Introduction: Faith Under Siege
Tajikistan, a nation with a Muslim majority and diverse religious minorities, has become one of the most restrictive states in the region when it comes to freedom of religion. The government of President Emomali Rahmon tightly controls all religious activity, portraying independent religious expression as a threat to national security. From banning unregistered religious groups to restricting dress and children’s participation in religious life, authorities have turned faith into a sphere dominated by surveillance and control. These tightening restrictions have left many believers fearful, silenced, or forced to seek religious freedom abroad.


Historical Roots of Religious Control
Religious restrictions in Tajikistan stem from the aftermath of the country’s civil war in the 1990s, during which Islamist groups played a major role in the conflict. After the war, the government consolidated power by framing independent religious activity as a potential source of extremism. This legacy continues to shape Tajikistan’s policies, where religion is tightly monitored and often criminalised outside state control.


Registration Requirements for Religious Groups
All religious groups in Tajikistan must register with the state, a process that is intentionally difficult. Unregistered groups are considered illegal, with members facing raids, fines, and imprisonment. This effectively eliminates smaller religious communities that cannot meet state requirements, silencing their presence.


Restrictions on Islamic Practice
Although Islam is the majority faith, the government imposes strict restrictions on its practice. Children under the age of 18 are banned from attending mosques, and sermons are monitored to ensure they align with state-approved narratives. Independent Islamic scholars and imams who resist control face harassment, arrest, and closure of their mosques.


Persecution of Minority Faiths
Religious minorities—including Christians, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Baha’is—face particular persecution. Authorities raid gatherings, confiscate religious literature, and pressure converts to renounce their beliefs. Jehovah’s Witnesses, who reject military service, are especially vulnerable to imprisonment and harassment.


Control Over Religious Education
Religious education is heavily restricted in Tajikistan. Private religious schools are banned, and citizens seeking education abroad must obtain state approval. Students returning from foreign institutions are often treated with suspicion, facing interrogation and harassment.

Censorship of Religious Literature
The import and distribution of religious texts is tightly controlled. Authorities censor Qur’ans, Bibles, and other religious materials, ensuring only state-approved versions circulate. Even registered communities face barriers in accessing spiritual resources.


Surveillance and Harassment
Believers across faiths live under constant surveillance. Security services monitor religious gatherings, track online activities, and intimidate religious leaders. This pervasive monitoring discourages open worship and creates a climate of fear.


Targeting of Religious Leaders
Religious leaders who resist state control face harassment, detention, and criminal charges. By targeting leaders, authorities weaken communities and prevent the spread of independent religious expression.


Social Hostility Reinforced by the State
Government propaganda often portrays religious minorities and independent Muslims as threats to national unity. This narrative fosters social hostility, leaving believers vulnerable not only to state repression but also to societal discrimination.


International Criticism
Human rights organisations and international watchdogs, including the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, have repeatedly condemned Tajikistan for severe restrictions on religious freedom. Despite global criticism, the government continues to tighten its grip, citing security concerns.


Conclusion: Faith Silenced at Home
The tightening restrictions on religion in Tajikistan deny citizens a fundamental human right. By silencing believers, harassing religious minorities, and criminalising independent worship, the government forces many to abandon their faith or practice in secrecy. For others, migration becomes the only way to live and worship freely, leaving Tajikistan with a legacy of repression and exile.