15 replies to this topic

[kobey]

I would like to say salam from Kazakhstan

[ParadiseLost]

wa alaykum as salaam

Maybe you could tell us more about Islam in Kazakhstan

[kobey]

Thank you all for invitations.

Thank you for your interest in Islam in Kazakhstan. History of Islam in our country starts about 10 th century. Most of people in our country had nomadic lifestyle and of course Islam was not so much spread. At present most of Kazakhs unfortunately are not so strict in keeping all the requirements of Islam, but all of them count themselves muslim. There are more than 5000 Masjids in Kazakhstan. Quantity of real muslims making prayer increasing but very few percentage. One of the prominent muslims in our country was Hoja Ahmed Yassawy - propagandist of Islam lived in 12th century.

[ParadiseLost]

What do you think the main issue is that is facing Muslims in Kazakhstan today with regards to their faith?

[kobey]

I do not see any issues, because our people was always tolerate.

[Saracen21stC]

‘It can’t happen here’: religious extremism on the rise in Kazakhstan

Posted on 12 November 2011



On a day when the crisis of confidence in the Eurozone continues to spiral out of control and the future of the European Union seems to be thrown into doubt, goings-on in Central Asia are far from the minds of many. This would be understandable if today’s suicide attack in the city of Taraz in Kazakhstan was an isolated event or of regional concern only, but the fact that this follows the bombing on 31st October on the western city of Atyrau and is the latest in a series of attacks on security services and national institutions should make it at least as concerning as the readily soluble problems of the Eurozone.

These murders, as well as recent threats from new Islamist groups over a law requiring religious organisations to register with the authorities, point to an increase in Islamic fundamentalist activity in Kazakhstan, which has hitherto had the best record in the region in this regard. Indeed the law itself, On Religious Activity and Religious Associations, which took effect on 25th October, gives us a clue as to how seriously the authorities in Astana regard the threat of Islamic extremism. Each week it is beginning to seem more like this most stable of the ‘-stans’ has simply had a lucky escape thus far.

Kazakhstan is the size of Western Europe and is extremely rich in natural resources with a relatively good record of economic growth and social liberalisation (all progress is relative in the former SSRs). Glaring problems remain; not least President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s apparent desire to keep his job for life and his long nepotistic streak. But to let those problems obscure the dangers of a significant and more active Islamist presence in the region would be as irresponsible as it would be myopic. If Kazakhstan were to allow (or were unable to resist) a tide of terrorist violence such as Uzbekistan experienced in the form of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan among others, and if Islamic fundamentalism were to gain a foothold in a country of this size, then it is entirely conceivable that the next big confrontation with religious fundamentalism might take place in central Asia.

The targets of recent attacks have been both civilian and institutional, suggesting that whichever group is responsible for the attacks is serious about subverting the country’s government and is therefore in breach of Article 5.3 of the country’s constitution:

5.3 Formation and functioning of public associations pursuing the goals or actions directed toward a violent change of the constitutional system, violation of the integrity of the Republic, undermining the security of the state, inciting social, racial, national, religious, class and tribal enmity, as well as formation of unauthorized paramilitary units shall be prohibited.

An increase in violence from this kind of group would also damage investment opportunities in Kazakhstan, which is already of concern to Kazakhstan’s leaders, as Marat Yermukanov pointed out over five years ago. Aside from the serious cultural and constitutional threat posed by this trend, the economic one is no less grim. In the long term the prospect of a greater Islamic fundamentalist influence in central Asia and the consequences of the incompatability of the extremist world view with that of most of the world, poses a much greater existential problem than whether one country or another should be ‘in’ or ‘out’ of the Euro.

Some will argue that the president is a power-addicted dictator-in-drag who is only interested in funnelling oil revenues into his private bank account, and who will do everything possible to hold on to power regardless of the view of his citizens. But days after Greece backed out of giving its people a referendum on Eurozone membership and installed a non-elected prime minister, and just as Italy is set to replace (also with an unelected figure) a prime minister who, aside from being the richest man in his own country, also owns most of the media, European advocacy of democracy cannot but seem insincere. Yes, Kazakhstan is in desperate need of political and especially electoral reform; needs to temper a sense of anti-extremism with a broad tolerance of religious groups; and can do more to serve as an example to neighbouring countries, but all the while President Nazarbayev must keep his focus and face down the nascent threats that could undo the great strides made in the fight against religious fundamentalism in the past decade. This most secular of central Asian republics must have as its watchword the promise of its constitution’s first article:

1. The Republic of Kazakhstan proclaims itself a democratic, secular, legal and social state whose highest values are an individual, his life, rights and freedoms.

