At the People's Kurultai, which took place in December 2024, participants appealed to the president with a request to raise salaries for imams.
However, since Kyrgyzstan is a secular state according to the Constitution, the issue was referred to the DUMK for consideration. The national budget does not allocate funds for addressing issues related to the religious sphere.
The muftiate reported that they initially sought external sources of funding but ultimately decided to use internal resources.
“Our people have always supported imams, and we are confident that this will continue. But how can we ensure financial support? For the mullahs to fulfill their duties, they need a salary…
We often hold meetings with religious figures in the regions. Outside of Bishkek and Osh, most imams are elderly people who have served the community all their lives without any salary. Nevertheless, in 10-15 years, they will no longer be able to perform their duties. In such a situation, what will be the condition of the believers, especially in remote villages? Who will replace these imams? How can we attract qualified religious figures to mosques in the aiyl? If educated people do not confront the growing ignorance and aggression, what will happen? What will occur if sects disguised as religions start sowing discord among people? How will distortions of Islamic teachings and foreign values affect our people? What will happen if the youth embrace other religions or atheism?” — questions are raised at the DUMK.
Clerics emphasize the need to attract young and educated imams.
“We need qualified personnel who can conduct rituals such as childbirth, wedding ceremonies, and funerals. If not today, then tomorrow they will be in high demand. But how can we keep them in rural areas? If we cannot offer a decent salary, how can they serve? We have been conducting an open competition for vacant positions for two months, but only a few people have applied. Meanwhile, about 5,000 specialists graduate from madrasahs every year. Where are they? Why are they not submitting applications? What is the problem?” — the statement reads.
The muftiate acknowledges that low salaries deter young imams from working in the regions and calls on believers to create the necessary conditions for clergy.
As a result of consultations with the community, a decision was made to charge commissions from pilgrims heading to holy places.
“Since Umrah is a religious act, we decided to charge a commission of 9 percent of its cost. We have sent a proposal to the Council of Scholars to verify its compliance with Sharia,” the DUMK reported.
