American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research
6
https://theusajournals.com/index.php/ajsshr
VOLUME
Vol.05 Issue02 2025
PAGE NO.
6-10
10.37547/ajsshr/Volume05Issue02-02
Developing spiritual awareness in raising young people
to be spiritual and complete individuals
Sagindikov Djubatkhan Nawirzovich
Associate Professor, Department of “National Idea, Fundamentals of Spirituality and Legal Education”, Karakalpak State University,
Uzbekistan
Received:
04 December 2024;
Accepted:
06 January 2025;
Published:
08 February 2025
Abstract:
The article highlights the special significance of enlightenment in shaping the moral and ethical
worldview of students in New Uzbekistan. It emphasizes that enlightenment serves as the pathway to spirituality,
acting as a key instrument in its formation. Additionally, the study examines enlightenment as an integral
component of a nation's history, analyzing its impact on the spiritual and cultural development of society.
Keywords:
Students, conscience, moral and ethical worldview, freedom of speech, enlightenment.
Introduction:
Today, the President of the Republic of
Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, remains committed to
tradition, emphasizing that paying special attention to
the education and upbringing of youth is a demand of
the times. He states:
"Educating young people with high moral values,
modern
knowledge,
professional
skills,
and
independent thinking in the spirit of national and
universal values is one of our most important priorities.
In this regard, we rely on our centuries-old national
traditions and the rich spiritual heritage of our
ancestors."
MЕTHОDS
The Role of Enlightenment in Shaping the Moral and
Ethical Worldview of Students
Enlightenment plays a crucial role in shaping the moral
and ethical worldview of students. It serves as a
pathway to spirituality, acting as a key instrument in its
formation. Furthermore, enlightenment is an
inseparable part of a nation's history, contributing to
the development of cultural and ethical values.
The proposal of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the
United Nations General Assembly regarding the
adoption of a special resolution titled "Enlightenment
and Religious Tolerance" has further elevated
Uzbekistan's international prestige.
The main objective of this resolution is to ensure
universal access to education, combat illiteracy and
ignorance, and promote tolerance and mutual respect.
Additionally, it aims to safeguard religious freedom,
protect the rights of believers, and prevent
discrimination based on faith and belief.
As recognized by the global community, Uzbekistan has
long been a cradle of culture and civilization. The
scientific and intellectual achievements that emerged
in Uzbekistan during the Middle Ages laid the
foundation for European advancements in science and
knowledge.
The works of great scholars such as Muhammad al-
Khwarizmi, Abu Ali ibn Sina (Avicenna), Abu Rayhan
Beruni, and Abu Nasr Farabi not only systematized and
expanded worldly knowledge but also became
cornerstones for the progress of global civilization,
influencing not just their own era but shaping centuries
of scientific and philosophical thought.
The great thinker Abu Rayhan Beruni once said:
"Do not rely on the fame of your ancestors; earn your
own renown. Whoever takes pride only in their noble
ancestors without contributing anything themselves is
already dead, while their ancestors remain alive."
This statement serves as a timeless call to preserve,
develop, and build upon the rich intellectual and
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American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research (ISSN: 2771-2141)
cultural heritage of Uzbekistan, ensuring that future
generations continue to contribute to human
civilization rather than merely glorifying the past.
RЕSULTS АND DISСUSSIОN
According to the thinkers of the Eastern Renaissance,
pure morals, noble ethics, honesty, and divine
enlightenment are the foundations of spiritual and
intellectual perfection. Only morally and intellectually
advanced individuals can serve as a true reflection of a
nation. Furthermore, only enlightened and spiritually
developed individuals are capable of working selflessly
for the prosperity and progress of their people and
state.
The famous Eastern philosopher Sheikh Aziziddin
Nasafi, when discussing the virtues of a perfect human,
emphasized that such a person must possess high
moral character, self-awareness, and both secular and
divine knowledge. He stated:
"Know that a perfect person is someone who has
attained excellence in Sharia, Tariqa, and Haqiqa. If you
do not understand this phrase, let me explain it in
another way: a perfect person is someone who
possesses the following four qualities in full measure
—
noble speech, noble actions, noble morals, and
knowledge."
