Islamic Education in the Republic of Kazakhstan: Specificity and Prospects of Development

Abstract

The article analyzes the role and place of Islamic education in the multi- confessional Kazakh society. It is shown that Islam has been one of the essential factors in the development of Kazakh culture, education and science for many centuries. Taking into account the peculiarity of Kazakhstan as a state with a historically big Muslim population, the traditions of religious tolerance, as well as the penetration of various extremist organizations into the country, the government decided to train domestic specialists in Islamic studies within the country, to open Islamic universities and faculties. One of the flagships of Islamic education is the International Kazakh- Turkish University named after H. A. Yasawi, Nur- Mubarak International University, Al- Farabi Kazakh National University and others. Many major universities in the country open educational programs in Islamic studies and Islamic theology.