UAE | General
Kyrgyz teenager fulfils forefathers' dreams
Seventeen-year-old Akparali Abdullah memorised the Quran to fulfil the aspirations of his forefathers as they did not have the opportunities to practice Islam as he does.
- By Siham Al Najami, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:52 September 15, 2008
- My grandfather is living his dreams through his grandchildren who now have the freedom to practice their religion says Akparali Abdullah, Kyrgyz teenager.
- Image Credit: Supplied picture
Dubai: Seventeen-year-old Akparali Abdullah memorised the Quran to fulfil the aspirations of his forefathers as they did not have the opportunities to practice Islam as he does.
"I wanted to honour their aspiration and to preserve the Islamic culture in our family and country," said the Kyrgyz teenager, a participant at the Dubai International Holy Quran Award.
Abdullah was born in Kyrgyzstan but moved to Egypt in 1995 with his parents and siblings as they wanted to study Islamic teachings from the renowned Al Azhar University.
The family of eight occasionally visits Kyrgyzstan, which is increasingly getting closer to Islamic culture. During the era when the country was under communist rule, atheism was encouraged.
"Although I was young then, my grandparents and parents vividly remember the Soviet days where they used to kill anyone, especially religious scholars, who practised religion," said Akparali.
Today, Kyrgyzstan is a secular state although Islam is exerting growing influence in politics. For instance, there have been various attempts to decriminalise polygamy, and to arrange for officials to travel on Haj under a tax-free arrangement.
While Islam in Kyrgyzstan is more a cultural influence than a devout daily practice for many, public figures have expressed support for restoring religious values, he said.
Kyrgyzstan is opening more Islamic institutes and centres to spread religious teachings. Further, as he said, there is a growing presence of Pakistani preachers calling for Islam in Kyrgyzstan.
The contestant started memorising at the age of six and completed it when he was nine.
"My grandfather is living his dreams through his grandchildren who now have the freedom to practice their religion. I recall seeing my grandfather crying upon knowing I completed learning it," he said in fluent Arabic.
Share this article
Popular in UAE
-
Your pictures
Readers' pictures
A Selection of the best Gulf News reader pictures this week
Latest news
- Eid festival begins in Abu Dhabi on Thursday
- London Business School honours Mohammad
- UAE pilgrims are well and safe: Mission chief
- Appeals court acquits gardener of rape charge
- Woman injured in fall from balcony
- Suspects deny charges of trafficking and assault
- Reader helps police to bust brothel
- Mohammad receives Iceland's president
- Faded signage fails to guide visitors
- Tory chief vows to bolster ties with the UAE
- Ministries to help cut waistlines in schools
- Space experience awaits students at US camp
- Friendship festival loses steam due to lack of sponsors
- Rare wild cat discovered in Fujairah wadi
- Hypertension affecting 36% of UAE population
Community Reports
-
Faded signage fails to guide visitors
Reader seeks better upkeep of signboards in green areas
-
Noise pollution must be regulated
Residents are finding it difficult to sleep well at night owing to ongoing construction work
-
Protect our children's health
Dust and dirt from a nearby road are causing problems to those frequenting Al Nasseriya park, Sharjah.
-
Keeping out curious cats in Abu Dhabi
Felines trapped in electrical substations create a nuisance
