Addressing Rumors: Clarification on “Friday Greetings” Distribution in Uzbekistan

The office of Muslims in Uzbekistan has recently issued an official statement addressing a concerning situation.  Over the past few days, social media platforms have been inundated with messages claiming that the distribution of "Friday greetings," Quran verses, Hadiths of the Prophet (peace be upon him), as well as teachings from scholars and imams is now prohibited.  The Office of Muslims in Uzbekistan aims to clarify the matter and dispel any misinformation that has been circulating.

In their official statement, the Office warns against the dissemination of false information, which only serves to create panic and confusion among the public.  They emphasize that spreading such misleading content on social media platforms may lead to legal consequences in accordance with their existing legislation.

The statement underlines the importance of safeguarding freedom of belief, as guaranteed by the Law of the Republic of Uzbekistan "On Freedom of Conscience and Religious Organizations," enacted on the 5th of July 2021.  This law ensures that citizens have the right to practice their religion, partake in religious rituals and ceremonies, and access religious teachings.

In light of this, the Office of Muslims in Uzbekistan assures that they make religious information readily available to Muslim believers through the official online sources.  They encourage individuals to consult the official websites of the Office of Muslims, mosque-madrasas, esteemed imams' websites, and social media pages to access and share relevant information, including "Friday greetings." The statement explicitly clarifies that there are no persecutions of restrictions on such practices.

However, the statement also stresses the need for vigilance against subversive ideologies that seek to propagate extremist ideas through catchy music, photos, or symbols.  Consequently, the distribution, storage, and use of any form of extremist content, including "Friday greetings" or related attributes and photos, are strictly prohibited.

It is important to note that the government of Uzbekistan has compiled a list of banned extremist and terrorist content, demonstrating their commitment to safeguarding national security and the well-being of the public.