Educating the Youth to Fight Ignorance with
Enlightenment
It is crucial to educate young people in the spirit of
combating ignorance with enlightenment by making
them aware of the various forms of ignorance and its
manifestations:
Rejection of societal progress
–
expressing irrational
hostility toward positive changes in both material and
spiritual aspects of life.
Opposition to governmental reforms
–
resisting
economic, political, legal, and cultural transformations
without understanding their true purpose.
Disrupting international relations
–
attempting to
undermine the principles of equality and mutual
cooperation between nations.
Disrespect for cultural values
–
destroying national and
ethnic heritage with barbaric disregard for the
traditions and identities of different peoples.
Denial of scientific achievements
–
hindering progress
by rejecting the contributions of science and
innovation.
Exploiting religion for political purposes
–
fomenting
conflicts among people and attempting to overthrow
legitimate governments under the guise of religious
ideologies.
Violation of human rights
–
engaging in human
trafficking, violating the rights of women and children,
and profiting from exploitation and injustice.
Understanding and recognizing these harmful aspects
of ignorance is essential in shaping a generation that
values knowledge, critical thinking, and moral integrity.
Only through enlightenment, ethical education, and
respect for human values can societies successfully
counter ignorance and foster a peaceful, progressive,
and just world.
Ignorance, depending on its subject and nature, can
manifest in several destructive forms. Ignorance-driven
behavior is characterized by:
a) Resorting to physical force instead of reason and
knowledge to solve societal problems.
b) Stubbornly disregarding the wisdom of enlightened
scholars and making decisions based solely on personal
convictions.
c) Being consumed by ambition and desiring absolute
power, seeking total obedience from others while
refusing to be accountable to anyone. Those who resist
such authority are seen as personal or societal
enemies.
d) Valuing superficial wealth, material possessions,
physical pleasures, lust, and fame as the ultimate goals
of life, mistakenly equating them with true happiness
and prosperity.
e) Obsessively seeking social prestige, engaging in
mutual flattery and self-promotion, and craving public
admiration in both speech and action.
f) Striving for absolute authority by intimidating other
nations through military force, aiming to establish a
monopoly on power and control.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the Dangers of Ignorance in All
Spheres of Life
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has
emphasized the multifaceted nature of ignorance,
stating [1]:
"When we speak of ignorance, we often refer to
religious extremism and dogmatism. However, today's
realities show that ignorance exists in all spheres, and
if we fail to combat it in a timely manner, it can lead to
severe consequences. Today, we encounter ignorance
in economics, education, healthcare, and culture
—
in
short, in all aspects of life. This plague has become a
shackle that holds us back. Without breaking free from
this chain, we cannot speak of progress and
development."
This statement highlights the urgent need to combat
ignorance through enlightenment, education, and
rational thinking, as failing to do so can hinder social,
economic, and cultural progress. Only by embracing
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American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research (ISSN: 2771-2141)
knowledge, morality, and wisdom can a society break
free from the chains of ignorance and move toward
sustainable development and prosperity.
In today's world, combating ignorance through
enlightenment requires modern and humane
approaches. The key strategies include:
Forgiving and reintegrating individuals who have fallen
into destructive ideological traps but have not
committed violent crimes. These individuals should be
granted amnesty, allowing them to reintegrate into
society.
Providing employment opportunities to rehabilitated
individuals, ensuring their economic stability without
discrimination against them or their families.
Creating a positive ideological environment in families,
social groups, neighborhoods, and workplaces to
support and rehabilitate those who have been granted
amnesty.
Granting citizenship to long-term foreign residents who
have honestly contributed to the country through work
and loyalty, thereby strengthening their sense of
belonging to the nation.
Organizing meetings between young people and
former extremists who have repented and returned to
their homeland, allowing them to share real-life
experiences of the dangers of destructive ideologies.
