Imom Buxoriy xalqaro ilmiy-tadqiqot markazi bukhari.uz
On October 9, an online discussion titled “The Yasawi Order: Azizan and Iqoniya” was organized at the initiative of the Center for Yasawi Studies under the “Azret Sultan” (“Hazrat Sultan”) National Historical and Cultural Museum-Reserve of the Turkistan Region, Republic of Kazakhstan.
Dr. Mehrojiddin Amonov, Senior Research Fellow at the Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in History, delivered a lecture on the topic.
The researcher focused on the theoretical and practical foundations of the Yasawi order, emphasizing that the first stage of this doctrine is repentance (tawba), followed by the next stage — love and devotion toward the “azizan” (venerable saints). The term “azizan” refers to shaykhs, spiritual masters, and perfected mentors who remain steadfast on the Sufi path. This, he noted, demonstrates the crucial importance of choosing a spiritual guide and showing unwavering loyalty to them within the Yasawi tradition.
The speaker discussed the teacher–disciple tradition in Yasawism, highlighting the respect for the spiritual master (pir) and his role in spiritual mentorship, emphasizing that such relationships form one of the fundamental pillars of the Sufi order’s doctrine.
He also provided an extensive analysis of the concept of “iqoniya,” which denotes a form of faith grounded in knowledge and firm conviction, free from doubt or hesitation.
Drawing on examples from Ahmad Yasawi’s Hikmats, the researcher illustrated the practical manifestations of these concepts and shared the results of his studies in this field. According to him, in Samarkand, nearly ten schools and centers affiliated with the Azizan and Iqoniya branches of the Yasawi order were active. Moreover, the lives and scholarly legacies of more than thirty Yasawi shaykhs have been examined, and the locations of their burial sites have also been identified.
Another important aspect of the lecture was its profound analysis of the philosophical foundations of the Yasawi order, the spiritual essence of the pir–murid (master–disciple) relationship, and the paths that lead a person toward steadfast faith.
The participants listened to the lecture with great interest, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of the significance of the Yasawi teaching in elevating human spirituality and for further strengthening its role in contemporary life.
Imam Bukhari International Scientific Research Center
Press Service
