The following report is now a complimentary offering from MEMRI's Jihad and Terrorism Threat Monitor (JTTM). For JTTM subscription information, click here.
In his annual message to the Muslim world issued ahead of Eid Al-Fitr, which in 2024 will take place on April 10, the leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA, i.e., the Afghan Taliban) Mullah Hibbatullah Akhundzada defended qisas (i.e., retaliatory punishments, an eye for an eye) and other shari'a-based criminal punishments including lashings and stoning.[1]
Stating that jihad is "a sacred pillar" of Islam, Mullah Hibbatullah Akhundzada said that "safeguarding the sacrifices made by the mujahideen and ensuring the protection of the community are fundamental goals. Various strategies were employed to achieve these objectives, including ensuring justice, implementing shari'a-based legal boundaries and punishments, and ensuring adherence to the principles of shari'a."
"In line with shari'a, the Ministry of Vice and Virtue carries out its duty to enforce the promotion of good deeds, prevention of evil," he says and adds: "It is the responsibility of every Muslim to adhere to the courts and be satisfied with their judgements..."
His annual message is also notable for IEA's position on Palestine. "We stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza against Israeli aggression and occupation. It is incumbent upon the Islamic Ummah to address the plight of the oppressed Palestinians," the Taliban leader said, continuing, "We must mobilize our resources and support Palestine in every possible way to alleviate their suffering and work toward a just resolution of the conflict," he adds.
Following is the text of the message:
"Allah Almighty Has Granted Us The Islamic Shari'a System, Peace, Brotherhood, And Unity; All Of These Are Blessings From Which We Were Deprived Of For Decades"
"To the Faithful and Mujahid Nation of Afghanistan and All the Muslims Around the World!
"I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the arrival of the auspicious Eid Al-Fitr. May Allah Almighty accept your fasting, worship, prayers and sacrifices.
"Dear Brothers!
"First of all, we should thank Allah Almighty for bestowing upon us the Islamic shari'a system, through which life is guided by righteousness and sacred principles. By the grace of Allah, the month of Ramadan passed in a peaceful atmosphere, we will perform the Eid Al-Fitr prayer, and we will spend these auspicious days with joy and in a peaceful environment.
"For every blessing for which gratitude is expressed, Allah Almighty increases it. If someone is ungrateful for the blessings, then Allah Almighty warns of the possibility of punishment, as ingratitude holds dire consequences. Therefore, I urge my Muslim brothers that we should not overlook expressing gratitude to Allah Almighty and let us all strive to be grateful servants of Allah.
"Allah Almighty has granted us the Islamic shari'a system, peace, brotherhood and unity; all of these are blessings from which we were deprived of for decades. Now, that Allah has reminded us these blessings, it is incumbent upon us to express gratitude, to acknowledge them, to support them, to reform them accordingly, and to strive for goodness.
"[Islamic religious] scholars bear a great responsibility to guide all people and officials of the Islamic Emirate to the worship of Allah; they must keep them reformed, provide good counsel, offer advice, encourage goodness, and continuously invite them to worship.
"It is the responsibility of mosque imams (scholars) to constantly guide their followers, their children and community toward improving and nurturing of their beliefs, actions and morals. They should remain vigilant every day, unceasingly work toward reform, especially amidst contemporary tribulations."
"In Islam, The Sacred Pillar Of Jihad In The Path Of Allah Is A Crucial Means Of Implementing Islamic Shari'a Law"; "It Is The Responsibility Of Every Muslim To Adhere To The Courts And Be Satisfied With Their Judgements"
"Enforcement of Islamic Shari'a
"In Islam, the sacred pillar of jihad in the path of Allah is a crucial means of implementing Islamic shari'a law. Additionally, safeguarding the sacrifices made by mujahideen and ensuring the protection of the community are fundamental goals. Various strategies were employed to achieve these objectives, including ensuring justice, implementing shari'a-based legal boundaries and punishments, and ensuring adherence to the principles of shari'a. Furthermore, it is imperative to resist oppression and defend the oppressed.
"In line with shari'a law, the Ministry of Vice and Virtue carries out its duty to enforce the promotion of good deeds, prevention of evil, and handling complaints against wrongdoing; the councils of scholars in the provinces are a means of implementing shari'a rules, providing good counsel, fostering unity among scholars, and strengthening trust between the Islamic Emirate and the Afghan nation. Furthermore, officials are also obligated to obey and the establishment of such councils at the district and village level is underway.
"It is the responsibility of every Muslim to adhere to the courts and be satisfied with their judgements, as well as to implement the directives and recommendations of the functionaries of the Ministry of Vice and Virtue and extend necessary cooperation in carrying out the duties properly."
