These days as in all other spheres great number of works are carried out and positive developments are being observed in religious-enlightenment part as well. As a logical continuation of all the efforts to make the sphere better on April 16, 2018 President Sh. Mirziyoyev adopted the decree “On rational improvement of religious-enlightenment sphere” which has become a discussion object at International Press Club’s last session. It has lately become evident that one of the main principles and guarantees of establishing and preserving social stability and peace is achieved through education young generation based on the priceless historical heritage of our ancestors who preserved national and religious values, contributed to the world sciences and demonstrated multicultural solidarity and religious tolerance.
Only for the last one and a half year the following institutions were founded: Imam Bukhari International scientific-research center, Imam Termiziy International scientific-research center, Center for Islamic civilization, “Mir Arab” Higher Madrasah in Bukhara. Beside, Republican Schools of Kalam, Khadith, Aqeedah have also started their activity. In addition it is worth mentioning that quota for student admission has doubled. In this regard it should be noted that on September 13, 2017 Cabinet Ministers of Uzbekistan issued a decree on establishing “Khidoyat sari (Towards true path)” and “Ziyo media center”
The main and important standing column of the decree on rational improvement of religious-enlightenment sphere is “struggle against any form of violence by means of enlightenment and education of true and pure religious values, promoting the study of historical, religious and national values, promoting peace, religious tolerance and multicultural solidarity. It was noted that the roles and responsibilities of specialists working in religious sphere were very high in preserving peace and stability. For this reason training and preparing specialists is crucial. Thus Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan and Tashkent Islamic University were joined and reorganized into International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan. The Decree also foresaw the establishment of Hadith school, “Waqf Charity Fund” under Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, “Ziyo (The Light)” Media center would be raised under International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, etc.
A number of leading mass media representatives actively took part in the event with various interesting questions.
Press Service,
Muslim Board of Uzbekistan
Dr. Mohammed Said Amur Al-Hajri, a member of the State Council of Oman (Senator) and a participant in the 1st International Forum of Islamic Civilization “The Path of Peace, tolerance and enlightenment” held on July 7–11 this year in cooperation with ICESCO, shared his impressions of the forum on his “X” social media page, reports Dunyo IA.
According to the Senator, International Forum, which brought together religious figures, scholars, researchers, thinkers, and experts from 80 countries, served as an important platform for strengthening inter-civilizational dialogue and promoting the ideas of tolerance and enlightenment.
High-ranking official from Oman noted that during the forum, he had the opportunity to familiarize himself with Uzbekistan's experience in the modern presentation of Islamic civilization heritage. In his view, the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, along with the scientific and educational complexes in Samarkand and Termez, are shining examples of how the rich heritage of great ancestors can be effectively transmitted to new generations, presenting history in an engaging and accessible format using modern technologies.
Furthermore, Dr. Mohammed Al-Hajri stated that in his report titled “Intellectual potential of Islamic Civilization: Historical experience and its examples”, presented within the framework of the forum, he paid special attention to the experience of the First and Second Renaissances in Uzbekistan. He characterized the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent as a practical embodiment of a wise approach aimed at strengthening national development and nationwide unity.
“I was particularly pleased by the respect shown to Oman, its history, culture, and policy based on the principles of tolerance. Cultural cooperation between Uzbekistan and Oman relies on the shared spiritual values of our peoples”, - Senator wrote.
He also noted that during the meetings in Samarkand and Termez, he was once again able to experience the traditional hospitality and openness of the Uzbek people. In conclusion, the Senator expressed confidence that Uzbekistan, possessing a rich historical heritage, will continue to make a worthy contribution to the development of the Islamic world and all of humanity.