TMU Hosts "Enlightenment Against Ignorance" Discussion on Countering Extremist Ideas
Tashkent Metropolitan University (TMU) held an outreach event for students, faculty and staff on the theme "Enlightenment Against Ignorance." The event brought together 48 members of the university community to discuss how young people can recognise and resist destructive ideas spread under the guise of religion.
Aziz Islamkhodjaev, Vice President for Academic Affairs at TMU, opened the event. He said its main purpose was to help students and staff build resistance to extremist ideas and to answer such ideas with knowledge. He noted that the university regularly holds practical activities on this topic. He also stressed that the true essence of Islam lies in humanism and goodness, and that violence, coercion and intimidation of people have no place in the religion.
Turning to the students, he called on them to stay alert and engaged. "Dear students, I ask you first of all not to become victims of such ideas, and not to stay indifferent to them. Answer every bad word said against our faith with ten good words, and serve your homeland with honour," Aziz Islamkhodjaev said.
A. Yakhshilikov, Senior Researcher at the Imam Maturidi International Research Centre, said that religion has always called people to goodness and noble aims. He explained how extremist and terrorist groups exploit believers' faith and religious feelings to justify their crimes, and why vigilance and public awareness play an important role in prevention.
R. Saidaliev, Advisor to the Rector, said that religious extremism and terrorism have long since moved beyond national, ethnic and regional borders and become a global problem. He highlighted interethnic harmony and religious tolerance as core principles in Uzbekistan. He also pointed out that people of all nationalities and faiths in the country enjoy legal and social conditions to freely practise their traditions.
"Your first task is to study, gain knowledge and contribute to the development of our country," R. Saidaliev told the students.
The programme continued with a screening of the film Qiyomatga qolgan qarz ("A Debt Until Judgment Day"). The film was made to help young people avoid falling under the influence of extremist movements. It tells the story of people who betray their homeland and community for material gain and use religion as a cover for violence. After the screening, students shared their views on the events portrayed in the film.
Closing the event, Aziz Islamkhodjaev thanked the participants and said that such discussions are valuable and should be held more often. Following the meeting, the university decided to hold regular round-table discussions on "Enlightenment Against Ignorance" in academic groups. The topic will also become a standing part of TMU's "Mentorship" and "Information Hour" sessions with students.
