Regarding the electronic donation boxes: 'our citizens are accustomed to giving money in person'

A series of thefts involving multiple donation boxes occurred at a mosque situated in Baku's Yasamal District. The Ministry of Internal Affairs' press office reported this development today.

In Azerbaijan, there has been longstanding discourse around the donation boxes and the allocation of the funds collected. Earlier contentions indicated that these contributions were predominantly managed by the Caucasian Muslims Office (CMO). However, the CMO leadership refuted such allegations. Years back, the head of CMO, Allahshukur Pashazade, stated to the press, "They claim I oversee the donation boxes, among other things. It's untrue. What connection do I have with those receptacles?"

For over a year, matters related to donation boxes have come under the purview of the State Committee for Religious Organizations. In accordance with revisions to the "Freedom of Religion" law, religious establishments (places of worship) can seek voluntary contributions, accepting them in cash, via banks, postal services, plastic cards, electronic payment platforms, or online. Nevertheless, conventional donation boxes persist.

A statement from the State Committee for Religious Organizations reveals that a draft outlining pertinent regulations has been formulated and submitted to the Cabinet of Ministers for addressing concerns stemming from the legislation regarding the electronic collection and allocation of donations. However, specifics regarding the proposal remain undisclosed by the committee.

MP Fazil Mustafa informed Turan that the topic of donation boxes is a topic of public discussion, yet transitioning to an electronic format is infeasible. Mustafa said, "Many less informed individuals in Azerbaijan prefer personally placing funds in these boxes and derive satisfaction from it. Their interest in electronic adaptation doesn't appear substantial."

Still, according to Mustafa, if someone is accustomed to donating through a physical box, it might be more suitable to do so electronically. He noted, "This responsibility lies with the State Committee for Religious Organizations. The Cabinet's decision remains uncertain, but the focus should be on seeking methods to counteract this ignorance within society."

The legislator contends that donation boxes often serve alternative purposes, suggesting, "It would be more beneficial if people engaged more in charitable activities. I don't support the existing operation of donation boxes. If you were to place one at a university's entrance, even students would contribute money in hopes of achieving higher grades. Thus, it would be advisable to discourage such traditions and not sustain them through legislation."

Theologian Tural Irfan, speaking to Radio Azadlig, noted that transparency was lacking in this matter previously, suggesting that some instances might involve misappropriation. Irfan stated, "Historically, there has been no clarity regarding the utilization of funds collected in the donation boxes at mosques. There's a possibility that these funds were forwarded to Iran?! Our populace often lacks insight into such matters; they donate but remain unaware of where these funds end up... We should educate our people about this and encourage them to donate to the underprivileged or the infirm."

According to the expert, swift regulation is improbable. Irfan explains, "These communities and individuals accustomed to these practices have developed habits that will take time to break. Additionally, despite an electronic transition, our citizens are accustomed to physically giving and receiving money. Although legislation might change, our people's superstitions won't shift easily."

Notably, an independent conversation with the Caucasian Muslims Office on this subject proved unattainable.