Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — The Muslim Board of Uzbekistan has expressed concern over the growing phenomenon of lavish weddings, family celebrations, memorial gatherings for the deceased, and receptions for pilgrims returning from Hajj or Umrah, stating that this has become a serious issue in society.

In its official statement, the Board urged intellectuals, elders, and spiritual leaders to work together to explain to society the harms of wastefulness and excessive extravagance.

"We appeal for a fight against these vices and to convey to everyone that squandering the wealth granted by the Almighty is a great sin," the statement said.

As an alternative, the Board proposed directing resources to charitable deeds, helping widows, orphans, and those in need.

As part of the effort to combat wastefulness and promote charity, the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan has set seven key objectives:

1. Scholars and imams should actively promote the message: "Charity brings joy to hearts."

2. Every central mosque should sponsor five needy families, providing children with education, vocational training, and ensuring a steady income.

3. The chief imams of districts and cities should encourage the renovation of at least one school in their area, attracting sponsors.

4. The Waqf charitable foundation, in cooperation with the National Agency for Social Protection, should train and employ 200 young people from low-income families.

5. In partnership with the "Inson" Social Services Center, the Waqf foundation is committed to providing 50 wheelchairs and other rehabilitation aids for children with disabilities and assisting with their treatment.

6. Imams should organize material support for nursing homes, elderly care facilities, and labor veterans, attracting sponsors.

7. Imams should conduct awareness campaigns on the harms of wastefulness at celebrations, memorials, and ostentatious events following Umrah, and actively campaign against these vices.

Thus, the Muslim Board of Uzbekistan aims to focus efforts on education and assistance to those in need, urging society to adopt a more rational and responsible approach to the use of resources, with an emphasis on charity and helping those in need.