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Azerbaijan's Religious Committee: Two branches of Nurchu movement operate in Azerbaijan

26 December 2014 12:19 (UTC +04:00)

The committee chairman said one of the two branches is classroom-based, and the other is modern: “The classroom-based Nurchu branch is widespread in Azerbaijan’s regions. To their belief, one should first read the Risalah before explaining the religion, even the Koran. They believe the only to understand the Koran is to read the Risalah first. Their main difference from the modern Nurchu branch is that they’re not into politics, only focusing on preaching spiritual education. But the modern Nurchu movement is inclined to intervene in political process. For instance, they participate in elections collectively. Considering the position of their leaders, they intervene in political processes”.

Ismayilov spoke about whether Nurchu movement is dangerous or not in Azerbaijan and its unacceptable sides in the society. “You know, there are some values linking Azerbaijan. For example, how can we call a person Azerbaijani, who does not accept the 20 January tragedy, Novruz holiday, 28 May – Republic Day, National Salvation Day, Armed Forces Day, Solidarity Day, Shah Ismayil Khatai, Dede Gorgud and others? Can such a person differ from an American, English or an Arabian? Of course, not. No matter such a person is religious or not if he doesn’t accept common national and moral values. And if he is not considered an Azerbaijani in terms of his attitude toward the Azerbaijani state and people and his homeland”, he said.

Gunduz Ismayilov said there is no problem with preaching a religion in the country, adding, “But it has to comply with law. So let true religious values be preached providing they don’t run contrary to national and moral values”.