DUSHANBE, January 14, 2014, Asia-Plus – Imam-khatibs (leaders of congregational prayer in mosque) and sarkhatibs (incumbents of the mosque) are expected to receive salaries beginning on February 1 this year, Head of the Council of Ulemo (an Islamic council that issues fatwas and religious guidance to Islamic religious organizations), Saidmukaram Abduqodirzoda told journalists in Dushanbe on January 14.

According to him, imam-khatibs will receive 800.00 somoni per month, sarkhtaibs will receive 1,500 somoni per month and head of central mosque will receive 2,000 somoni per month.  In all, some 300 Islamic clerics will salaries.

Abduqodirzoda stressed that money imam-khatibls will receive is not a salary but a financial support, which they have applied for   

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.

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).

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