DUSHANBE, September 12, 2008, Asia-Plus — Having announced the year of 2009 as Year of Imam Azam (Al-Imam al-A”zam, “The Greatest Imam” Nu’man bin Thabit bin Zuta bin Mahan, better known by his kunya as Abu Ḥanīfah, (699 — 767 CE / 80 — 148 AH) was the founder of the Sunni Hanafi school of Islamic jurisprudence – Asia-Plus) in Tajikistan, President Emomali Rahmon has ensured people’s support for himself, Hoji Akbar Turajonzoda, member of the Majlisi Milli (Tajikistan’s upper chamber of parliament) also known religious scholar, said in an interview with Asia-Plus, commenting on recent president’s initiative.
“Thereby he expressed respect for faith of people,” said Turajonzoda. “The government realizes that it is impossible to rule the country without respecting people’s will.” “Our youth are our future and we can see today that more and more young people are attending mosques now,” Turajonzoda said.
Besides, spiritual leaders are held in high respect in Tajik society. “Therefore, having announced the next year as Year of Imam Azam, President Rahmon made a wise step that will draw him and the people together,” Turajonzoda said, adding that according to survey conducted by the Dushanbe weekly
Farazh
, Imam Azam is considered the most influential personality in the pre-Soviet period of our history.
According to him, this president’s initiative will also promote further development of self-consciousness of the nation and strengthening of its unity.
“It is especially important against a background of intensification of activity of some religious organizations such as Salafiya in the country,” Turajonzoda said.
Meanwhile, referring to views of some experts, Hoji Akbar Turajonzoda expressed concern that this initiative could pursue mercenary ends; for example, to tighten control and abuse Islam. “This concern is not groundless because some 90 percent of Tajik official dealing with religious affairs do not have respect for Islam,” said, “However, I hope that it is a constructive and noble initiative.”
We will recall that addressing a meeting dedicated to the 17th anniversary of Tajikistan’s Independence, President Emomali Rahmon announced on September 8 that the year of 2009 will be Year of Imam Azam in Tajikistan. The Tajik head of state noted that 1,310 birthday anniversary of Imam Azam will be celebrated in Tajikistan next year.
