The site is working in test mode!
11 April, 2026   |   22 Shawwāl, 1447

Tashkent city
Fajr
04:28
Sunrise
05:50
Dhuhr
12:29
Asr
17:03
Maghrib
19:02
Isha
20:18
Bismillah
11 April, 2026, 22 Shawwāl, 1447

The 14th of January – The Day of Defenders of the Motherland

15.01.2025   96261   6 min.
The 14th of January – The Day of Defenders of the Motherland

What do you know about the 14th of January – the Day of Defenders of the Motherland of Uzbekistan? There are many professions in the world, but being a defender of the motherland is one of the most honorable. It is an honor to protect one’s family, home, and children. Therefore, the Day of Defenders of the Motherland is a national holiday for the Uzbek people.

The history of this day in Uzbekistan dates back to 1992 when, on January 14, the country’s parliament decided to transfer all military units, educational institutions, and other formations stationed on the territory of Uzbekistan under the jurisdiction of the Republic. Since then, every year on January 14, Uzbekistan celebrates this significant state holiday.

Motherland Defenders Day in Uzbekistan is celebrated widely and spectacularly. According to tradition, the anthem of the Republic of Uzbekistan is performed on Independence Square in the capital. Military units march through the square with a solemn parade accompanied by a military orchestra. Participants in the parade also lay wreaths at the foot of the Monument of Independence.

The Day of Defenders of the Motherland is also known as Uzbek Army Day. It is the official professional holiday of the Uzbek Armed Forces. Before 1992, Uzbekistan, as part of the former Soviet Union, observed Soviet Army and Navy Day. After gaining independence, countries like Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan continued to celebrate Soviet Army and Navy Day as Defender of the Fatherland Day. However, on December 29, 1993, the Uzbek Parliament officially established the Day of Defenders of the Motherland to commemorate the anniversary of the formation of the country’s armed forces.

On this day, military units of the Tashkent Garrison line up in Independence Square and receive congratulations and awards from the president and the minister of defense. Holiday activities also include wreath-laying ceremonies at the Monument to the Independence of Uzbekistan and the Amir Timur Monument.

To celebrate this holiday in a high and impressive spirit, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev issued a decree on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Uzbekistan, emphasizing the need for grand celebrations.

According to the noble ideas of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, “The Army and the people stick together.” This principle is reflected in the practical actions of authorities, neighborhoods, youth and women’s organizations, educational institutions, and the general public. This shows that defending the Motherland is not only a duty but also an honorable responsibility.

Military personnel and veterans who have devoted their lives to protecting the Motherland are honored with great respect every year. The Day of Defenders of the Motherland is celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy, highlighting the value of these professionals’ service to the nation.

Protecting the Motherland is a sacred duty for all. The National Army and law enforcement agencies play a crucial role in ensuring the peaceful and stable life of the people and creating the necessary conditions for their well-being.

In today’s world, with increasing threats of international terrorism, extremism, and radicalism, it is essential for our Armed Forces to maintain a high level of combat readiness. Significant reforms in military and political fields have strengthened the National Army, making it more capable of responding to any threats.

Additionally, the knowledge, skills, and mental training of every serviceman are continuously improving. The military profession has always been considered both demanding and honorable. Our soldiers endure harsh conditions, guarding the peace of our homeland day and night, in both cold and heat.

Efforts to strengthen the country’s defense capabilities, foster patriotism among youth, and enhance public involvement in supporting the army have reached a new qualitative level.

Today, we can proudly say that our National Army has become a reliable guarantor of our borders’ security. By applying global best practices in military patriotism, construction, and industry, our armed forces have become a source of pride. Modern servicemen exemplify loyalty, bravery, and selflessness, demonstrating deep knowledge, strong will, and firm preparation to fulfill their sacred duty.

Across the globe, people dedicate their lives to maintaining peace and safeguarding their homeland. This noble profession is universally respected and honored. On January 14th, we commemorate the establishment of Uzbekistan’s Armed Forces. In 2025, the people of Uzbekistan will proudly celebrate the 33rd anniversary of the Day of Defenders of the Motherland.

Internet sources:

  1. en.wikipedia.org
  2. people-travels.com
  3. suit.uz
  4. nspi.uz

Fakhriddin Yernazarov,
Senior Teacher of the “Languages” Department
of the Tashkent Islamic Institute named after Imam al-Bukhari.

