New restrictions have been imposed on Muslims in Tajikistan. In the country where 98 percent of the population is Muslim, the National Assembly, the upper house of the parliament, approved the bill banning the headscarf. The bill, adopted by the House of Representatives, the lower house of the parliament, prohibits the wearing, importing, selling and advertising of clothes from foreign cultures that are not compatible with Tajik culture.
Penalties for those who do not comply with the law
In case of non-compliance with the law, individuals will be fined up to $740 and institutions will be fined up to $5,400, while government officials will be fined up to $3,700 and religious authorities will be fined around $5,060.
Situation of Muslims in Tajikistan
Islam entered the territory of Tajikistan in the 7th century, and in the following period, and especially during the Samanid period, Islam gradually spread in the region. Today, almost the entire population of the country is Muslim and belongs to the Hanafi sect. During the Soviet Union period, religious activities were banned, mosques and madrassas were closed, and religious scholars who would lead the people were arrested and exiled. As a result of the strict practices during the Stalin period, the number of mosques decreased, but the people continued to practice their religious beliefs. In Tajikistan, repressive policies are still implemented on issues such as religious life, beard and hijab.
