Are Extreme Forms Of Islam On The Rise In Kyrgyzstan?
Russia Today (RT) has reported on how fundamentalist Islam is gaining a foothold in Kyrgyzstan. This could have implications for basic freedoms in the country and of the status of women in Kyrgyz society if the effects of Islamism elsewhere in the world are anything to go by. An article on the RT website refers to the issue as follows:
“Kyrgyz people converted to Islam in the 17th century but they were never over-zealous about their faith. Mixed with shamanism and nomadic customs, the Kyrgyz version of Islam has long been more of a moral code than a religious doctrine. It has helped shape a society where women are just as active and ambitious as men, and where religiosity went hand in hand with a good education. Now, though, that is starting to change.”
At present Kyrgyzstan seems to be one of the more moderate members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). However, Ahmadiyya Muslims suffer official discrimination and there have been instances where converts from Islam to Christianity have been subjected to hostility. Nevertherless, it appears that persecution is much less severe than in some other members of the OIC, though that of course is no consolation to those who suffer persecution because of their religious beliefs. It would be interesting to see if the levels of persecution have increased since Islamic missionaries from the Middle East and elsewhere became active. Undoubtedly, as extreme forms of Islam rise in prominence this problem will undoubtedly get much worse. Saudi funding for mosques has, in many people’s eyes, led to increased radicalisation in the West – Kyrgyzstan will probably not be an exception to this apparent trend.
[The photograph at the top of this article is the Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral in the Kyrgyz city of Karakol]
Sharia Watch UK