Chechnya opens fifth Hafiz school

On August 27, the town of Argun in Chechnya opened the fifth Chechen school of Hafizes (those who know the Koran by heart). The religious institution is named after Tabarik Baisultanova, a Chechen leader's grandmother.

In total, more than 600 people will be trained at five Hafiz schools. A pupil, who wants to go to Hafiz school, shall be not younger than ten years old. The study at Hafiz schools lasts three years. During this time, Mutalims (students) must learn by heart all 114 Surahs (chapters) and 6236 ayats (verses) of the Koran, the Muslim holy book.

Residents of Chechnya express ambiguous attitude to the opening in the republic of Hafiz schools and other religious institutions.

"Hafiz is a man who knows the Book of Allah and brings it to the people. Existence of Hafiz is a blessing for all of our people, and the higher their number is, the better," the "Caucasian Knot" correspondent was told by Khamad S., a local resident.

"We pay much attention to the religion; however, it is hard to say whether Hafiz bring blessing to the people. No Hafiz schools, medreses and mosques can lead the public to religion, if the people themselves are not willing to," emphasized Ibragim, a staff member of one of the Chechen ministries.

Full text of the article is available on the Russian page of 24/7 Internet agency ‘Caucasian Knot’.