Recently, I had a discussion with friends on an interesting topic: should we accept charity from wrongdoers? Imagine a thief who brings a portion of stolen money to a mosque and donates it to help the poor. Or imagine they send a large sum to a cancer treatment charity. On the surface, it seems like a good deed. These funds …
Read more
I am the captain of a football team and sometimes I have to select players to participate in competitions. Since there are always more volunteers than places on the team, unpleasant situations often arise when I have to exclude someone from the main lineup. Recently, one of my friends complained, “Why didn’t you take me to the competition? We’re old …
Read more
Serik is a typical Kazakh. He has a good family and his own business. Almost every weekend, Serik meets relatives and friends at traditional gatherings. He drives up to the restaurant in a luxury SUV, wears huge watches with a tourbillon, and is adorned with gold rings and chains. This is how he demonstrates his high status to others. Serik …
Read more
In every society, whether primitive or modern, Eastern or Western, there are certain norms of behavior. These rules can vary greatly in different societies, but they exist in any culture. And Kazakh “uyat” is a restraining factor against violating established norms of behavior in our society. For example, walking naked or relieving oneself on the street violates Kazakhstani norms of …
Read more
During these days, the whole world commemorates the victory of the international coalition over Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy. This day symbolizes the victory over the ideology of national superiority and political despotism. Therefore, yes, this is a holiday. And I believe that on this day, we should rejoice in the victory over evil. I congratulate war veterans on Victory …
Read more
I am categorically against the introduction of a ban on LGBT propaganda in the Republic of Kazakhstan. I consider this a restriction of citizens’ freedom. Sexual minorities are one of the types of minorities in society, and according to the canons of democracy, minorities should not be oppressed by the majority. This applies to religion, race, nationality, and sexual orientation. …
Read more
Recently, my acquaintance, one of those who long for the Soviet Union and believes that capitalism is evil, finally went to America himself. I hoped that this trip would change something in his mind and that he would return as a different person. However, he returned an even greater criticism of the Western way of life. According to him, people …
Read more
Throughout human history, which is more than 300,000 years, over 100 billion people have been born and died on Earth. The vast majority of them appeared before the advent of Islam. These people had no opportunity to get acquainted with the teachings of the Quran and, therefore, could not follow its prescriptions. Even after the appearance of Islam, millions of …
Read more
-Are we obligated to know our language? I will not learn the Kazakh language. Why do I need it? There have been no scientific discoveries made in it. There are no world literary masterpieces in it. I will not do international business in it and will not earn millions. Why should I learn your Kazakh language?
-Tell me, is your …
Read more
My niece told me that her school friend dreamed of becoming a ballerina, but her parents, practicing Muslims, did not allow her to attend ballet classes because ballet is “haram.” The girl had to give up her dream despite her obvious talent and passionate desire. Another acquaintance of mine forbade their daughter from practicing rhythmic gymnastics because Islam prohibits sports …
Read more