“No pressure was used against Sheikh Muhammad Sodik Muhammad Yusuf by the Uzbek leadership” – Zokirjon Almatov

The newspaper “Uzbekiston ovozi” (“Voice of Uzbekistan”) interviewed the former Minister of Internal Affairs, Colonel-General Zokirjan Almatov, who witnessed the complex events, conflicts in the early years of the country's independence.

During the interview, Zokirjon Almatov revealed some details about Sheikh Muhammad Sodik Muhammad Yusuf.

“Our compatriots know that the mosque, built at the initiative of our President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the Chilanzar district, will be named after Sheikh Muhammad Sodik Muhammad Yusuf. As the head of our state noted, he was recognized not only in the country, but also in the whole Islamic world.

Sheikh Muhammad Sodik Muhammad Yusuf lived selflessly propagating the truths of Islam, and had written many books on that subject. He was highly educated. 

I would like to emphasize that this great person was a brave man. In the 1990s, as a mufti of the Muslim Board of Central Asia and Kazakhstan, he stood firm with sharp mindset and courage in ensuring the unity of Muslims in the region, preventing the emergence of various provocations and groups.

In 1991-1993, the country was in a difficult situation. During these challenging times, Sheikh Muhammad Sodik Muhammad Yusuf made a great deal of work to settle the situation personally. He talked with the people, resolved issues, established peace and harmony in the country. With his direct involvement, many upheavals have been prevented. His great reputation in the Islamic world, his invaluable service in building peace in the country deserves recognition.

At that time, false information and slander on the conflict between Sheikh Muhammad Sodik Muhammad Yusuf and the first President Islam Karimov was disseminated as if the sheikh was being subjected to pressure. Sheikh Muhammad Sodik Muhammad Yusuf has not been pressurized by law enforcement officials and leadership of the Republic of Uzbekistan.

Let me share with you one story that is not disclosed to majority. At the end of 1992, instant messages from some of the special services of particular countries were received by us. Allegedly, it was planned that a terrorist group was preparing assassination attempt against Sheikh Muhammad Sodik Muhammad Yusuf when he visited some parts of Fergana valley.

At that time, by the instruction of our first President, a rapid search activity was carried out to prevent these terrorist acts, and, of course, Sheikh Muhammad Sodik Muhammad Yusuf was taken under the state protection. Terrorists intended to assassinate the Sheikh and blame the leadership of the Republic on the commitment of this crime.

Then Sheikh Muhammad Sodik Muhammad Yusuf decided to reside in one of the Muslim countries temporarily so that there would not be disruptions in the country because of him.

In 1999, Sheikh's younger brother Muhammadamin told me that his brother wanted to return home. I conveyed Sheikh’s intention to Islam Karimov. He accepted this message with pleasure. Sheikh Muhammad Sodik Muhammad Yusuf returned to Uzbekistan in no time and dealt with elucidation of Muslims until the end of his life.

His death was a great loss for our people, for all Muslims. Even today, Sheikh's books are read aloud, helping people to embark on the right path. Our people are always proud of Sheikh Muhammad Sodik Muhammad Yusuf, and we will never forget him,” Zokirjon Almatov said.