A Tashkent court jailed eleven Muslims who met to pray and discuss their faith for up to six years. Several testified about torture (including a threat to rape one of the Muslim’s wife in front of him). The court ignored the testimony. Three Protestant Christians were given 15-day terms.

Full details of this case can be read at Forum18.

Despite the decades of torture, imprisonment and abuse the Muslims of Uzbekistan remain stronger than ever in their deen. They are the elite of this ummah with their perseverance and steadfastness for which Allah (Most High) rewards immensely.

إِنَّما يُوَفَّى الصّابِرونَ أَجرَهُم بِغَيرِ حِسابٍ

“Only those who are patient shall receive their rewards in full, without reckoning.”

(az-Zumar:10)

Ahmad reported via Mus’ab b. Sa’d from his father who said: I said: O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, which people are tested most? He ﷺ said:

“The Prophets come first, then the righteous, then the next best, then the next best of people. A man will be tested on account of his adherence to the Deen. If he is strong in his commitment, he will be more sorely tested, and if there is some weakness in his commitment the test will be lightened for him. A man will continue to be tested until he walks upon the face of the earth with no sin on him.”