The Committee on Religious Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan

Recently, cases have been observed where certain individuals, through social media, have been calling on our citizens to travel abroad for religious education.

In particular, there has been a widespread circulation of calls and advertisements inviting people to study at religious educational institutions in Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation.

Although such advertisements present these institutions as “legal” or “official,” in reality they are not recognized by the competent authorities of the Republic of Uzbekistan and, in many cases, operate as illegal or unauthorized educational centers in those countries. The phrase “official religious education” is primarily used here as a marketing tool to attract more applicants.

Of concern is the fact that such calls are often aimed at promoting ideas of religious fanaticism and radicalism, leading our youth onto the wrong path and having a negative impact on their worldview.

Therefore, parents must pay close attention to whom their children communicate with, what information they read on the Internet, and what offers they respond to.

In this regard, we remind citizens that official religious education is provided only within the system of educational institutions of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan. We urge people not to be influenced by the propaganda of various individuals and to meet their need for religious knowledge through the opportunities offered by these institutions.

At present, the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan oversees 4 higher and 10 secondary specialized Islamic educational institutions. In addition, since 2018, about 77,000 citizens have received education in 28 “Qur’an and Tajweed” courses across the regions.

The Muslim Board’s online platform “muslim.tv” offers Qur’an and Tajweed lessons for all age groups.

It should be emphasized that diplomas from foreign religious educational institutions are not recognized as a basis for engaging in religious activities in Uzbekistan and may cause difficulties in employment after graduation.

Dear parents! Do not remain indifferent to your children’s future. Providing them with a spiritually healthy environment and education in the safe educational institutions of our country is the most correct and reliable way to protect their future.

Press Service
Committee on Religious Affairs