In a legislative move, the upper chamber of Tajikistan’s Parliament, the Majlisi Milli, has approved a bill that bans children from participating in Islamic celebrations, including Bakrid (Eid al-Adha) and Eid al-Fitr.
The legislation also prohibits the wearing of hijabs in schools, offices, and public places, marking a notable shift in the country’s approach to religious expression.
Key Aspects of the Legislation
The newly passed law aims to curb the influence of foreign cultural elements, which officials claim have been introduced into Tajikistan from the Middle East in recent years.
The government has linked these elements, including traditional Islamic clothing, to extremism. The law explicitly bans the importation, sale, and advertisement of “alien garments,” a term used by officials to describe Islamic clothing such as hijabs.
Tajikistan, a Muslim-majority country with 96% of its population adhering to Islam, has implemented various measures to control religious practices. These include:
- Restrictions on Islamic Baby Names: The government has limited the use of certain Islamic names for newborns.
- DNA Tests to Prevent Cousin Marriages: Authorities demand DNA tests to discourage marriages between cousins.
- Surveillance of Mosques: Mosques are closely monitored to prevent extremist activities.
The law imposes severe penalties for non-compliance. Individuals violating the law face fines of up to $740, while legal entities could be fined as much as $5,400. Government officials and religious authorities found guilty of breaching the “traditions and celebrations” law could incur fines of up to $5,060.
The Tajik government asserts that these measures are necessary to combat religious extremism and preserve national culture. The authorities argue that the hijab and other traditional Islamic garments are not native to Tajik culture and have been linked to extremist ideologies.
The decision has sparked a mix of reactions domestically and internationally. Critics argue that the ban infringes on religious freedoms and targets Muslim women disproportionately. However, supporters believe that these steps are crucial for maintaining national security and cultural identity.
The Tajik parliament’s upper chamber, the Majlisi Milli, approved the bill on June 19, banning “alien garments” and children’s celebrations for the two major Islamic holidays, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, known locally as Idgardak.
The lower chamber, the Majlisi Namoyandagon, had already approved the bill on May 8. The bill primarily targets the hijab, or Islamic headscarf, and other traditional Islamic clothing, which officials claim have been associated with Islamic extremists.
Tajikistan, a country where the majority of the population practices Islam, has previously taken steps to restrict religious practices. This includes a ban on children taking part in Islamic activities during Eid celebrations under the new law.
The authorities have expressed concerns over the influence of Islamic extremism, which they believe is linked to traditional Islamic clothing and customs. Non-compliance with the new regulations will result in hefty fines, ranging from $740 for individuals to $5,400 for legal entities, with even higher penalties for government officials and religious authorities who violate the law.
The Tajik government continues to enforce strict measures to prevent the spread of what it considers foreign cultural elements and extremist ideologies, ensuring that national culture remains intact.
The bill has sparked controversy among the predominantly Muslim population of the tightly controlled former Soviet republic, which shares a border with Afghanistan. For further details, you can read the original story by Radio Free Europe.