Persuading individuals through knowledge and
exemplary actions, as emphasized by President Shavkat
Mirziyoyev [2]:
"We must convince people with knowledge,
intelligence, and enlightenment, through concrete
examples from history and real-life experiences."
The Role of Moral and Ethical Consciousness in
Society’s Progress
The moral development of individuals must take
precedence in the social and economic progress of
society. The higher the level of morality, the stronger
the foundations of justice, humanity, and prosperity
not only within families but across the entire nation.
A morally strong and enlightened society can only be
achieved through:
The education and training of morally upright
individuals who truly believe in spiritual development
and uphold ethical values.
The promotion of stability, prosperity, and social
harmony, ensuring sustainable national progress.
Government policies prioritizing moral education, a
principle upheld since the early years of Uzbekistan's
independence.
The Power of Moral Conviction in Human Behavior
One of the key manifestations of moral consciousness
is conviction, which is shaped by life experiences and
upbringing. Moral conviction consists of:
A strong emotional and intellectual attachment to
ethical norms and principles.
The internal acceptance of moral values as guiding
standards for behavior.
A deep sense of justice and belief in ethical correctness
as a personal commitment.
However, moral conviction is more than just an
intellectual acceptance of ethical necessity; it is a
powerful internal force that shapes an individual’s life
goals, motivations, and behavior. A person with strong
moral conviction remains steadfast in their principles,
even
in
the
most
difficult
circumstances,
demonstrating rational and emotional resilience in the
face of adversity.
Thus, ensuring that moral and ethical values remain at
the core of personal and societal development is crucial
for fostering a harmonious, enlightened, and
progressive society.
There are many aspects and challenges associated with
spiritual perfection, but one of its key indicators is
independent thinking. In its elementary form,
independent thinking exists in almost every person, as
individuals naturally exercise self-governance in daily
situations. However, the independent thinking we are
discussing refers to the ability to objectively and
promptly analyze every event and process occurring in
our country and to form one's own well-reasoned
opinions and positions.
When addressing independent thinking among young
people, it is crucial to acknowledge the societal issues
that arise due to its absence. Some of the most
widespread challenges include:
Drug abuse among youth
Susceptibility to destructive ideologies due to weak
ideological immunity
Youth involvement in crime and legal offenses
These three social ills often lead young individuals
down a path of irreversible consequences, branding
them as criminals and ultimately causing their
downfall. At the root of these problems lies a lack of
ideological education, which prevents young people
from understanding the true causes and dangers of
these negative influences. Furthermore, it results in
their inability to resist harmful ideologies, leading them
to blindly follow others’ beliefs and actions without
critical evaluation.
The Importance of Ideological and Moral Education
As the First President of the Republic of Uzbekistan,
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American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research (ISSN: 2771-2141)
Islam Karimov, emphasized:
"Only when the material and spiritual worlds
harmonize and become like two wings of a bird can a
society achieve full and free development."
Unfortunately, as reality demonstrates, there is still no
universal education system that can guarantee the
development of young people into highly spiritual
individuals and prevent moral decline.
The Growing Threat of Moral Crisis and the Need for
Protection
Today, in a complex global environment, the increasing
moral crisis in certain regions poses a direct threat to
our cultural and ideological integrity. This situation
demands not only the preservation of national values
but also their continuous enhancement. More
importantly, it necessitates protecting the hearts and
minds of young people from the influence of harmful
ideologies and extremist doctrines.
Thus, promoting independent thinking, strengthening
moral and ideological resilience, and ensuring a well-
rounded education system are essential to
safeguarding the future of Uzbekistan's youth and the
nation's spiritual prosperity.
The Need to Strengthen Moral and Ideological
Consciousness in the Face of Modern Threats
Undoubtedly, no matter where in the world threats
against spirituality emerge, they cause concern for
every conscious individual and nation who cares about
their present and future. Such spiritual and ideological
attacks pose a significant danger to national and
religious identity, with children and youth being the
most vulnerable to these influences. Therefore, there is
a growing necessity to enhance the moral and ethical
consciousness of younger generations.
