Kyrgyzstan Pays Imams in Push Against Extremism

New stipend scheme aims to reduce clerics’ reliance on donations and promote religious stability

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Kyrgyzstan has launched a nationwide stipend programme for mosque imams in a bid to reduce their reliance on private donations and strengthen efforts to curb extremist ideologies.

The initiative, which took effect in April 2025, ensures imams serving in officially registered mosques receive a monthly payment of 8,000 soms, according to the country’s Spiritual Administration of Muslims.

Mufti Abdulaziz Zakirov said the policy aims to bolster moderate religious leadership and reduce the influence of radical groups, who often exploit financial hardship to spread their ideas.

The exact number of imams covered under the scheme and the total funding required have not been disclosed. However, religious authorities say the plan reflects a broader state-backed effort to institutionalise and stabilise Islamic practice in the country.

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