Nursultan Nazarbayev speaks about Islam, Orthodoxy and Protestantism

Kazakhstan’s President Nursultan Nazarbayev has spoken about Islam, Orthodoxy and Protestantism during the XVI Congress of Kazakhstan’s Nur Otan party in Astana on March 11, Tengrinews reports.

According to Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan is a home for 17 different religions that exist in peace and harmony, with a majority of Kazakhstan's population being Muslims, Orthodox Christians and Protestants.

“Hanafi Islam (one of the four primary Sunni schools) that we adhere and that historically developed on the territory of Kazakhstan is characterized by modesty, tolerance and sensible interpretation of Islamic values. This exactly what we need for our secular state. The second (religion) is Orthodox Christianity that prioritizes conscience, morality, human choice, kindness and compassion," Nazarbayev said,

When speaking about Protestantism, he noted that the number of followers of Protestantism had been growing in Kazakhstan. "Protestantism puts successful productive work, providence and virtuousness to the forefront. They believe that honest work and earning pleases the God. The world's six countries that adhere to this religion are creating the wealth of the earth," Nazarbayev said.

“In general, all the religions share one common principle – they condemn killing, and instruct their followers to help others, work, create families and raise children. All religions say this. This is the foundation. Hence, each of the religions have their own advantages. They (religions) should always unite Kazakhstanis, serve for the sake of peace and harmony, development of the society and economy, and strengthening of the state,” Nazarbayev said.

Reporting by Aidana Usupova, writing by Assel Satubaldina, editing by Tatyana Kuzmina