[Saracen21stC]

 Top Kazakh Muslim cleric raps tough new religion law, warns of extremism

By Dmitry Solovyov
September 30, 2011

(Kazakhstan's Supreme Mufti Absattar Derbisali (L) with President Nursultan Nazarbayev ® at the Central Mosque in Almaty November 16, 2010/Shamil Zhumatov)

Kazakhstan’s top Muslim cleric hit out on Friday at a tough new law on religious activity and warned that the restrictions it imposed on pious Muslims could spur extremism. Article 7 of the bill, which was passed by the Senate on Thursday and has already been approved by the lower house, bans prayer rooms in all state institutions.

Both the U.S.-based human rights body Freedom House and the 56-member Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe have criticised the legislation, which has yet to be signed into law by President Nursultan Nazarbayev.

“To pray to Allah five times a day is a sacred duty of each Muslim. And it is quite possible that if reading prayers is banned at state institutions, certain groups will appear to voice their discontent with the state,” the Supreme Mufti of Kazakhstan, Absattar Derbisali, said in a statement.

“Who can guarantee that, choosing between work for the state and worshipping Allah, such people will not join various political forces or extremist groups? Aren’t we creating a threat to national security and the calm of the nation with our own hands? This is not the way to fight extremism and terror.”

Oil-rich Kazakhstan, a majority of whose 16.5 million people are Muslims, has Central Asia’s largest economy and is the world’s biggest uranium producer, a major grain exporter and the ninth largest country by area. It has recently begun to suffer the kind of outbursts of militant Islam experienced by other former Soviet states in the region.

[Saracen21stC]

What do you think the main issue is that is facing Muslims in Kazakhstan today with regards to their faith?

Countries like Kazakhstan, Ajerbaijan, Uzebekistan are  worst possible "Muslim" countries for Muslims! The Soviet influence have distorted Islamic understandings so much so that they (the Government) warn their citizens of 'foreign' inputs such as Hijab, concept of Khilafah, Islamic Laws, or even simple protest for the Religion!!. Ironically, these countries have very rich Islamic History.

Personally I do not like West that Much. But they are a lot lot better than the Soviets.

[Saracen21stC]

  Aktobe Education Department preparing a list of school students wearing hijabs                        

                        

Thursday, 15.09.2011, 13:10

                                                    

                                
                           

©RIA Novosti

Education Department of Aktobe oblast is putting together a list of
school students wearing hijabs, KazTAG reports citing the Department.
According to deputy head of the Department Zholdas Nurshin, this is
“done to know their exact number”.



Besides, Nurshin noted, a documentary Adaskandar (Lost) is
shown in education facilities of Aktobe oblast. The movie is about
Aktobe resident Yerkin Doskaliyev convicted under terrorism charges.
The movie is also shown to students of colleges and universities.



“I haven’t watched this movie yet. It was sent from the city
administration. In my view, it is important for parents and students to
know the threat imposed by non-traditional Islam,” he stressed.



Earlier Akim (Governor) of Aktobe oblast Arkhimed Mukhambetov suggested
heads of educational facilities to convince girls wearing hijabs and
niqabs to take them off.

                                       

[kobey]

‘It can’t happen here’: religious extremism on the rise in Kazakhstan

Posted on 12 November 2011



On a day when the crisis of confidence in the Eurozone continues to spiral out of control and the future of the European Union seems to be thrown into doubt, goings-on in Central Asia are far from the minds of many. This would be understandable if today’s suicide attack in the city of Taraz in Kazakhstan was an isolated event or of regional concern only, but the fact that this follows the bombing on 31st October on the western city of Atyrau and is the latest in a series of attacks on security services and national institutions should make it at least as concerning as the readily soluble problems of the Eurozone.

