DUSHANBE, March 23, 2013, Asia-Plus  -- Following an order by President Emomali Rahmon the Committee on Religious Affairs (CRA) under the Government of Tajikistan is currently considering the issue of setting salaries for imam-khatibs (imams leading prayers in the Friday mosques), the CRA deputy head Mavlon Mukhtorov told Asia-Plus in an interview.

“The funds will be allocated from the national budget,” Mukhtorov said.

At present imam-khatibs live on donations made by parishioners.

Saidmukaram Abduqodirzoda, the head of the Council of Ulamo (an Islamic council that issues fatwas and religious guidance to Islamic religious organizations), says that under the country’s legislation, imam-khatibs have the right to work with public institutions and be engaged in entrepreneurship.

“All labor and tax laws apply to the Islamic Center and mosques although imam-khatibs now live only on donations made by parishioners,” said Abduqodirzoda.  “Mosques do not have large opportunities; however, they pay all taxes and municipal services.”

According to him, salaries of employees of the Islamic Center also depend on donations.  Besides, part of the Islamic Center’s territory is rented out to the Islamic Institute and shops selling religious literature.

Current average monthly wage of employees of the Islamic Center is 500-600 somoni, an official source at the Islamic Center said.