Asia-Plus: Tajikistan's mufti backs ban on 'alien clothing'

On 7 June 2024 Asia-Plus reported that Saidmukarram Abdukodirzoda (Саидмукаррам Абдукодирзода / Абдуқодирзода), chairman of the Council of Ulema of Tajikistan, had supported the draft law banning “alien clothing” and stated that national clothing must also conform to Islamic norms. According to the article, he explained these norms on the air of TV “Tajikistan” following discussions on banning the import, sale, and wearing of clothing “alien to national culture”. The article states that Abdukodirzoda said Sharia sets dress standards for men and women and that national clothing can be worn within those standards. He is quoted as stating that clothing “must not be narrow, tight or transparent” and that “some wear the hijab, but it is transparent and tight and exposes every part of the body — that is not a hijab”. The article quotes him as saying that each nation has its own clothing — Tajik, Arab or other — and that it is not necessary to blindly imitate foreign dress, so long as Sharia norms are respected. He is also quoted as stating that “unfortunately, today on the streets of our cities there is much narrow and provocative clothing that draws attention and leads a person to debauchery, distancing them from Islamic norms”. The article says he cited a Qur’anic verse on modest dress and described “clothing of glory” (that which makes the wearer feel superior or attracts attention) as makruh. He is reported to have accused traders of selling tight and transparent clothing under the label of “Islamic clothing”. The article notes that traders have voiced concern about the draft law “On the Regulation of Celebrations and Ceremonies”, which bans “the import, sale, propaganda and wearing in public places” of such clothing. According to the article, the bill was submitted to parliament by the president and adopted; Sulaimon Davlatzoda (Сулаймон Давлатзода), chairman of the Committee on Religious Affairs, told MPs the aim was to “improve the social conditions and family situation of citizens”. A fine is envisaged but the amount is not specified, and the article says it remains unclear what exactly counts as “alien” clothing. The article also notes complaints that authorities stop women in hijabs on the streets and require them to remove the hijab or wear it as a scarf. Sources cited: TV “Tajikistan”.