 

Other posts

Artificial Intelligence: Between Technical Evolution and Shari’a Responsibility ​A Contemporary Islamic Vision

29.01.2026   146784   6 min.
Artificial Intelligence: Between Technical Evolution and Shari’a Responsibility ​A Contemporary Islamic Vision

The world is currently witnessing rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies, to the extent that these tools have become integral to various aspects of life—particularly in economics, education, culture, media, and public services. 

In the face of this profound transformation, there is an urgent need to examine the dimensions of AI from an ethical and religious perspective that balances leveraging modern achievements with preserving human values and Shari’a (Islamic law) regulations.

​In this context, scholars and specialists affirm that AI is a product of human intellect and creativity, falling under the divine indication: "And He creates that which you do not know" (Surah An-Nahl: 8). This verse alludes to emerging scientific and technical innovations that were previously unknown. 

Today, AI has become the foundation for many modern applications, such as e-government, smart cities, autonomous vehicles, drones, and other technologies that contribute to facilitating human life.

​However, regardless of its significant benefits, this evolution is not without difficulties and potential risks. Therefore, there is a necessity to regulate, control, and monitor the use of AI, taking the required measures to mitigate its negative impacts—especially in sensitive fields related to religion and Fatwa (legal rulings), where this issue must be given special attention.

 

​Artificial Intelligence and Shari’a Fatwa

 

​Scholars and researchers in jurisprudence academies and scientific conferences have reached a consensus that AI can serve as a supportive tool for gathering, analyzing, and classifying Shari’a information, as well as facilitating access to it. However, it is impermissible to rely on it independently to derive Shari’a rulings or issue Fatwas.

​Fatwa issuance requires the direct presence of a qualified jurist (faqih), as rulings vary based on the seeker’s circumstances, time, place, customs, and socio-economic conditions. These nuanced human considerations cannot be independently comprehended by AI. Furthermore, a prerequisite for a Mufti in Islamic Shari’a is to be a legally accountable person (mukallaf), a condition that cannot be fulfilled by technical systems.

​Consequently, the role of AI in the field of Ifta (issuing rulings) remains supportive rather than substitutive, in application of the verse: "So ask the people of the message if you do not know" (Surah An-Nahl: 43). Trustworthy scholars remain the ultimate reference in issuing rulings and bearing Shari’a responsibility.

 

​Areas of Practical Application for AI

 

​Practical experience, including that of the Fatwa Center under the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan, has proven that AI can be employed in several fields, most notably:

• ​Analyzing and Classifying Inquiries: Categorizing incoming Shari’a questions by topic and region and identifying the most frequent ones.

• ​Speech-to-Text Conversion: Transforming audio questions and answers into written text and storing them in organized databases.

• ​Supporting Fatwa Experts: Suggesting previously archived answers to experts, which are only sent to the inquirer after review and approval by specialists.

• ​Enhancing Community Security: Through smart, digital, and safe city projects.

• ​Combating Corruption: By reducing human intervention in administrative procedures.

• ​Operating in Hazardous Environments: Utilizing smart technologies in environments that are dangerous or harmful to human health.

• ​Dawah and Education: Facilitating access to Islamic knowledge, lessons, and sermons, and developing educational content that serves the Muslim Ummah.

• ​Humanity at the Center of Technical Evolution

​Specialists emphasize that humans must remain at the heart of the AI development process, and that these technologies must be managed based on a solid ethical and value-based foundation. Technology is not an end in itself, but a means to serve humanity and facilitate its affairs; it should not become a substitute for man or a tool that controls his destiny.

​In this framework, the real challenge lies in reconciling AI with religious requirements, legal standards, and national values, ensuring the achievement of cognitive and technical development without compromising Shari’a and human responsibility.

​In conclusion, AI, if used with wisdom and clear regulations, can be a great aid to humanity across various fields. Religious and scientific institutions in the Islamic world—including the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan—affirm their permanent readiness to actively participate in employing these modern technologies to spread Islamic knowledge, foster dialogue between religion and science, and contribute to finding solutions for contemporary global challenges. 

The ultimate goal remains to harness the blessings of science and technology for the betterment of humanity, in a manner that pleases Allah the Almighty and reinforces the moral values that are the foundation of stability and progress.

Sheikh Nuriddin Khaliqnazar