Imom Buxoriy xalqaro ilmiy-tadqiqot markazi bukhari.uz
The Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center has launched a series of international online scientific seminars titled “Islam: A Religion of Peace and Enlightenment,” based on the fundamental principle of “Enlightenment Against Ignorance.” The primary objective of this initiative is to extensively promote the humanitarian essence of Islam within the region, strengthen international scientific and educational dialogue, and develop evidence-based solutions in the global effort to counter threats such as religious radicalization and extremism.
The inaugural international online seminar within this series was organized in collaboration with the Kazakhstan Institute of Geopolitical Studies and the “AQNIET” Information, Outreach, and Rehabilitation Center. At the event, titled “Islam and Politics: Attitudes Toward Modernization Processes,” Dr. Asilbek Izbairov, Director of the Kazakhstan Institute of Geopolitical Studies, Doctor of Historical Sciences, and Professor, delivered a keynote lecture. The seminar was attended by the Center’s research staff, representatives of the Research Centre for Islamic History, Art and Culture (IRCICA), employees of domestic scientific institutions, as well as researchers from Türkiye and Kazakhstan.
The speaker shared Kazakhstan’s unique experience in countering religious extremism and radicalization, as well as modernizing the religious sphere in accordance with contemporary requirements. In particular, a profound analysis was conducted regarding the influence of various religious movements that entered the country starting in the 1990s, the theological disputes they incited, and the measures implemented to combat these issues.
A. Izbairov elaborated on the developed “three-stage model of secularism” (a concept signifying the separation of the state, law, and education systems from religious doctrines) and emphasized the importance of collaboratively developing a regional theological school in Central Asia. As noted, the most effective approach is not state interference in religious processes, but rather their coordination within the framework of national interests and universal Islamic values.
During the dialogue, participants also discussed contentious issues between various Islamic schools of thought, the problem of takfirism (the practice of declaring others as disbelievers), the criteria of Muslim identity, and the role of Sufi traditions in ensuring socio-political stability.
In the Q&A session, it was noted that the preservation of national-cultural identity, the transmission of the rich scientific heritage of ancestors to the younger generation, and the harmonization of traditional Islamic values with contemporary modernization processes are the primary factors in countering religious radicalization.
At the conclusion of the event, participants noted that such platforms for scientific dialogue serve to further strengthen religious and educational cooperation not only at the regional level but also on a broad international scale.
The next scientific events in the series “Islam: A Religion of Peace and Enlightenment” will continue, covering further significant topics.
Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center
Press Service
