Press Statement
Incident in Jalalabad: Protecting the Dawah is a Duty for Each One of Us
(Translated)

On November 26, the Shabab of Hizb ut Tahrir organized activities against the draft law on "Freedom of Religion and Religious Organizations" in the Jalalabad region. Three weeks later, between December 10 and 14, the State Committee for National Security conducted searches in 21 homes in the area and unlawfully detained Hizb ut Tahrir members. The security forces did not allow the detained members (Shabab) to meet their lawyers and instead conducted investigations in the presence of lawyers specifically trained for this case. As a result, our Shabab were temporarily detained for a month under the pretext of distributing leaflets in mosques opposing the law. A criminal case was opened against them under the charge of "organizing and conducting extremist activities." However, no evidence or expert committee report was presented to justify the arrests. Among those detained are Muradullah, Ali Sher, Manas, Abdul Rahim, another Abdul Rahim, Ravshanbek, Nasibbek, Rasulbek, Temirlan, Karimjan, Mirzahid, Abdul Moqim, Bahadir, Sharif, Abdul Qadir and his two sons, and Karim with his son.

The National Security Forces took a dramatic step during the arrest of the Hizb's Shabab, as if they were apprehending dangerous criminals, corrupters, or murderers. Through this, they attempted to portray the Hizb’s Shabab as extremely heinous criminals! In reality, this government action is nothing but a deception of the people, as there is no clear definition of extremism agreed upon by the international system. Each regime defines extremism based on its own interests. For instance, Russia and China have separately defined extremism within the framework of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. America has defined it differently, as have European countries, each acting according to their respective definitions. However, all these definitions share a common trait: "Extremism is the pursuit of power through radical means." Based on this, Kyrgyzstan has declared Hizb ut Tahrir an extremist organization, while some other countries have labeled it a terrorist organization. Nevertheless, anyone with sound reasoning can easily recognize, by connecting the facts correctly, that this is merely slander. For example, the government in Kyrgyzstan has changed three times, according to their definition or, rather, in a "radical" manner. Yet, the Hizb did not participate in any of these actions, as it adheres solely to the method of the Prophet Muhammad (saw).

These Shabab were arrested because they conveyed Islam according to the Islamic method. They exposed the purpose behind the draft law on "Freedom of Religion and Religious Organizations" and spoke the truth that many fear to utter. Through the new law, the government places obstacles in the path of calling to Islam, enjoining what is right, and forbidding what is wrong, while imposing further restrictions on preachers. Moreover, the draft law includes measures against Islamic education in mosques, schools, and study circles, as well as against online preaching.

It was incumbent upon the scholars to speak the truth, for the Messenger of Allah (saw) said:

«لاَ تَزَالُ طَائِفَةٌ مِنْ أُمَّتِي عَلَى الْحَقِّ ظَاهِرِينَ لَعَدُوِّهِمْ قَاهِرِينَ لاَ يَضُرُّهُمْ مَنْ خَالَفَهُمْ إِلاَّ مَا أَصَابَهُمْ مِنْ لَأْوَاءَ حَتَّى يَأْتِيَهُمْ أَمْرُ اللهِ وَهُمْ كَذَلِكَ»

“The scholars are the inheritors of the prophets, and the prophets do not leave behind dinars or dirhams; they leave behind knowledge. Whoever takes it has taken an abundant portion.” Therefore, protecting the Shabab who defend our religion and supporting their activities is primarily the responsibility of our scholars.

These preachers are being arrested and oppressed for political reasons in the interest of the Ummah. The families of these preachers will, Insa’Allah, be greatly rewarded for their patience, as they firmly believe in the saying of the Messenger of Allah (saw):

«لاَ تَزَالُ طَائِفَةٌ مِنْ أُمَّتِي عَلَى الْحَقِّ ظَاهِرِينَ لَعَدُوِّهِمْ قَاهِرِينَ لاَ يَضُرُّهُمْ مَنْ خَالَفَهُمْ إِلاَّ مَا أَصَابَهُمْ مِنْ لَأْوَاءَ حَتَّى يَأْتِيَهُمْ أَمْرُ اللهِ وَهُمْ كَذَلِكَ»

“A group from my Ummah will continue to uphold the truth, prevailing over their enemies. Those who oppose them will not harm them except for the trials they endure until the command of Allah comes, and they remain in this state.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood and Ahmad)

The Prophet (saw) also said:«بَدَأَ الْإِسْلَامُ غَرِيباً وَسَيَعُودُ غَرِيباً كَمَا بَدَأَ فَطُوبَى لِلْغُرَبَاءِ» “Islam began as a small religion and will return to the state in which it began. Then blessed will be the few [who hold to it]”قيل: يا رسول الله من الغرباء؟It was asked, "O Messenger of Allah, who are the strangers?" He said: «الَّذِينَ يُصْلِحُونَ إِذَا فَسَدَ النَّاسُ»“Those who rectify matters when people have become corrupt,” and in another narration:«الَّذِينَ يُصْلِحُونَ مَا أَفْسَدَ النَّاسُ مِنْ سُنَّتِي»“Those who will set right the corruptions caused in my sunna by people” and in yet another narration:«الَّذِينَ يُحْيُونَ مَا أَمَاتَ النَّاسُ مِنْ سُنَّتِي»“Those who revive what people have caused to die of my Sunnah.”

Thus, the policies of oppression and intimidation will not break the resolve of the Shabab of Hizb utTahrir in their mission to resume Islamic life, nor will they extinguish the fervent emotions in their hearts. Allah Almighty says:

[وَأُخْرَى تُحِبُّونَهَا نَصْرٌ مِنَ اللهِ وَفَتْحٌ قَرِيبٌ وَبَشِّرِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ]

“And [you will obtain] another [favor] that you love - victory from Allah and an imminent conquest; and give good tidings to the believers.” [As-Saff: 13].

Media Office of Hizb ut Tahrir
in Kyrgyzstan