A new book related to the field of religious and Islamic studies was launched

On 20 December 2024 the presentation of the book «Ханафи мәзһабының фиқһ ғұламалары және өзге де мәзһабтардың әйгілі тұлғалары» (“Scientists-faqihs of Hanafi madhhab and famous personalities of other madhhabs”) was held on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the opening of the speciality ‘Religious Studies’ at the Kazakh National University named after Al-Farabi. The meeting was attended by Inan Omer, representative of the Counsellor for Religious Affairs of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Astana, Emre Karabatak, representative of the Counsellor for Religious Affairs of the Consulate General of Turkey in Almaty, veteran imam of Kapshagay Aldazhar Seytuly, L.N. Director of the Scientific Library of Gumilev State University, Ph. Bakytzhan Asetildauly Orazaliev, PhD in Philosophy, and among the foreign guests were lecturers of the Department of Social Sciences of Samarkand State University of Architecture and Construction: Kahraman Mamarakhimov, PhD in Philosophy, and Bekzod Rasulov, PhD in Law.

The moderator of this event was the Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy and Political Science, Candidate of Philosophy, Associate Professor Meirbaev B.B. Bekzhan Berikbaevich noted that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the opening of the educational programme ‘Religious Studies’, as well as the 10th anniversary of the opening of the specialty ‘Islamic Studies’. Professors R.S. Orynbekov and B.K. Kudaibergenov made direct efforts in the formation of religious science and religious education in Kazakhstan, then N.J. Baitenova, K.M. Borbasova, K.A. Zatov, B.K. Beisenov, Sh.S. Rysbekova, A.D. Kurmanalieva continued to train and educate specialists-religious studies. From 1999 to 2024, 480 graduates graduated from the educational programme ‘Religious Studies’. In 2014, on the initiative of the head of the department, Doctor of Philosophy, Professor Ainur Durbelenovna Kurmanalieva, a new speciality ‘Islamic Studies’ was licensed and training of specialists began. Thus, the Department of Religious Studies and Cultural Studies regularly graduates scholars of religious studies to help maintain religious stability in Kazakhstan. Bekzhan Berikbayevich then pointed out the international universities and institutes and centres in Kazakhstan with which the department has established cooperation ties. Among them, several major events have been held in cooperation with the Department of Religious Affairs of the Republic of Turkey. He noted that strengthening spiritual ties between the two countries, solving translation problems, translating classical works into Kazakh are important projects of our department at the international level. Mr Bekzhan dwelt on the scientific contribution of Professor Ahmet Ozel and spoke about his recently translated work: ‘The Mazhab of Abu Hanifa occupies a special place in the religious history of the Kazakh people. Its values and principles are deeply rooted in the traditions and religiosity of Kazakhs and today have become an integral part of our spiritual life. The publication of this work in Kazakh language will give our generations a great opportunity to explain the meaning of religious teachings and Sharia, its usefulness for mankind,’ he said.

The next word was given to Mr Inan Omer, representative of the Counsellor for Religious Affairs of the Embassy of the Republic of Turkey in Astana. Mr Inan Omer attached great importance to the responsibility of writing, translating and distributing religious books. He expressed his gratitude to all the organisations that supported the implementation of such good deeds, in particular, the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan, Nur-Mubarak University of Islamic Culture of Egypt, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, as well as the Religious Affairs Department of Turkey and the Religious Affairs Foundation of Turkey.

Kurmanalieva A.D., Head of the Centre of Religious Studies and Expertise of the Kazakh National University named after Al-Farabi, Doctor of Philosophy, drew attention to the specificity of translation work. She noted that behind this work is a great labour, and the main thing is that the greatest value of this work is that it contributes to the replenishment of religious terminology of the Kazakh language.

Emre Karabatak, representative of the Religious Affairs Council of the Consulate General of the Turkish State in Almaty, Emre Karabatak, made an informative report on the bright manifestation of friendship and co-operation between Kazakhstan and Turkey. ‘Today, 43 different books have been translated from Turkish into Kazakh and a total of 152,798 copies of books have been printed. This shows that an important step has been taken in spreading religious knowledge. Within the framework of the Religious Studies Scholarship Programme of the Religious Affairs Foundation of Turkey, offering scholarships to our Kazakh brothers to support their education in Turkey further strengthens our goal,’ he expressed his gratitude and confidence that the work to spread knowledge and protect our religious values will continue.

Honoured Professor of Al-Farabi KazNU, Doctor of Philosophy Nagima Zhaulybaevna Baytenova concluded the importance of the mentioned work, brought to the forefront the studies on the Hanafi madhhab started before her. Thanks to the translation work, she informed the future researchers that new research topics were opened, thus motivating them to the path of science.

Another presentation was continued by the Director of Science and Innovation Department of EUIC Nur-Mubarak, PhD Paltore Ihtiyar Moldatoreuli, who initiated the beginning of the translation work and was there for every step of the work. This book is the result of Ahmet Ozel's thesis work, he spoke directly with him and got permission. Outlined how the work began and how it ended, that is, the specifics of the translation work were discussed in detail. ‘Among the works of the faqihs mentioned in the book, there are still many works that have not been researched, which are still stored in manuscript form in libraries,’ he showed the young specialists that there are still open research questions in the field of manuscripts. He went on to say that they plan to continue liaising with Turkey and translate the tafsir of the Quran.

Director of the Institute of Philosophy, Political Science and Religious Studies of the Centre for Religious Studies, candidate of philosophical sciences Shagyrbai Almasbek Duisenbekuly stressed the importance of the book for specialists-religious studies and Islamic studies. The book mentions 388 Hanafi scholars and 431 scholars, including other scholars of the madhhab. These crucial works help to continue the continuity of generations.

A member of the translation team, doctoral student Abdullaev Nurzhan Kydyraliuly, spoke about his experience and thanked all parties who supported this endeavour.

Azamat Salimgereyuly Fazylzhanov, a representative of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan, came and expressed his wish for the fruitfulness of the new work. At the end of the speech, the veteran imam of Kapshagai city Aldazhar Seytuly expressed his best wishes. Thus, the ceremony of presentation of the new book took place. Students of Religious Studies, Islamic Studies, Cultural Studies, who took part in the event, were satisfied with a lot of useful information and received advice and guidance from respected teachers in their scientific areas.

Department of Religious and Cultural Studies,

Baltymova M.R, Amankul T.O., Yeleussyzbayeva N.M.