These murders, as well as recent threats from new Islamist groups over a law requiring religious organisations to register with the authorities, point to an increase in Islamic fundamentalist activity in Kazakhstan, which has hitherto had the best record in the region in this regard. Indeed the law itself, On Religious Activity and Religious Associations, which took effect on 25th October, gives us a clue as to how seriously the authorities in Astana regard the threat of Islamic extremism. Each week it is beginning to seem more like this most stable of the ‘-stans’ has simply had a lucky escape thus far.

Kazakhstan is the size of Western Europe and is extremely rich in natural resources with a relatively good record of economic growth and social liberalisation (all progress is relative in the former SSRs). Glaring problems remain; not least President Nursultan Nazarbayev’s apparent desire to keep his job for life and his long nepotistic streak. But to let those problems obscure the dangers of a significant and more active Islamist presence in the region would be as irresponsible as it would be myopic. If Kazakhstan were to allow (or were unable to resist) a tide of terrorist violence such as Uzbekistan experienced in the form of the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan among others, and if Islamic fundamentalism were to gain a foothold in a country of this size, then it is entirely conceivable that the next big confrontation with religious fundamentalism might take place in central Asia.

The targets of recent attacks have been both civilian and institutional, suggesting that whichever group is responsible for the attacks is serious about subverting the country’s government and is therefore in breach of Article 5.3 of the country’s constitution:

5.3 Formation and functioning of public associations pursuing the goals or actions directed toward a violent change of the constitutional system, violation of the integrity of the Republic, undermining the security of the state, inciting social, racial, national, religious, class and tribal enmity, as well as formation of unauthorized paramilitary units shall be prohibited.

An increase in violence from this kind of group would also damage investment opportunities in Kazakhstan, which is already of concern to Kazakhstan’s leaders, as Marat Yermukanov pointed out over five years ago. Aside from the serious cultural and constitutional threat posed by this trend, the economic one is no less grim. In the long term the prospect of a greater Islamic fundamentalist influence in central Asia and the consequences of the incompatability of the extremist world view with that of most of the world, poses a much greater existential problem than whether one country or another should be ‘in’ or ‘out’ of the Euro.

Some will argue that the president is a power-addicted dictator-in-drag who is only interested in funnelling oil revenues into his private bank account, and who will do everything possible to hold on to power regardless of the view of his citizens. But days after Greece backed out of giving its people a referendum on Eurozone membership and installed a non-elected prime minister, and just as Italy is set to replace (also with an unelected figure) a prime minister who, aside from being the richest man in his own country, also owns most of the media, European advocacy of democracy cannot but seem insincere. Yes, Kazakhstan is in desperate need of political and especially electoral reform; needs to temper a sense of anti-extremism with a broad tolerance of religious groups; and can do more to serve as an example to neighbouring countries, but all the while President Nazarbayev must keep his focus and face down the nascent threats that could undo the great strides made in the fight against religious fundamentalism in the past decade. This most secular of central Asian republics must have as its watchword the promise of its constitution’s first article:

1. The Republic of Kazakhstan proclaims itself a democratic, secular, legal and social state whose highest values are an individual, his life, rights and freedoms.

I think it is not good to make sensation from thinngs that occurs sometimes. No ideal society in the world.

[Saracen21stC]

I think it is not good to make sensation from thinngs that occurs sometimes. No ideal society in the world.

 

 That's why we need sharia all over the world. And we will have to start from Kazakhstan...

[kobey]

 That's why we need sharia all over the world. And we will have to start from Kazakhstan...

sharia laws are ideal choice for any country. But who is "we"?

[The Doc]

I would like to say salam from Kazakhstan

Your'e gonna have to shout a bit

[Saracen21stC]

sharia laws are ideal choice for any country. But who is "we"?

 

 
Muslim Community aka Ummah

[kobey]

 
Muslim Community aka Ummah

Best Muslim Community is peaceful!

[Saracen21stC]

Best Muslim Community is peaceful!

 

Yes. And Peace comes after applying Sharia all over the Muslim world. Kazakhastan must be made into an Islamic country.