DUSHANBE, January 3, 2014, Asia-Plus – Imam-khatibs (leaders of congregational prayers in mosque) in Tajikistan will receive salaries starting from this year, the deputy head of the Committee on Religious Affairs under the Government of Tajikistan, Mavlon Mukhtorov, told Asia-Plus on January 3.

According to him, the draft law on providing salaries to imam-khatibs has been sent for consideration to the government.

“This draft law providing for payment of salaries to imam-khatibs beginning on January 1, 2014 was initiated by President Emomali Rahmon and I believe that the government will endorse it,” Mukhtorov said.

“Monthly salaries will be set for imam-khatibs at 450 mosques across the country.  The wage rate is expected to be determined after the approval of the draft law.”

Mukhtorov further added that the practice of paying salaries to imam-khatibs existed in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United States, Russia, China, and Kyrgyzstan.  

We will recall that during a meeting with clerics that took place in Dushanbe on July 4, 2013, President Rahmon noted that he had ordered to set official salaries for imam-khatibs.  He also offered to design dress code for clerics.