At the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the mosque that is being built in Chilanzar district will be named after Sheikh Muhammad Sadik Muhammad Yusuf.
The President of Uzbekistan visited the construction site of this mosque, in Tashkent.
Sheikh Muhammad Sadik Muhammad Yusuf was a scholar, not only well-known in Uzbekistan, but also recognized throughout the Islamic world, said Shavkat Mirziyoyev. He devoted his life to studying and promoting the foundations of our sacred religion, educating youth in the spirit of enlightened Islam.
Sheikh Muhammad Sadik Muhammad Yusuf in 1989, in a very difficult time, became chairman, mufti of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Central Asia and Kazakhstan. That period has a special place in the history as the time of revival of Islamic science, religious traditions and values. He made a great contribution to resolution of many unnecessary disagreements in those difficult years.
As mufti he conducted wide international activity, became able to establish and develop cultural and enlightenment ties with many Islamic countries.
Sheikh Muhammad Sadik Muhammad Yusuf as mufti and as a deputy of the Supreme Council of the former union introduced an appeal to the government, which set out issues of respecting the rights of Muslims, creating necessary conditions for them.
Coming out with such an initiative at a time when the totalitarian ideology was dominant, without a doubt, was a great feat, said President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. As a result, the Soviet government changed its policy towards Muslims, mosques and madrassas were opened, the number of pilgrims performing the Hajj increased. In 1990, 500 Muslims succeeded in performing the Hajj from the Central Asian republics through the city of Tashkent. This is a great result, considering that at that time only 20-30 people from the whole union went to the Hajj annually.
Sheikh Muhammad Sadik enjoyed great respect and authority among Muslims of the whole world. He was a member of such authoritative organizations as the Executive Bureau of the Assembly of Islamic Scholars and World Thinkers, the International Union of Muslim Scholars, the Muslim World League, the Royal Academy of Jordan. He was awarded the “Laurel of the Nile” gold medal of the Arab Republic of Egypt. It should be emphasized that no one in the history of modern Uzbekistan has reached such heights in the Islamic sciences as he did.
An outstanding scholar wrote more than 100 books on various religious and enlightenment themes. Wise words, conversations, speeches on radio and television, books, including audiobooks of the Sheikh took a firm place in the life of people of Uzbekistan.
With his profound knowledge, good instruction and exemplary activities, Sheikh Muhammad Sadik Muhammad Yusuf is an example of conscientious service for the sake of the Motherland and development of religion. Studying his life and scientific activity, familiarizing people with his heritage is an honorable duty.
President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, getting acquainted with the project of the mosque, noted the need for its further improvement, studying the proposals of the population and religious figures.
The Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, in cooperation with the Imam Maturidi International Scientific Research Center, organized an educational event and practical seminar for nearly 100 imams and khatibs from Tashkent and the Namangan region, reports iccu.uz.
The participants began their visit by touring the museum exhibitions of the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan, established at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
During the tour, the guests were introduced to the outstanding contributions of eminent hadith scholars, thinkers, jurists, scientists, and statesmen featured in the Center’s exhibitions to the development of global scholarship and civilization. Particular emphasis was placed on how the integration of rare manuscripts, archaeological discoveries, and digital technologies enables the presentation of historical heritage in a modern and engaging format.
Bahrom Otajonov, Imam-Khatib of the Hofiz Ko‘hakiy Jome Mosque in Tashkent, described the Center as “not merely a museum, but an educational and scholarly institution that vividly showcases the centuries-old history and civilization of the Uzbek people.” He noted that the exhibitions present the country’s statehood, scientific achievements, architecture, and spiritual heritage within a unified conceptual framework, providing visitors with a comprehensive understanding of Uzbekistan’s place in the development of world civilization.
“This Center is not merely a museum, but an educational and scholarly institution that vividly reflects the centuries-old history and civilization of our people. It presents, in a comprehensive manner, the major milestones in the development of human civilization as well as the remarkable legacy of our ancestors in science, statehood, architecture, and spirituality. The way the era of Amir Temur, the Holy Qur’an, secular sciences, and educational values are brought together in a single space is particularly thought-provoking. Everyone who visits this Center gains an even deeper appreciation of Uzbekistan’s rich history and its distinguished civilizational heritage,” said Bahrom Otajonov.
The imams and khatibs also visited the Center’s modern library. Its collection, comprising thousands of manuscripts, rare books, and scholarly publications, was recognized as an invaluable academic resource for scholars and young researchers specializing in Islamic studies, Maturidism, Hadith studies, Islamic jurisprudence, Qur’anic exegesis, and related disciplines.
Mansur Musaxon, Deputy Imam of the Imam Termizi Jome Mosque in the Olmazor District, described the Uthman Mushaf preserved at the Center as a priceless spiritual treasure for the entire Muslim world. He noted that presenting the legacy of the ancestors through modern museum technologies plays a vital role in strengthening the historical awareness and spiritual education of the younger generation.
“Every exhibition here embodies its own unique meaning and historical significance. One of the most remarkable aspects of the visit was seeing the original Uthman Mushaf preserved at the Center. It is an immense spiritual treasure not only for our country but for the entire Muslim world. Equally impressive is the way our ancestors’ contributions to the development of Islamic civilization are presented through modern museum approaches, offering an inspiring educational experience for the younger generation. Everyone interested in history and their cultural roots should visit this remarkable institution,” said Mansur Musaxon.
As part of the program, a practical seminar was also held with the participation of specialists in religious affairs.
Qodirkhon Azizov, Chief Imam-Khatib of Kosonsoy District, emphasized that digital management systems are enhancing efficiency and transparency in the religious sphere as well. He also noted that the Center’s library, with its extensive scholarly collection, serves as an important resource for researchers specializing in Islamic sciences.
At the conclusion of the event, the participants emphasized that the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan is evolving into far more than a museum or a cultural heritage site. They described it as a prestigious platform that brings together scholarly research, education, international cooperation, and intellectual dialogue.