A look at history: how did the Soviet Union fight against Islam?

If we look at the dark days of our history - the period of the Bolshevik invasion, we can see the methods of fighting against Islam, which are used even today in most post-Soviet countries.

In particular, in 1925, the "Union of Militant Atheists" (JAI) was formed, which actively campaigned against religion. The main goals of this organization were:

- Destruction of Islamic books;

- creating anti-religious literature;

- spreading propaganda against Islam among the population.

At that time, JAI became the main tool for promoting anti-religious ideas. Even by 1930, the organization's members reached 6 million. The organization organized campaigns to spread atheist views: organized various lectures, exhibitions. He held a number of events aimed at discrediting Islam. JAI members also destroyed religious literature and artifacts.

In fact, the fight against Islam was a part of the Bolshevik policy from the very beginning of the efforts to establish the USSR system in Turkestan. For example, in 1921, atheists published 10,000 copies of propaganda posters for Turkestan Muslims. It depicts a young girl taking off her hijab and holding a red flag. The words "I am free too" were written on the banner in old Uzbek script. In fact, this "freedom" hides other dark intentions of the invaders, who later implemented this plan: using their deceptions, they used Muslims as slaves in the cotton fields, depriving them of an honorable job - the education of the ummah.

Later, the Soviet government used various media to fight against religion. Articles, books and pamphlets criticizing religion and interpreting Muslims as people cut off from science and development were published. Atheistic views were actively taught in schools and universities.

The Soviet state sought to control all religious organizations, including Islamic organizations. Mosques and other religious institutions were strictly regulated, and their activities were severely restricted. In some cases, mosques were closed, imams and other religious figures were persecuted.

Especially during the Stalin era (1930s), many Muslims, like adherents of other religions, were repressed. This included arrests, exiles, and even executions. Leaders are often targeted during political purges.

In the Soviet Union, a policy of cultural assimilation aimed at the integration of Muslims into the Soviet society was carried out, similar to the oppression of the Chinese government against the Uyghur national minority. This included the promotion of Soviet ideals and values, as well as efforts to change traditional customs and practices associated with Islam.

The education system has also been reoriented to promote atheism. Religious education is completely banned, and the main focus is on forming a materialistic worldview.

To sum up, the Soviet Union waged a multifaceted war against Islam. This war included both ideological and repressive measures. Yet the wicked did not prevail. As Allah the Exalted said: "They want to extinguish the light of Allah with their mouths. But Allah is the perfecter of His light, even if the disbelievers do not like it."

(Surah Tawba verse 32)