Tajik media, citing the head of the district, Rabim Gafurzoda, report that this initiative was implemented on a voluntary basis and resulted from the joint efforts of local authorities and religious leaders. Residents were not forced to give up Umrah or Hajj—they made the decision to donate on their own, seeking advice from the heads of their communities.
The collected funds will be directed towards projects for the repair and construction of roads and bridges, improving electricity supply, as well as developing kindergartens and other social facilities. Local authorities have been instructed to keep records of the incoming funds and provide reports on the expenditure of these resources.
Following criticism of repeated pilgrimages from President Emomali Rahmon, who urged citizens to direct financial resources towards the development of villages and social needs, such initiatives have become increasingly common in Tajikistan.
