The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan (Muftiate -- an administrative territorial entity, mainly in the post-Soviet and Southeast European nations, under the supervision of a mufti) has declared it impermissible to perform prayers on roadways, KazTAG reports.

“It is unacceptable to inconvenience others by blocking roads for prayers.  Therefore, we urge you to arrive early for prayers, remain in designated areas, avoid obstructing roads, park vehicles in authorized locations, and strictly follow the established rules and order,” the Muftiate stated.

Incident in Almaty

The statement comes after an incident on December 6 in Almaty, where a large group of individuals blocked a roadway to perform prayers.  Worshippers attending the Friday prayer (Jumu'ah) at the city's Central Mosque could not all fit within the mosque's courtyard.  Once the prayer began, some congregants moved to the roadway on M. Mametova Street, causing a traffic jam.

“The primary reason for prohibiting prayers on roadways is to prevent disruptions to traffic.  Emergency vehicles like ambulances and fire trucks or individuals rushing to work may need to use the road. Blocking a street for even five minutes for prayer can lead to traffic congestion and impede movement," the Muftiate explained.

Police and national security response

Following the incident, four police officers responsible for maintaining order near the mosque were reportedly dismissed, and some participants in the prayer were detained.

According to law enforcement sources, foreign nationals may have been among those detained, Fergana reports, citing the Orda publication.

The National Security Committee of Kazakhstan is investigating the circumstances of the event, including the possibility of provocation.  Such large-scale public prayers on roadways are uncommon in Almaty, even during major religious holidays like Kurban (Ait Eid al-Adha) and Oraz Ait (Eid al-Fitr).