Role of religion in traditional Kazakh society based on Mashkhur Zhusup Kopeev’s work titled “Nauryznama”

Abstract

The article examines relationship and features of the Islamic laws and customs in traditional Kazakh society. The authors emphasize a role and importance of eloquence in the court Kazakh biys. The legal system of the Kazakh steppe, level of implementation of Sharia law and its impact on the judicial system are considered. In addition, comparative analysis of the courts of biys and court of Islamic law is performed. The comparison is made of the methods of reconciliation, religious convertion, satisfying the Kazakh people and Sharia courts in the form of qadi, sulh and taqim, as well as methods of their daily application and resolution of issues. The analogy is made between election of the khan and his abdication, appointment of the caliph and his ghazals, religious power and political power in the era of the Kazakh Khanate. Examples of religious or ethical rules include comparisons of hospitality, crime, and punishment. The customary law and Sharia norms in traditional Kazakh society are studied comparatively. In conclusion, it should be noted that, despite the vast territory of the Kazakh steppe, some traditional legal norms and rules (including non-essential rules) in Kazakh society are the same in all regions of the Kazakh steppe.