During the month of Ramadan, mosques become hubs of prayer and community life, where cleanliness and order are paramount. At the Ermuhammadboy Mosque, located in the Avval township of Fergana District and boasting over a century of history, 38-year-old Avazbek Ismoilov has served as a guard and cleaner for 14 years. He stays at the mosque day and night, laboring to maintain its tidiness, while occasionally earning extra income by driving a taxi in his neighborhood during free time.

Avazbek’s daily duties begin at dawn with sweeping the courtyard, as leaves from tall chinor trees frequently fall, necessitating constant cleaning. He also washes the toilet nearly five times a day, especially during rainy weather, to remove mud and dirt. According to Avazbek, it’s ideal to keep the toilet unused for half an hour after cleaning to prevent foot marks from forming.

The mosque features a traditional toilet system using a simple basin instead of modern taps; village elders prefer this to avoid water wastage. During Friday prayers, when crowds gather, issues like mixed-up footwear arise, for which a local resident named Abdurasul aka has set up a convenient storage area.

Community members actively participate in voluntary assistance: a group of women cleans the mosque every Tuesday, while young men seeking anonymity vacuum the carpets at night. Additionally, those wishing to pay for electricity can use the account number posted on a pole in the courtyard, and during Ramadan, worshippers bring items like water, salt, and incense.

The Ermuhammadboy Mosque (formerly known as the Avval Mosque) was built in the early 20th century, with its portico being cold in winter and the interior winter room insufficient during peak times. Avazbek Ismoilov expresses hope that construction work at the mosque will improve conditions, reducing dust and the burden of falling leaves.

Source: www.gazeta.uz