Taliban Leader Affirms Rejection of Western Laws in Favor of Sharia
Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada stated that Western laws are unnecessary in Afghanistan, claiming democracy has ended due to a commitment to sharia law. These remarks were made during a sermon on Eid Al-Fitr, emphasizing the Taliban’s strict governance. Despite some internal dissent, Akhundzada’s leadership has strengthened since 2021, with continued isolation from the international community, specifically affecting women’s rights.
Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada declared that there exists no necessity for Western laws in Afghanistan, asserting that democracy has ceased to exist while Islamic law, or sharia, remains in effect. These remarks were made during a sermon in Kandahar on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, with the 50-minute audio of his address disseminated by Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban government’s chief spokesman.
In his sermon, Akhundzada firmly stated, “There is no need for laws that originate from the West. We will create our own laws,” underscoring the Taliban’s commitment to implementing their interpretation of Islamic laws. This interpretation has particularly affected Afghan women and girls, who have faced significant restrictions regarding education, employment, and movement in public contexts.
Since the Taliban regained control in 2021, Akhundzada has increasingly dominated policy decisions, diverging from initial promises of a more moderate governance approach. He also criticized Western nations, asserting that non-believers are united against Muslims, referring specifically to perceived hostility demonstrated by the United States and others concerning the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Akhundzada proclaimed the end of democracy in Afghanistan and reinforced that sharia law is in effect. He suggested that proponents of democracy are attempting to create a rift between the populace and the Taliban government, further solidifying the group’s stance.
Although internal opposition to the Taliban remains nonexistent, some senior leaders within the administration have expressed concerns regarding leadership dynamics and the consolidation of power within Akhundzada’s inner circle. Despite this, there are factions among the Taliban advocating for increased international engagement and revised policies to secure external support. Recent interactions between the Taliban and the United States have notably occurred, primarily revolving around matters such as prisoner exchanges.
In summary, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada has reiterated that Western laws are unnecessary in Afghanistan, emphasizing the dominance of sharia law. His remarks reflect a commitment to a stringent interpretation of Islamic laws that significantly impacts Afghan women and girls. Akhundzada’s leadership has tightened control over policy direction, with indications of both internal dissent regarding governance and a desire among some factions to engage more with the international community.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
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