"Let Us Combat The Mischief-Makers, As You Bear Responsibility For Ensuring Security; If Someone Is Causing Harm Unlawfully, It Is The Responsibility Of Every Muslim To Refrain From Supporting Them"
"Education
"For the religious and modern education of the new generation, the Ministry of Education has broad structures in all provinces and districts; and it has operationalized hundreds of religious and scientific centers. In addition, orphanages are also established in various provinces and a number of districts aimed at providing daily care, education, and sponsorship for all orphans, which are being managed by an independent administration.
"It is the responsibility of every Muslim to provide good upbringing, education, and opportunities for their children so that they should attain religious knowledge.
"Security
"Over the past decades, Afghanistan has faced numerous challenges in terms of insecurity, lawlessness, and adversities. After many struggles and sacrifices, Allah Almighty has given us a great reward to ensure security throughout the country as well as ensuring both visible security and internal peace.
"Visible security refers to the safety and protection of lives, property, and dignity of the people within a society, and internal peace means freedom is preserved, and it is indeed a great blessing from Allah Almighty. Now, let us all strive and collaborate with security officials in every way possible; this is a responsibility upon all of us, mandated by Allah Almighty, to cooperate with each other for the betterment of society and to not engage in any actions that may cause harm to others.
"Let us combat the mischief-makers, as you bear responsibility for ensuring security. If someone is causing harm unlawfully, it is the responsibility of every Muslim to refrain from supporting them. If you do not cooperate with security officials, you might be complicit in their wrongdoing. Pay attention to security in your city, village, and home, and provide full cooperation wherever needed."
"The Islamic Emirate Of Afghanistan, In Line With Islamic Principles, Seeks Good Relations With Others Based On Mutual Respect"; "[We Will] Foster An Atmosphere Of Confidence And Peace Among All, Especially Within The Islamic Countries"
"Economy
"In the Islamic system, it is a shari'a responsibility to improve the economy of the people. The Islamic Emirate strives to meet the needs of its people within the limits of possibility, encouraging the establishment of businesses and public welfare activities in order to provide employment and economic opportunities.
"In addition, do not sit still! Try to provide opportunities for work individually and collectively, establish new businesses, promote agri-business, create opportunities for industrial work, collaborate with the government, and strengthen the economy of the country.
"The Islamic Emirate will also create a conducive environment, enabling a fair ground for farmers, craftsmen, and factory owners to establish and grow their businesses, and as a result of joint efforts our economy will grow. Have faith in Allah, and pursue all lawful means to earn your sustenance, avoid unlawful transactions, earn halal income, and do not be greedy for others!
"Deal Within the Framework of Shari'a
"The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in line with Islamic principles, seeks good relations with others based on mutual respect and understanding, and urges everyone not to entertain any doubts regarding the good intentions and sincerity of the Islamic Emirate. Our commitment and dedication are firm, and we expect and demand respect for Afghanistan's sovereignty, integrity, and dignity, ensuring that any disagreements are addressed through dialogue and with mutual respect.
The most recent photo of Mullah Hibbatullah Akhundzada is decades old
"In the realm of international relations among all countries, we aim to pursue a balanced and economically focused policy in the light of the holy religion of Islam. We seek diplomatic and economic relations with all nations, ensuring that Afghanistan's security, stability, and prosperity serve as a favorable opportunity for others. We urge international community to maintain good relations with the Islamic Emirate and adopt strategies in the spirit of mutual benefits.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate is tasked to foster an atmosphere of confidence and peace among all, especially within the Islamic countries. The Islamic Emirate's foundation lies on the principles of Islam and the well-being of the Muslim community. We share common faith, beliefs, and convictions, binding us together. In times of joy and sorrow, we stand united, supporting each other with equal participation and collaboration, leveraging our abilities to the best of our capabilities.
"Indeed, creating a common ground and resolving our shared challenges is essential. The Islamic Emirate aims to foster an environment conducive to achieving this goal."
"We Stand In Solidarity With The People Of Gaza Against Israeli Aggression And Occupation; It Is Incumbent Upon The Islamic Ummah To Address The Plight Of The Oppressed Palestinians"
"Palestine
"The issue of Palestine is indeed a concern for the entire Islamic Ummah. We stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza against Israeli aggression and occupation. It is incumbent upon the Islamic Ummah to address the plight of the oppressed Palestinians and to collectively condemn any form of injustice or aggression perpetrated by Israeli invaders.
