of Ramadan in a worthy manner and create favorable conditions for Muslims in our country, as well as increase the responsibility of imams and preachers.

In cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Fire Safety Department, and the Ministry of Health, the buildings and territories of mosques were checked to ensure compliance with fire safety, evacuation plans, technical safety rules for electrical and gas equipment, and sanitation standards. Identified shortcomings were addressed.

Religious-educational activities will continue systematically throughout the current year based on the established plan.