Religious freedom in Tajikistan

The Tajikistani Constitution guarantees religious freedom; however, this is not always acknowledged by the national and local governments. Although there is no official state religion, the government recognizes Muslim holidays. Government owned publishing houses are not legally permitted to print religious literature. On several occasion, however, copies of the Qur’an have been printed by state-run publishing houses. The distribution of sacred books is not restricted.

All religious organizations are required to register, and each place of worship must be approved by the local authorities. This information is compiled to aid each level of government in their supervision of faith groups to ensure that they do not become extremists or engage in political activities. There have been reports of local governments restricting the activities of religions in order to retain Tajikistan’s secular identity.

Faith based political parties are legal in Tajikistan; yet religious institutions are not permitted to fund them.