On March 25, a nationwide Iftar ceremony was held in all regions of the country. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended the Iftar dinner in Tashkent. At the start of the event, the President once again congratulated the people and the entire Muslim community on the holy month of Ramadan. He expressed gratitude to Allah for the opportunity to gather together with the people and celebrate Iftar on their fertile land. The President emphasized that the principle of “In the name of the people, for their happiness” is the foundation of all state policies. He also highlighted the protection of freedom of conscience and citizens’ rights, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. This month is a time when noble values such as harmony, kindness, support, patience, endurance, morality, decency, and pursuit of knowledge are strengthened in society.
A special focus is placed on studying the humanistic values of Islam and promoting the rich heritage of prominent thinkers. The construction of the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, a major scientific and spiritual project showcasing the achievements of the Islamic world in science, education, and culture, is underway. This center will inspire young people to make discoveries. In addition, the construction of the Imam Bukhari complex in Samarkand, a city known for its connection to the great hadith scholar, is ongoing. This complex will include a museum, scientific institutions, and a mosque with a capacity of up to 10,000 worshippers. The opening of both structures is planned for this year.
In accordance with the President’s resolution on March 14 of this year, the 1155th anniversary of Imam Maturidi will be widely commemorated. His tomb in Samarkand will be improved, and his scientific legacy and teachings of Maturidism will be studied in collaboration with foreign scholars.
To strengthen inter-ethnic and interfaith harmony, the International Forum “Dialogue of Declarations” will be held in September in Tashkent and Samarkand. This forum will serve as a platform for interreligious and intercultural dialogue.
According to the Constitution, Uzbekistan is a social state that implements a humane and people-centered policy. Last year alone, 16 trillion UZS worth of material assistance and benefits were allocated. This included placing 51,000 children from low-income families in kindergartens, providing medical aid to 176,000 people, and social services to 182,000 people. Through the “Kindness and Support” fund, 94,000 low-income families received assistance worth more than 130 billion UZS for treatment, food, clothing, and utility bills. Under the “Women’s Register,” 3.5 million women received assistance worth 5.7 trillion UZS, and under the “Youth Register,” 1.3 million young people in need received social assistance valued at 1.7 trillion UZS. In addition, at the request of pilgrims, material assistance worth 6.3 billion UZS was provided to low-income and bereaved families.
Planting trees and creating green zones is also considered a good deed, and the nationwide project “Yashil Makon” (Green Space) aims to do just that. This spring, representatives of the clergy planted over 10,000 trees and approximately 32,000 flowers, and beautified the areas around mosques and places of pilgrimage.
As part of the State program for the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy, ecological initiatives are expanding. At a recent Interfaith Council meeting in Khiva, representatives of various religious confessions adopted an appeal to actively participate in implementing the program.
Ambassadors from foreign countries, representatives of international organizations, and members of various religious confessions attended the Iftar, serving as further confirmation of the atmosphere of tolerance and mutual respect in the country.
In his address, the President also touched upon the current world situation, expressing regret that most conflicts and contradictions are taking place in the Islamic world. He emphasized the urgent need for unity and harmony within the Islamic ummah in the face of growing threats.
The President also stressed the importance of protecting youth from foreign ideas and educating them in the spirit of knowledge and enlightenment. He quoted the precept of Bahauddin Naqshband: “Let your hands be in labor and Allah in your heart,” emphasizing the importance of instilling a strong work ethic and professional self-awareness in young people.
Under the slogan “Ramadan – the month of generosity, unity, and benevolence,” Iftars are being organized in 9,500 mahallas (neighborhoods) across the country for low-income families, providing them with assistance. These acts of kindness contribute to elevating the value of human life and strengthening unity among compatriots.
As our great ancestor, Alisher Navoi, wrote: “The deed of the good is to do good.” It is through goodness and good deeds that life on earth continues and is illuminated with light, the President stated.
At the Iftar, Surahs from the Quran were recited and prayers were offered for peace, prosperity, and kindness to reign in the country and the world. Approximately 60,000 people, including representatives of the older generation, intellectuals, members of various religions and faiths, people with disabilities, and low-income citizens, participated in Iftar events held across all regions of the country.