DUSHANBE, January 14, 2014, Asia-Plus – The Committee on Religious Affairs and Regulation of National Traditions and Rituals under the Government of Tajikistan (CRA) has published a manual for imam-khatibs (imam-khatib is leader of the congregational prayer, which in larger mosques is performed at the times of all daily prayers; and preacher of the sermon (khutba) at the required congregational prayer on Friday).

In a report released at a news conference in Dushanbe, the CRA head Abdurahim Kholiqov noted on January 14 that the 300-page manual contains 45 sermon topics for Friday mosques.

“The manual will be distributed to 366 central and Friday mosques across the country,” the CRA head noted.

According to Kholiqov, the sermon topics call people to peace and tolerance

Tajikistan now has 3,567 “five-time” prayer mosques, 366 Friday prayer mosques (larger facilities built for weekly Friday prayers), 47 central mosques and one Ismaili Jamatkhona (place of worship), Kholiqov said.

135 new mosques, including 3 central, 10 Friday and 122 “five-time” mosques were reportedly registered in the country last year.    

We will recall that the Committee on Religious Affairs announced in January 2011 that, in cooperation with the Islamic Council began, it is compiling a list of some 60 topics deemed suitable for sermons, and will soon distribute the list to imams across the country.

The CRA deputy head Mukhtor Mavlonov told journalists on January 10, 2011 the endeavor was intended to help promote Islamic values while at the same time lessening the threat of terrorism and extremism in society.  Mavlonov explained that the list of subjects for sermons focused mainly on virtues, such as respect for parents and kindness to neighbors. “They are composed of Islamic teachings on ethics, on how to raise children and teach them honesty, trustworthiness, friendship, and other moral values," Mavlonov said.