Uzbek pilgrims offer prayers for the nation’s well-being

On May 21, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a telephone conversation with Mufti Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiknazar, the Chairman of the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan.

The conversation took place on the eve of the sacred Kurban Hayit holiday, during the blessed days when Uzbek pilgrims are performing Hajj.

The Head of State, through the Mufti, extended sincere Kurban Hayit greetings to all Uzbek pilgrims currently in the holy city of Mecca and wished that their prayers for peace and stability in the country, the prosperity of the nation, and the well-being of the younger generation be accepted by the Almighty.

In recent years over 15,000 citizens of New Uzbekistan have annually performed the sacred Hajj pilgrimage. This year, another noble initiative was implemented, with 100 citizens of the country being sent to Hajj at the expense of the state for the first time. Among them are labor veterans who faithfully served the interests of the Motherland and the people, their family members, mahalla activists, senior citizens, and individuals from low-income families.

The President asked about the health and well-being of the pilgrims and inquired about the progress of organizational efforts aimed at providing favorable conditions for them to perform their religious rites.

Mufti Sheikh Nuriddin Kholiknazar noted that all necessary conditions are being provided for Uzbek pilgrims in both Mecca and Medina, and that organizational efforts are being carried out at a high level. He emphasized that, while in the holy places, Uzbek pilgrims are offering prayers to the Almighty for peace in the country and the continued prosperity of the nation.

During the conversation, it was noted that the large-scale reforms being carried out in the country in the religious and educational sphere are having a significant positive impact on the spiritual development, and enlightenment of the people. It was emphasized that the Imam Bukhari and Burhoniddin Margilani complexes, the Center for Islamic Civilization, and other newly commissioned facilities are contributing to the broad promotion of the invaluable heritage of our great ancestors.

On the eve of the holiday, a Presidential resolution was adopted on celebrating Kurban Hayit in the country in a particularly warm and festive atmosphere. The celebrations will also include charitable events. Additional funds will be allocated on the occasion of the holiday to support socially vulnerable segments of the population, perform complex surgical operations for more than 10,000 children, and provide treatment for around 2,000 compatriots suffering from serious illnesses. Separate resources are also envisaged for the improvement of mosques and cemeteries.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed confidence that, upon returning home, the pilgrims, with their rich life experience, will serve as an example in promoting the values of enlightened Islam and sound religious values among the people, especially the youth, as well as in strengthening the atmosphere of kindness and unity and the spiritual environment in mahallas.

In conclusion of the conversation, the President conveyed his greetings to all our pilgrims and wished them a safe return home.