According to Rahimzoda, this situation raises serious concerns. He noted that many people continue to believe in magic and witchcraft, as well as in "wandering mullahs," who, in his opinion, can lead citizens to terrorism and extremism.
Since 2024, the republic has been keeping a record of sorcerers and fortune-tellers, including not only those who engage in this activity professionally but also their clients.
The minister also pointed out that a large number of Tajik citizens are going on Umrah (minor pilgrimage); last year, the number of pilgrims exceeded 7,500. Many take out loans to finance these trips. Despite the fact that magic is considered a sin in Islam, belief in witchcraft and fortune-telling persists among the citizens.
Rustam Azizi, an expert in religious issues, believes that people turn to magic to solve their problems, such as health, family, or business issues. "This happens due to the low level of both scientific and religious education," he claims.
Although it would be more logical to consult psychologists, trust in them among Tajik citizens is low. Azizi notes that this is related to the fact that local psychology, based on Soviet traditions, views psychological problems through the lens of physiology.
As reported by "Asia-Plus," the country has legislatively provided for the prosecution of fortune-tellers and sorcerers. Engaging in magic is punishable by a fine of up to 100 indicators for calculations — 7,800 somoni ($826) or arrest for up to 15 days. In case of repeated violations, criminal measures may be applied. According to the relevant article of the criminal code, sorcerers face more severe punishment — a fine of up to 150,000 somoni (about $16,000) and imprisonment for a term of one to two years.
