“Judge with justice” – religious scholar Mubashshir Ahmad’s final address before imprisonment

“Peace be upon everyone present in this courtroom.”

“I, Mubashshir Ahmad, have been under investigation and trial for the past five months on charges under three articles of the Criminal Code.

Although my lawyers requested the court to dismiss the charge of distributing religious materials without the approval of the Religious Affairs Committee, I admit that I did share such materials. At that time, I was in Turkey and did not know I needed permission from the committee in Uzbekistan, nor did I have the physical means to obtain it.

As for the other two charges – distributing materials that threaten public order and inciting ethnic hatred – I stated during the investigation that I was not guilty. We have also seen throughout the court proceedings that these accusations were not proven. Even now, I do not agree with them.

Let me share a few reflections.

In our religion and in life, one’s intention and purpose are of utmost importance in any action. For instance, if a person works to earn money to support their family, they receive blessings for that.

Similarly, in human relations, everything depends on intentions. In all my writings and articles, my intention has always been sincere – to bring goodness to people.

In particular, the material I was accused of distributing – concerning Israel’s genocide in Gaza – was meant to help people, especially young people, understand the situation and prevent them from being misled or drawn away.

There is also a reason why I reject the accusation of inciting ethnic hatred. I have always called for interethnic harmony. Not to boast, but to remind the court of my intentions and actions, I would like to mention two significant examples.

The first was several years ago, during the protests in Nukus known as the “Karakalpak events.” At the request of the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, I publicly appealed for peace and unity between the two peoples and called for an end to conflicts and provocations.

The second instance was in 2019, when a woman who then served as deputy director of the Press and Information Agency posted something on social media that was perceived as an insult to our Prophet (peace be upon him). This sparked intense public outrage and threats against her. At the request of the Presidential Administration, I invited her to our Azon.uz studio, spoke with her, clarified the situation, and explained her intentions. That was a difficult moment, but we took responsibility and helped prevent further turmoil.

Again, I am not mentioning these examples for show, but to remind the court that my work has always been driven by goodwill and a desire for peace.

I also ask the judge to take my health into account when delivering the verdict. I have been suffering from diabetes for 21 years. My kidneys do not function well; sometimes I feel fine, but at other times my legs swell. I have a family and seven children, whose livelihood depends on me.

My efforts to promote religious and spiritual education among our people and youth continue. I have begun a ten-volume Quranic commentary titled “Scattered Pearls.” I have also started writing a commentary and translation of Sahih al-Bukhari, the great work of our ancestor Imam al-Bukhari. I wish to complete these projects and provide our nation with new sources of spiritual nourishment.

Regardless of how I try to justify myself, the final judgment lies with the court. I ask you to take into consideration everything I have said.

I would like to conclude with the words of Allah:

‘…When you judge between people, judge with justice…. Indeed, Allah is ever Hearing and Seeing.’”