Abu Usman Ghaznavi
The authoritarian government of Tajikistan, led by the autocratic communist Emomali Rahmon, has initiated a new wave of Islamophobia in the country through the enactment of laws.
In the most recent instance of these anti-Islamic actions, the Supreme Assembly of Tajikistan has seconded the law banning hijabs, head coverings worn by many Muslim women.The upper chamber also banned the celebrations of Eid ul-Fitr and Eid ul-Adha, two major Islamic festivals in the country. As per this directive, women wearing hijab will be deprived of access to hospitals, educational institutions, and all governmental establishments within the country.
This is not an isolated incident, as Tajikistan has a history of oppressive actions against Islam and Muslims dating back to 2010. The government continues to intensify its discriminatory measures against religious practices, affecting the majority of the Muslim population in the country.
The secular government of this country, through its approval and endorsement of numerous measures against religious ceremonies and rituals annually, stands in opposition to approximately one and a half billion Muslims worldwide. Furthermore, it presents a challenge to the Muslim community of this nation, the vast majority of whom adhere to the Islamic faith, in practicing their religious observances.
Regrettably, no human rights organization or advocate for liberty has taken a firm stance on this matter, nor has any foreign media entity provided coverage.
The surprising thing is that ISIS-Khawarij, the majority of whom are citizens of Tajikistan and who are wreaking havoc in other Islamic countries under the name of Islam, why don’t they at least condemn the cruel actions of the authoritarian government of this country?
It is evident that the ISIS-Khawarij and the Islamophobic government of Tajikistan are two sides of the same coin and, within the framework of special pre-coordinated strategies, aim to eradicate Islam.
Under the circumstances, where the global awakening and empowerment of Muslims to reclaim their rights is gaining momentum, and governments reliant on the West are faltering, the revival of Islamic glory and greatness is advancing.
It is indeed astonishing that in the heart of the Islamic world, a small group of leaders descending from the Soviet communist era, in a reprehensible manner condemned by all nations, peoples, systems, and laws, are targeting the independence, honor, and longstanding dignity of their nation with Islamophobia and colonialism.
The courageous and proud nation of Tajikistan, part of the great Islamic homeland, and a member of the cultural and religious community of one and a half billion Muslims, are devoted people dedicated to their Islamic identity and beliefs. However, a few corrupt and tyrannical rulers from the Soviet era are challenging a great and proud Islamic nation.
This small number, in this seemingly small piece of the Islamic world which in fact contains ancient cultural honors, have spread the eradication of Islam and put pressure on the country’s Muslims, who make up 96 percent of the population, by enacting laws such as banning the hijab, the call to prayer, beards, and most strangely, banning the naming of children with religious names like Muhammad and Abdullah, which are the best Islamic names, pursuing the eradication of Islamic identity in that dear country and part of the body of Islamic societies.
It must be emphasized, these actions are not only an insult to the dear and brotherly nation of Tajikistan but also offend Muslims worldwide.
Furthermore, these actions which are considered the most extreme against a Muslim nation also cause instability in the region. Therefore, it is expected that Islamic governments and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemn such anti-Islamic plans of the Tajikistan government, warn its rulers, and use every means of pressure at their disposal to stop them.