Tajikistan has not introduced any restrictions, fines or other penalties for sending or sharing Friday greetings such as Jum’a Mubarak, the Committee on Religion, Regulation of Traditions, Celebrations, and Ceremonies under the Government of Tajikistan has said.

The statement followed the circulation of audio recordings on social media and messaging platforms claiming that people could face heavy fines for sending or forwarding such messages.

Asia-Plus readers also contacted the editorial office asking for the claims to be verified.

The committee described the recordings as provocative and said the claims had no factual basis.

Similar rumors have circulated in Tajikistan before. In September 2023, audio messages shared through messaging apps alleged that sending Jum’a Mubarak greetings could result in criminal prosecution or imprisonment.

At the time, committee representative Afshin Muqim told Asia-Plus that no special regulations or official instructions banning such greetings had been adopted.

He also said no relevant amendments had been made to Tajikistan’s Code of Administrative Offences or Criminal Code.

Jum’a Mubarak (جمعة مباركة) is a common greeting exchanged among Muslims on Fridays, the day of the weekly congregational prayer. The phrase translates into English as “happy Friday”, and can be paraphrased as “have a blessed Friday”. It is used to wish others a peaceful and spiritually rewarding day. Friday holds special religious significance in Islam and is regarded as a weekly day of worship and communal gathering.