Religious Organizations in Tajikistan Provide Over 11 Million Somoni in Charitable Aid in 2025
Dushanbe, The Gulf Observer: In 2025, religious organizations in Tajikistan provided more than 11.22 million somoni in charitable assistance, according to a press release issued by the Committee for Religious Affairs and the Regulation of Traditions and Ceremonies.
The funds were used to support orphans, people with disabilities, low-income families, and residents affected by natural disasters in the Rasht and Tojikobod districts. The Committee reported that over 11 million somoni were allocated for material and financial assistance to orphans, individuals without guardians, people with disabilities, and disadvantaged families. However, the statement did not specify which religious organizations contributed or the amounts provided by each.
Currently, 4,058 religious organizations are officially registered in Tajikistan.
Separately, the Committee noted that in 2025 religious organizations provided 220,000 somoni in assistance to victims of natural disasters in the Rasht and Tojikobod districts. The aid included construction materials and basic necessities.
An earthquake that struck the region on April 13, 2025, claimed one life and injured 16 others. As a result of the disaster, 67 residential houses were completely destroyed, 280 were partially damaged, and 321 sustained minor damage. In addition, 146 infrastructure facilities — including schools, medical centers, power lines, roads, and water supply systems — were affected, and 57 head of livestock were lost.
According to the Emergencies Committee, total damage exceeded 17.78 million somoni (approximately USD 1.66 million), with 1,331 families affected.
In November 2025, authorities announced that the construction and handover of all damaged homes to their owners had been completed.
At the same time, the charitable activities of religious organizations have sparked mixed reactions among the public. While some citizens welcome the assistance, others have criticized the practice of collecting donations in mosques, citing concerns over transparency in how the funds are distributed.
