Unity or Division? The Role of Friday Sermons in Kazakhstan’s Muslim Community

Talgat Abdeshov 

 

Abstract: Friday khutbahs (sermons) play a significant role in shaping religious consciousness and guiding the moral and social conduct of Muslim communities. In Kazakhstan, where Islam has experienced a resurgence following the Soviet period, Friday sermons serve as an essential medium for religious instruction and social discourse. However, there is limited scholarly research on the thematic structure, content, and delivery of these sermons in the Kazakhstani context. This article seeks to fill this gap by analysing the contemporary practice of Friday sermons in Kazakhstan, examining their theological and social implications, socio-political influences, and impact on religious discourse. The findings reveal that Friday sermons in Kazakhstan not only serve as a means of non-formal religious education but also reflect broader socio-religious dynamics. This article contributes to the existing literature by examining the contemporary khutbah practice in Kazakhstan, focusing on the related challenges and offering insights into its evolving function in a post-Soviet Islamic revival. The conclusions emphasise the need for further modifications and betterments to fully unlock the transformative power of Friday sermons in fostering an informed and united Muslim community in Kazakhstan.