NEWS IN FEBRUARY 2020
11 February
The women who carry out the mourning ceremonies will be substituted
Mubariz Qurbanly
Mubariz Qurbanly, the Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Religious Organisations (SCWRO), who had been interviewed by News24.az, stated that there was a widespread belief in the Azerbaijani society that many clergymen tended to be ignorant. Though t should be counteracted. To do this, it is necessary first of all to find out whether this or that person is really a clergyman who has been officially appointed. After all, in many cases, the people taking care of mourning ceremonies have not been formally appointed to that “position”.
Further, M. Qurbanly added that anyone who holds a rosary in his hands and wears a turban on his head should not be considered as a religious figure:
“A religious figure is a person who is officially appointed to the Caucasus Muslim Board. The probability that an imam who is officially designated will deliver ignorant speeches is very low. An imam who has obtained a higher education will never express any view on superstition and ignorance at mourning ceremonies. He knows well what superstition and ignorance mean. And if he knows the Religion perfectly well, then he knows that Islam is against ignorance and superstition”.
The SCWRO Chairman said,
“We recommend that the mourning ceremonies be led by our religious figures officially appointed.”
In conclusion, M. Qurbanly also talked about those who conduct women’s gatherings at the mourning ceremonies,
“At our mourning ceremonies, women gather separately from men. We are thinking of replacing those who conduct the female mourning gatherings by more educated religious practitioners. We should endeavor to have these female gatherings led by well-educated religious persons”.
17 February
In Azerbaijan the price for hajj increased by $340
Pilgrims from Azerbaijan
Caucasus Muslims Office officially informed, that the number of believers who wished to make a pilgrimage – Hajj, this year exceeded 100 people. Reception of applications began on January 24 and will continue until the end of May.
The pilgrimage to Mecca will take place between July 20 and August 15. The quota of Azerbaijan for this year is 1,500 people, and the cost of the Hajj per person will be $ 4,490.
Last year, the quota of Azerbaijan amounted to 1,440 people, and the cost of the hajj was $ 4,150.
22 February
Sheikh Sardar is released but the police continues putting pressure on him
Sheikh Sardar Hajihasanli (Babayev)
On 22 February Sheikh Sardar Hajihasanli (Babayev), a member of the Mejlis of the Azerbaijani clergy and editor-in-chief of the Maide.az website, was released from custody. According to Vetenugrunda.az, he goy out from the prison #17 at 5 a.m. Considering a large number of people wishing to see the Sheikh, it was planned to hold a meeting next to his house in the Yasamal Ceremonial House. However, as soon as the Sheikh arrived at the place of meeting, the police officers from the Yasamal district intruded to the Ceremonial house and demanded everyone to leave the hall at once. The theologian and the guests awaiting him were forced to obey, and then those who wished to meet him decided to come over to his house.