At the People's Kurultai, which took place in December 2024, participants raised the issue of the need to increase salaries for imams, addressing the president with the corresponding request.
Considering that Kyrgyzstan is a secular state, the issue was redirected to the DUMK, as there are no funds allocated in the state budget to address tasks related to the religious sphere.
The muftiate acknowledged that they initially tried to find external sources of funding, but ultimately came to the necessity of using their own resources.
“The people are aware of the support that imams receive from the community. We are confident that they will receive support again. But where can we get the funds for this? For performing their duties, mullahs need a salary...
We often hold meetings with religious figures in the regions. Except for Bishkek and Osh, in most districts, religious servants are already over 60. These elderly imams have served the people all their lives without receiving any salary. However, in 10-15 years, they will not be able to fulfill their duties. What will happen to the believers then, especially in remote villages? Who will be able to replace these imams? How can we attract highly qualified religious figures to mosques in the villages? What will happen if educated people do not start to counter the growing ignorance and aggression? What will be the consequences if various sects and movements begin to spread their ideas, disguising themselves as religion?” — questions are raised in the DUMK.
Clerics emphasized the need to attract educated and energetic young imams.
“We need young specialists who can conduct rituals such as prayer at the birth of a child, marriage ceremonies, and funerals. If not today, then tomorrow they will be extremely necessary. But how will we keep them in the villages? If we cannot offer a decent salary, how can they serve in these places? For two months, we have been conducting an open competition to fill vacant positions, but only a few people have applied. Every year, about 5,000 specialists graduate from madrasas. Where do they go? Why do they not apply?” — the message states.
The muftiate agrees that low salaries are the reason for the reluctance of young imams to work in the regions and calls on believers to create the necessary conditions for their work.
After consultations with the community, a decision was made to introduce commission fees for pilgrims traveling to holy sites.
“Considering that Umrah is a religious act, we decided to establish a commission of 9 percent of its cost. We have contacted the Council of Scholars to verify the compliance of this decision with Sharia,” the DUMK reported.
