Uzbekistan is referred to in ancient historical sources as Bilad Mawarannahr.

This land is renowned not only throughout the Islamic world but also across the globe as one of the oldest centers of civilization. Its people are rightfully proud of this great heritage.

The construction of such magnificent landmarks as the Islamic Civilization Center in Uzbekistan and the Imam Bukhari Complex, initiated by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, is truly a remarkable and inspiring achievement.

The work of Imam al-Bukhari, in which he compiled the hadiths of our Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), is recognized as one of the greatest books after the Holy Qur’an.

However, this is not merely about buildings. I, too, studied here during the 1960s. Today, I take immense pride in seeing my former classmates faithfully continue the noble path of the great enlightened scholar Ziyovuddinkhon Bobokhon and make a worthy contribution to the progress and development of New Uzbekistan.

Civilization is a great value created by nations, for mankind is Allah’s vicegerent on earth.

This applies to every individual and every nation alike. The First International Forum of the Islamic Civilization Center is likewise dedicated to the most significant and pressing issues of our time.

As President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has emphasized, these are not easy times; they are exceptionally complex. Today, through our civilization and our spiritual and moral values, we must make a meaningful contribution to strengthening mutual trust among the peoples of the world.

This is of utmost importance within the family, in our daily lives, and in relations among peoples and states.

We firmly believe and sincerely hope that these noble initiatives put forward by the President will serve not only to promote tolerance but also to strengthen mutual respect and solidarity among nations.

To achieve this, knowledge and enlightenment are indispensable. We must revive the rich spiritual heritage created by our ancestors over many centuries. They embodied these values in their daily lives. Today, gathered once again in sunny Uzbekistan, one of the oldest and most blessed lands of the Islamic world, we should reexamine this heritage through the teachings of Imam al-Maturidi and other great thinkers with a renewed perspective.

Taking this opportunity, on my own behalf and on behalf of the Muslims of our country, I extend my heartfelt wishes to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for strong health, inexhaustible strength and determination, and every success in his noble efforts to uphold spiritual values, foster love for the homeland, and strengthen peace and stability in our country and throughout the world.