DAY 4 - Saturday,September 16^th, 2000

Reception - Islamic University of Tashkent

Shaykh Hisham Kabbani invited to the Islamic University of Tashkent, special invitation of Rector of the University Dr. Khamidulla Karomatov; also Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan. Shaykh was welcomed by hundreds of students; congregated at gates, eager to escort “real, live Sufi Shaykh” to all different departments. First stop: Inter-religious Department, educates students about all world’s faiths; teaches tolerance for all beliefs. Enthusiastic student guides – tour of new, high-tech computer lab. Studying Islamic courses, particularly Arabic, on computers. Guided group to main lecture hall. Hundreds of students came to listen to Shaykh speak, greeted him. Many students took microphone and gave special thank you messages and greetings to the Shaykh. Shaykh addressed them briefly thanking for hospitality and urging them to support President Karimov for excellent work on rebuilding Uzbek tradition, revival of religious heritage, establishing nation on firm economic base. Shaykh happy to respond to student questions: Islam in America, fiqh, particularly questions about Tasawwuf and its principles.

Important note: Throughout Uzbekistan, very clear Uzbek government and people are very tolerant to all religions and views. Clear in university- women sit next to men, some are covered,. some are not. No imposition of beliefs, and no prevention of practicing freely as one’s heart dictates. Very free country, versus Turkey where hijab forbidden in government schools and institutions. People are extremely humble and simple, peace loving, friendly. One thing for sure: no worry about getting hurt walking the streets in the middle of the night. Never feel any arrogance from students. All very friendly. Approached by many extended their hands to give greetings, without shyness; no sense “you are different” as in many Western countries. Never experience this feeling in US university. Everybody stressed out here and walk as if surrounded by barriers. In Uzbekistan, no walls and hearts of people are open to everyone.

Samarkand Arrival

Mufti of Bukhara greets Shaykh Hisham and hosts him to a lovely repast.

Immediately following university tour, proceeded to airport for flight to Samarkand. On arrival at Samarkand airport, personally greeted by Deputy Governor of Samarkand. Shaykh Kabbani hosted by the governor. Sent special car to carry Shaykh to hotel. Rest of UNESCO delegates follow in Greyhound style bus. Governor escorted us to Hotel Samarkand. Magnificent lunch was served to all UNESCO guests. 

Sayyidina Imam Bukhari

After check-in, taken to mosque, maqam, museum of Sayyidina Imam Bukhari. Museum contains many old priceless manuscripts, most never published. Each grave has two levels: one above, normally visited, below (underground) actual grave, not known to many. Mufti of Samarkand opened the door to lower grave of the Imam, underground, so that Shaykh could make du’a there. UNESCO delegates remained on upper floor, listened to Shaykh’s du’a. Over twenty minutes everyone kept reverence and respect. Mufti of Samarkand remained with Shaykh for the duration of visit thereafter. 

Sayyidina Quthum, Sayyidina Al-Ahrar and Timur

		The maqam of Sayyidina Quthum ibn al-`Abbas (r).
		Maqam of Sayyidina `Ubaydullah al-Ahrar, one of the 40 Grandshaykhs of the Naqshbandi Golden Chain of saints.
		Here is the well the Shaykh found.

Then visited mosques and maqams of Sayyidina `Ubaidullah al-Ahrar ( q), Sayyidina Quthum ibn `Abbas (q) (A companion). 

Went to Timur’s mosque, most famous landmark in Central Asia. Prayed there. Descended again to the underground crypt. Ruler of half the world buried at own request – “at feet of his shaykh.”

 Governor of Samarkand Reception

Governor of Samarqand's reception.

That night entire UNESCO delegation hosted at special reception by governor of Samarkand.