The Role of Education in Strengthening Moral and
Ethical Values
Developing moral and ethical values at all levels of the
education system has unique characteristics. In
particular, higher education institutions play a crucial
role in reinforcing these values, shaping them into
essential life principles for students.
In educational institutions where proper moral
education is implemented, students develop the ability
to [3]:
Engage in meaningful struggles in their academic and
professional lives,
Think independently and act as dedicated individuals,
Understand history correctly and have confidence in
their own abilities,
Actively participate in national reforms,
Preserve traditions and cultural heritage,
Respect democracy and uphold positive social values,
Remain loyal to noble ideals and use enlightenment as
a defense against harmful ideologies,
Demonstrate awareness, creativity, and spiritual
elevation,
Actively participate in social organizations,
Combat ideological threats and expose the negative
aspects of globalization,
Preserve national peace and security,
Unmask the real nature of the so-called "export of
democracy."
To ensure a stable and prosperous future, it is essential
to integrate moral education into the educational
process, helping students develop strong ideological
immunity and the ability to resist destructive
influences. Only through knowledge, awareness, and
moral strength can young people become true
defenders of their national identity and spiritual
heritage, ensuring the peace, progress, and stability of
their homeland.
СОNСLUSIОN
The Role of Higher Education in Strengthening National
Identity and Ideological Resilience
One of the key aspects of strengthening independence
is the active ideological struggle against destructive
influences. This includes:
Using national celebrations and ceremonies as
platforms for ideological promotion and raising
national consciousness.
Combating the negative effects of globalization,
information warfare, and the threats of mass culture
through critical awareness.
Defending national identity by fostering a strong sense
of belonging and patriotic responsibility.
Opposing destructive ideologies, including treachery,
indifference,
regionalism,
terrorism,
and
cosmopolitanism.
Developing a deep faith in a great future, instilling hope
and confidence in national progress.
The Crucial Role of Higher Education in Youth
Development
For these values to take root, higher education
institutions must play a leading role in shaping the
ideological and moral foundation of young people.
We believe that universities should utilize the
opportunities provided by the state effectively, placing
greater emphasis on educational and ideological
programs. To achieve this, universities should:
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American Journal Of Social Sciences And Humanity Research (ISSN: 2771-2141)
Implement a comprehensive system of moral
education that enhances students’ national and
cultural awareness.
Conduct specialized educational programs that focus
on patriotism, ideological resilience, and critical
thinking.
Strengthen moral and ideological instruction, ensuring
that students actively resist negative influences while
embracing progressive national values.
By fostering a strong sense of national pride, ideological
resilience, and cultural awareness, higher education
institutions can equip young people with the
knowledge and values needed to protect and uphold
their independence. Only through education, critical
awareness, and active participation can youth become
the true defenders of their nation's sovereignty and
identity.
RЕFЕRЕNСЕS
Mirziyoyev, Sh. M. We Will Resolutely Continue on Our
Path of National Development and Elevate It to a New
Level.
–
Tashkent: “Uzbekistan”, 2018. –
p. 89.
President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat
Mirziyoyev's Speech at the 72nd Session of the United
Nations General Assembly, September 19, 2017. Khalk
Suzi Newspaper, September 20, 2017.
Komilov, N. Tasawwuf or the Ethics of the Perfect
Human. Book 1.
–
Tashkent: Yozuvchi, 1996.
–
p. 147.
Mirziyoyev, Sh. M. Literature and Art, the Development
of Culture
–
A Strong Foundation for the Spiritual
Growth of Our People. // The Satisfaction of Our People
is the Highest Evaluation of Our Work. Volume 2.
–
Tashkent: Uzbekistan NMIU, 2018.
–
pp. 195-196.
Жамолдинова, О., & Нарбаева, Т. (2012). Ёшлар
маънавиятини
юксалтиришда
ижтимоий
лойиҳаларнинг аҳамияти. Ёшлар маънавияти ва
соғлом турмуш тарзи. Илмий мақолалар тўплами.
Тошкент: Зиё, 107
-109.
www.ziyonet.uz
www.uzlib.uz
