On March 25, an Iftar ceremony was organized throughout all regions of the country. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in the Iftar dinner held in Tashkent.

At the beginning of the event, the Head of state again congratulated the people and the entire Muslim ummah on the holy month of Ramadan.

“In this blessed month, we are happy to spend the ceremony of iftarlik (evening meal in the days of Muslim fasting) together with our people on our fertile land, for which we endlessly thank Allah the Merciful”, the President said.

The principle “In the name of the people, for their happiness” is becoming the cornerstone of all state policies. Freedom of conscience and the rights of citizens are reliably protected, a fact that is particularly evident during the holy month of Ramadan. Noble values, such as harmony, kindness and support, patience, endurance, morality, decency, and the pursuit of science, are strengthened in our society.

Special attention is paid to a thorough study of the humanistic meaning of Islam and the collection and popularization of the rich heritage of prominent thinkers. In particular, the Center of Islamic Civilization is being built in Tashkent – a major scientific and spiritual project, which will reflect the achievements of the Islamic world in the sphere of science, education and culture. This center will inspire young people to make discoveries.

Additionally, construction of the Imam Bukhari complex continues in Samarkand, a city renowned for its association with the great hadith scholar. Along with a museum and scientific institutions, a mosque with a capacity of up to 10 thousand worshippers is being built. It’s planned to open the two majestic structures already this year.

In accordance with the resolution of the President of March 14 this year, it’s planned to commemorate the 1155th anniversary of Imam Maturidi widely. His tomb site in Samarkand will be improved, and the scientific legacy and teachings of Maturidism will be studied in collaboration with foreign scholars.

To strengthen inter-ethnic and inter-confessional harmony, the International Forum “Dialogue of Declarations” will be held in September in Tashkent and Samarkand. It will be a unique platform for interreligious and intercultural dialogue.

In accordance with the Constitution, Uzbekistan is a social state implementing a humane and people-centered policy. Only last year, 16 trillion UZS worth of material assistance and benefits were allocated. More than 51,000 children from families in need were placed in kindergartens, 176,000 people received medical aid, and 182,000 – social services. 

Through the “Kindness and Support” fund, 94 thousand low-income families received assistance worth more than 130 billion UZS for treatment, food, clothing, and utility bills.

Under the “Women’s Register”, 3.5 million women received assistance for 5.7 trillion UZS. Within the framework of the “Youth Register”, 1.3 million young people in need received social assistance valued at 1.7 trillion UZS. 

Moreover, at the initiative of our pilgrims, material assistance worth 6.3 billion UZS was provided to low-income and bereaved families.

Creating green zones and planting trees is also a good deed. The nationwide project “Yashil Makon” (Green Space) serves this purpose. This spring, representatives of the clergy planted more than 10,000 trees and approximately 32,000 flowers and landscaped the areas around mosques and places of pilgrimage.

Within the framework of the State program for the Year of Environmental Protection and Green Economy, ecological initiatives are being expanded. Recently, at the Interfaith Council meeting held in Khiva, representatives of various religious confessions adopted an appeal calling for active participation in implementing the program.

At the current Iftar, ambassadors from foreign countries, representatives of international organizations, and representatives of various religious confessions attended, which served as yet another confirmation of the atmosphere of tolerance and mutual respect in our country.

In his address, the President also touched upon the world situation, expressing regret that most of the contradictions and conflicts are unfortunately taking place in the Islamic world. He emphasized that, in the face of growing threats, the unity and harmony of the Islamic ummah are more urgent than ever.

Special attention, according to the Head of state, should be paid to protecting youth from alien ideas and upbringing in the spirit of knowledge and enlightenment. The president quoted the precept of Bahauddin Naqshband: “Let your hands be in labor and Allah in your heart”, underlining the importance of educating young people in the spirit of hard work and professional self-awareness.

These days, under the slogan “Ramadan – the month of generosity, unity, and benevolence,” Iftars are organized in 9,500 mahallas across the country for low-income families, providing them with assistance. Such good deeds contribute to elevating human value and strengthening unity among the compatriots. 

“As our great ancestor, Alisher Navoi wrote: “The deed of the good is to do good”. It is due to goodness and good deeds that life on earth continues and is illuminated with light”, Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated.

Surahs from the Quran were recited, and prayers were offered to the Almighty that peace, prosperity, and kindness would always reign in our country and the whole world.

Representatives of the older generation, intellectuals, representatives of various religions and faiths, people with disabilities, and low-income citizens, totaling approximately 60,000 people, participated in the Iftar events held across all regions of the country.

UzA