The main priority of transformations in multinational Uzbekistan is the comprehensive protection of the rights and freedoms of all its citizens. One of the inalienable rights is freedom of religion. Therefore, in the country, all conditions are created so believers can perform rituals and observe religious traditions.

It is worth emphasizing that New Uzbekistan’s policy in this area is receiving significant recognition among our people and the international community.

Thus, if the number of compatriots awarded the holy pilgrimage to Makkah and Medina could be counted on one hand in the first years of Uzbekistan’s independence, then more than 15,000 Uzbekistan citizens perform the sacred rite today.

The congratulations of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to our people on the holiday of Qurbon Hayit – Eid al-Adha, and his conversation with the Chairman of the Muslim Board Mufti Sheikh Nuriddin Khaliknazar about the pilgrimage of our compatriots became one of the bright pages of the Hajj season this year.

In a short period of time, a comprehensive system for training qualified personnel in the religious and educational sphere was created in Uzbekistan. Research centers began operating to study and popularize our scientists’ rich scientific heritage. Examples of this are the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, the Mir Arab Higher Madrasah, the School of Hadith Studies, and the international research centers of Imam Bukhari, Imam Termizi, and Imam Moturidi. A large-scale renovation and improvement of the Imam Bukhari Memorial Complex is underway.

During today’s meeting, the need for broader study and promotion of the works of these great thinkers among the population, especially among young people, was emphasized. They contain the true meaning of Islam and the enlightenment ideas of the religion. This is especially relevant right now, in our turbulent times, when various forces are trying to distort the essence of religion and lead young people astray from the proper path.

The important role in this work was also noted for those now on pilgrimages to holy Makkah. Recently, pilgrims made an appeal where they expressed their readiness to contribute to the spiritual education of the younger generation in their districts, in their mahallas.

Also, at the meeting, the Head of state emphasized that the Center for Islamic Civilization should play an essential role in these processes, whose activities will broadly familiarize our people and foreign guests with the priceless heritage of our ancestors and promote the ideas of enlightened Islam. Historians and theologians are working to fill the center’s activities with new content.

Information about plans for the center’s activities was heard.