With God on their side: militant Wahabbi Muslims display their strength

Article Abstract:

The growing militancy of Wahabbis in Uzbekistan has resulted in the spread of orthodox Islamic practices among young Uzbeks. The Wahabbis, who are building mosques and madrasahs, or religious schools, to propagate the tenets of Islam in the Ferghana valley, are funded by the Ahle Sunnah movement in coalition with Saudi Arabia. Although Uzbekistan Pres Karimov Islam along with the mullahs, or religious leaders, have condemned the Wahabbis, Uzbek youngsters not only frequent Wahabbi mosques, but many newly converted Uzbek women have adopted the white veiled costumes of the Wahabbis.

Religious aspects

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Caught in the crossfire

Article Abstract:

The Afghanistan civil war threatens a pair of gigantic Buddha statues which are carved into the cliff face of the Bamian valley in the Hindu Kush mountains. The Buddhas date from the second and third century A.D.. One is 55 meters tall, the other 38 meters. The Buddhas wear Greek dress, due to the fusion of cultural styles which existed at the time. The Islamic- fundamentalist Taliban forces despise the figures because they represent pre-Islamic times, and because Islam forbids depictions of the human body and face. They have tried to bomb the statues eight times during 1997.

Afghanistan, Antiquities, Buddhas

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Caught in a cleft: economic, religious pressures threaten Uzbekistan

Article Abstract:

Uzbekistan's Ferghana valley is faced with the challenge of rising Islamic fundamentalism initiated by the militant Wahabbi sect. The Wahabbi Muslims, who belong to the Sunni Islamic sect, have seized land in Uzbekistan to set up mosques and madrasahs, or religious schools, with aid from the Ahle Sunnah movement supported by Saudi Arabia. Although liberal religious heads and political leaders have condemned the Wahabbis' move to spread orthodox Islam, young Uzbeks have been forced to pursue Wahabbism due to rising costs and unemployment in Uzbekistan.

Political activity, Political aspects, Religion and politics, Sunnites

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