Freedom of religion in Tajikistan

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Freedom of religion in Tajikistan is provided for in Tajikistan's constitution. The country is secular by law.^[1] However, respect for religious freedom has eroded during recent years, creating some areas of concern.

Tajikistan's policies reflect a concern about Islamic extremism, a concern shared by much of the general population. The government actively monitors the activities of religious institutions to keep them from becoming overtly political. A Tajikistan Ministry of Education policy prohibited girls from wearing the hijab at public schools. The government uses the registration process to hinder some organizations' religious activity. Some religious organizations and individuals face harassment, temporary detention, and interrogation by government authorities. The Tajikistan government, including President Emomali Rahmon, continue to enunciate a policy of active secularism.

Some mainstream Muslim leaders occasionally express, through sermons and press articles, their opinion that minority religious groups undermine national unity.

In 2023, the country scored zero out of 4 for religious freedom; minors and most women are banned from attending mosques, and religious groups need to be registered.^[2]

In the same year, the country was ranked the 44th worst place in the world to be a Christian; it was noted that less than 1% of citizens are Christians and the Russian Orthodox Church is recognised by the government.^[3]