Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —   President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received a report on measures aimed at strengthening the social environment and advancing religious education.

Uzbekistan, as a legal, social, and secular state, guarantees freedom of conscience for all citizens in accordance with its Constitution. This ensures interethnic harmony and an atmosphere of religious tolerance, enabling representatives of all faiths to freely practice their rituals.

Over the past five years, three laws, four presidential decrees, and numerous resolutions have been adopted in the areas of religious education and social policy. It was noted during the meeting that their implementation has contributed to protecting the interests of all religious communities.

Muslims in Uzbekistan benefit from favorable conditions: during this period, over 100 new mosques have been built, and 555 facilities have undergone major renovations. A procedure for allocating land for the construction of religious buildings has been established.

The Hajj quota has doubled, allowing more than 60,000 citizens to perform the pilgrimage over the past seven years. Additionally, the organization of Umrah pilgrimages has been formalized.

Special attention is given to religious education. International centers named after Imam Bukhari, Imam Termizi, and Imam Maturidi, as well as the International Islamic Academy of Uzbekistan, have been established. These institutions have become hubs for scientific research. The Tashkent Islamic Institute, the Mir Arab Higher Madrasa, and other specialized institutions are training qualified specialists. More than 30,000 citizens have completed courses on Quranic studies and Tajweed.

Preserving and maintaining historical and religious monuments remains a priority. Memorial complexes dedicated to Abu Isa Termizi, Abu Muin Nasafi, Sultan Uvays Qarani, and Suzik-ota have been restored. Work continues on the Imam Bukhari Memorial Complex and the Center for Islamic Civilization. The Waqf Fund has restored 90 pilgrimage sites.

International relations in this sphere are also actively developing. In 2024, Uzbekistan hosted international conferences on the role of Islam in promoting peace, the study of Imam Termizi’s heritage, and a Week of Tolerance.

However, challenges remain, particularly in cyberspace. Radical ideas are disseminated online, posing significant risks to vulnerable segments of the population, especially youth. In this regard, the importance of collective societal efforts, including the involvement of religious scholars and elders, was emphasized to counter these threats.

Initiatives such as establishing "Councils of Elders and Parents" in mahallas have already proven effective. The example of pilgrims with the motto "Dedicated servants of the new Uzbekistan and advocates of spiritual values" also contributes to strengthening the spiritual environment.

The meeting called for continued efforts to reinforce spiritual values in mahallas, engage youth in educational and employment activities, and help vulnerable populations integrate into active social life. Particular focus will be placed on preserving religious tolerance and interethnic harmony.