The Islamic Center of Tajikistan's Council of Ulema issued a special fatwa on national dress. It states that Tajik national costumes "fully comply with Hanafi requirements", therefore, it is recommended that the country's population avoid wearing "culturally and religiously alien" clothes for "certain purposes."
According to the Council of Ulema, there has been a rise in disputes regarding the compliance of Tajik national dress with the standards of Muslim hijab and "unfounded" claims have appeared, prompting the department to issue a fatwa on this issue.
Aside from the hijab, women are advised against wearing tight, transparent, black, or revealing clothing.
“Islam has its own unique rules for dressing, but it does not impose any restrictions on the cut and color, therefore, wearing national-colored clothing is permissible in our religion.
However, from the point of view of our religion, wearing black clothing is not recommended for women, due to it not being obligatory, and it not matching our national characteristics and geographical conditions. Additionally, it is advised not to wear tight or revealing clothes”, - states the fatwa.
The fatwa also mentions men's clothing: “men's bodies should be covered from the navel to the knee”.
The fatwa consists of 5 clauses. In addition to the above, it is also noted that according to the rules of Islamic Sharia and the Hanafi movement, women's clothing consists of scarves, dresses, and trousers that Tajiks have been wearing for centuries.
It is reminded that the President of the country, Emomali Rahmon, in March, called the act of Muslim women covering their heads with scarves "imitating alien culture". The head of state ordered religious leaders to "clarify their opinion on this issue" within a month, but the decision has yet to be made.
In Tajikistan, a month ago, in June 2024, "culturally alien" clothes were banned. The bill was introduced to the Supreme Assembly by Emomali Rahmon himself.
