The Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan (DUMK) has expressed concern over the growing spread of “quadroberism” among children and adolescents. This phenomenon involves individuals imitating the habits of animals by wearing masks, tails, and ears, as well as behaving like fictional creatures. The DUMK addressed the issue in a recent statement.
In its statement, the DUMK emphasized that Islam places humans above all other creatures, granting them reason and consciousness. To support this position, the administration cited verses from the Holy Quran:
“We have honored the descendants of Adam, allowed them to move on land and sea, endowed them with benefits, and granted them a great advantage over the many whom We created.”
Another verse states:
“We created man in the best possible image.”
The DUMK argues that the deliberate imitation of animals – including their habits, sounds, and behaviors – constitutes a distortion of divine creation. It further noted that Islam forbids any form of behavior that undermines the distinct identity of humans. For example, the imitation of one gender by another is prohibited, and, by extension, imitating animals is considered equally inadmissible under Shariah.
Cultural Expressions vs. Quadroberism
However, the DUMK drew a clear distinction between quadroberism and metaphorical comparisons or cultural expressions. The statement clarified that comparing humans to animals in a metaphorical sense – such as likening bravery to a lion, cunning to a fox, or patience to a camel – does not fall under the definition of quadroberism. Similarly, theater performances, children’s games, and other cultural activities that do not involve a change in personal identity are not condemned.
The DUMK underscored that quadroberism, which includes imitating animal sounds, moving on all fours, and adopting animal behaviors, is “strictly prohibited by Shariah.” Additionally, it addressed the trend of “quadrobics,” a form of exercise that involves running on all fours to imitate animals. This activity, derived from the combination of the words “quadro” (four) and “aerobics,” was described as a concerning trend among youth.
Quadroberism in Central Asia and Beyond
The quadrober subculture, which involves young people mimicking animal behavior by running on all fours and using animal-themed accessories, has gained traction not only in Kazakhstan, but also in neighboring Uzbekistan and Russia. Authorities in these countries are taking measures to address the phenomenon.
In Kazakhstan, deputies have proposed conducting a thorough study of the quadrober phenomenon and, if deemed necessary, developing legislation to combat it. In Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Internal Affairs announced that manifestations of the quadrober subculture among children and adolescents would be treated as a failure of parental responsibility, punishable by a fine of five basic calculation units.
In Russia, State Duma deputies are drafting legislation to ban the promotion of destructive ideologies, including quadroberism. Russian lawmakers and psychologists have voiced concerns that the hobby could negatively affect children’s mental health.
As the debate continues across the region, the DUMK’s statement adds a spiritual perspective to the growing conversation about the implications of quadroberism.
