07:43, 14 May 2014

Chechen authorities announce reward of one million roubles for training hafizes

The government of Chechnya has announced a cash reward of one million roubles to the theologians who prepare ten hafizes (reciters of the Koran by heart). This was told to the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent by a source from the Chechen Muftiyat.

"Last week, on the eve of the events to mark the Day of Memory and Grief, it has been announced that a theologian who prepare ten hafizes, will receive a cash reward of one million roubles. These issues are to be administrated by qadis (religious judges) and imams of the districts of Chechnya," the source from the Chechen Muftiyat has stated.

However, local residents have different opinions about the fact that the authorities pay increased attention to issues of religion. Many local residents believe that under the guise of strengthening and developing the religion, Islam is being completely discredited.

"I can imagine all the sensation on this occasion and how all theologians will now rush to teach the young people the Koran. Meanwhile, all believers should do everything just for the sake of Allah and not for the money," said Ismail, a student of one of the Chechen madrasas.

Author: Muslim Ibragimov, Alexander Ivanov

Source: CK correspondents