Salafi mosque in Baku expected to be closed, mosque spokesman reacts to situation

At yesterday’s gathering held by Caucasus Muslims Office in connection with growing religious extremity, Akhund of Icharishahar Juma Mosque Haji Surkhai Mammadli appealed to Allahshukur Pashazadeh, the chairman of CMO, on Ashurbay Mosque. The akhund’s claim that unpleasant cases occur in the Mosque and that it needs shutting down has irritated the people of the mosque. To find out what is really going on and to take a glimpse at the Mosque, hafta.az reporters have visited Ashurbay mosque, SIA reported.

Below we introduce you the interview with Ramin Hamzayev, one of the responsible men of the Mosque.

First of all, tell us about yourself, please…

- Ramin Hamzayev. Since 1996, it has fallen to my lot to prostrate to Allah. I’ve been in this mosque since 2006. I am the youngest of the staff. I have been staying here in the mosque. I’m a servant of Allah’s house. According to some sources, the establishment date of the mosque is 1112. However, another source says it’s 1169. It was built by Lazgians who lived in Baku. This fact is reflected on historical accounts as well. The genuine name of the mosque is Lazgi Mosque, not Ashurbay. The mosque has been a joiner’s shop of the Armenians during the Soviet period. Everyone is welcome to worship in here. Muslims themselves are a single nation. Chairman of the religious community in this Mosque is a brother of ours. The imam has recently been altered. Perhaps there will be selection for it in upcoming days. The mosque has re-openned in 1994.

How is the activity of the mosque regulated?

- It’s open during the day-time, but is closed at nights. It is opened an hour before the Fajr prayer. Up to 300 people worship in here throughout the day. Extreme crowd dominates here on Fridays when Juma prayer is performed.

Why is that Wahhabis are known as radical strata in the society?

- The latest happenings seem to serve some purposes. In Azerbaijan, there is no spiritual expert who has high knowledge. The most erudite knowers of the religion in the country are Salafi students. Some make such tendentious steps to defend their stands as the majority in Azerbaijan are insufficiently informed of religion. They even dare to slander. But slander is committed by the dishonest. They label us "Wahhabi", but it is still not proved that such a denomination exists. Because it doesn’t exist. It is recommended that the dishonest do not continue using such words.

This mosque has been proposed to be shut down due to the claim that it calls people to go to Syria. How would you respond to it?

- After yesterday’s issue, I will meet Haji Surkhai and ask what the words he uttered are based on? We’ll even meet Pashazadeh himself. The closure of Allah’s house is not something easy and is dangerous. If any religious community attempt to cause mischief within the country, the community itself should be eradicated, not the mosque. And if there’s a problem, it needs proving. As for those going to Syria, some of them might have previously come here and performed prayer. Two groups of people go to Syria; Ahli-Sunnah and Shiites. Everybody has their own individual opinion. They see Assad’s soldiers burying children alive, chopping them. Having seen this scene, they head to Syria without thoroughly pondering this matter. Shiites do the same as well. But they are fighting on Assad’s side. And the people of Ahli-Sunnah are battling against Bashar al-Assad. This war is quite complicated. There are hadiths reported 1400 years ago regarding this war. Azerbaijani government has neither permission nor prohibition on going to Syria. Going to Syria is a personal choice for every man.

What’s your attitude? Is it necessary to go to the Syrian war?

- I haven’t gone to Syria since I am talking to you right here and now. As for the question "Do we need to go to the Syrian war?" let grand scholars in Saudi Arabia answer it. The Syrian war has changed its shape from military to religious. Azerbaijani government has not yet interfered in this matter. But it seems there will be some bans. The government will be trying to take some measures to tackle the problem. By the interference of the government the situation can grow to worsen.

What will you do as a way out in case the mosque gets closed?

- Those who come here to worship do not ask us whether or not they shall go to Syria. The majority of them are over 25. It would be ridiculous if such an independent person asks about whether or not going to Syria. The activity of the Mosque’s staff is far from things like that. The closure of the mosque can be discussed only after a solid evidence regarding any problem in this house of worship is brought forth. We won’t stay silent in case the mosque gets shut down. We'll strive till the end. We have already taken every measure.

There are also other mosques where Salafis gather. Why did this mosque turn out to be the centre of conflict?

- This is a hidden secret for us as well. There are cameras inside the mosque. Had anything wrong ever happened, it would be recorded by cameras. If the closure of the mosque is brought up without any proof, it’s slander already. And the slanderer must be held accountable for it.

In the end, is there anything you would like to share?

- The situation in the country regarding this issue is not fine at all. There are attempts to violate religious stability. Some are giving speech with slander-based thoughts to gain position or to maintin their position that has already gone out of the Islamic frame.