"We must mobilize our resources and support Palestine in every possible way to alleviate their suffering and work toward a just resolution of the conflict. It is regrettable that the international community often falls short in effectively addressing the injustices faced by the people of Palestine.
"Despite claims of upholding human rights, there is a lack of meaningful action to curb the ongoing oppression and to hold perpetrators of these injustices accountable. This is indeed a source of profound sorrow, and it underscores the urgent need for all responsible parties to fulfill their obligations in addressing this grievous situation."
"The People Of Afghanistan Are Obligated To Cooperate With The Mujahedeen In The Implementation Of The Decree, Tackling This Issue [Drugs]"
"Prohibition of Drugs
"The Islamic Emirate is committed to fulfilling its Islamic and shari'a obligations in the country by strictly enforcing the prohibition of narcotics and by taking effective measures to eradicate the cultivation, production, and trafficking of illicit use of drugs.
"The Islamic Emirate is determined to carry out this important task with firm resolve and decisiveness, seeking support and cooperation from its own communities, emphasizing the need for a drug-free Afghanistan.
"Furthermore, in Kabul and provinces, efforts are underway to rehabilitate drug addicts and ensure their safe return to society. The Islamic Emirate takes this responsibility seriously and recognizes the pain and suffering caused by addiction to both individuals and families.
"The people of Afghanistan are obligated to cooperate with the mujahedeen in the implementation of the decree, tackling this issue."
"Our Enemies Hope That After The Success Of Jihad Against Communism, The Differences That They Created Among The Mujahedeen [In The 1990s] Will Also Arise Among The Officials Of The Islamic Emirate"
"To the Mujahideen and Officials of the Islamic Emirate
"I issue the following instructions and ask everyone to follow them. I also ask you to share them with your subordinates, so that we can serve and treat our nation properly and give them their shari'a rights:
"i) All officials must ensure that their duties are carried out effectively to uphold the rights of the people of Afghanistan in every ministry, province, region, and department. If any official neglects their responsibilities, their negligence is not excused under shari'a law.
"ii) Officials should live a brotherly life among themselves, avoid disagreements and selfishness; with this the outcome of jihad, which is the strengthening of the Islamic system, will be preserved. The jihad against Soviet invasion and communism in Afghanistan was not succeeded due to disagreement among officials; as a result, the Islamic system was not established [at the end of the 1980s], and Afghanistan remained in turmoil with various problems.
Afghan Taliban fighters seize Presidential Palace in Kabul on August 15, 2021
"iii) Security does not come from being tough and killing more; rather, security is aligned with shari'a and justice. Injustice and being opposed to shari'a leads to insecurity. Therefore, self-correction is necessary, as every official and individual's wrongdoing adversely affects the entire system.
"iv) If oppression is allowed to prevail, it will eventually corrupt the entire system. Therefore, when one person suffers from oppression, it affects the integrity of the entire system, as there is no veil between the oppressed and Allah.
"v) Our enemies hope that after the success of jihad against communism, the differences that they created among the mujahedeen [in the 1990s] will also arise among the officials of the Islamic Emirate. But we tell them that this wish will not come true, and your evil goal will not be achieved, Insha Allah.
"vi) The Afghan people are very resilient; they have endured a lot of injustices and suffered many sacrifices. This success has come at the cost of many sacrifices made by our people. Therefore, our people are highly valued, and we should serve them and listen to their grievances. It is imperative that we remain faithful to our promises and not betray the trust of those who have sacrificed for the cause of jihad.
"vii) No one should be unjustly harassed; and if someone is detained, they should be asked appropriate questions to determine whether they have any complaints or if they are not being charged with a serious crime. Care should be taken to ensure that no one is unjustly harassed.
There is no division or discrimination in the Islamic Emirate. Those from the south will serve in the north and those from the north will serve in the south, and they should provide their services accordingly."
"Encourage And Motivate People Toward Islamic Values And Ethics, Inspire Them And Use Gentle Persuasion Rather Than Force"; "I Urge The Wealthy And Affluent People Of Afghanistan To Remember The Poor And Needy Afghans During These Auspicious Days"
"viii) Rewards should be based on merit, eligibility and trustworthiness. Ethnicity, language, position, and relationship should not influence the officials, and if there is any inclination toward this, it should be eliminated completely from the outset.
"ix) It does not matter who is in need and who is providing assistance; what matters is that those in need receive help; regardless of their status or identity, reach out to the needy promptly.
"x) In this era, we must ensure that we pass on a positive legacy to future generations, with good history, sound laws, and strong principles. We should pay extra attention to the hereafter and seek the pleasure of Allah Almighty.
"xi) The protector is indeed Allah Almighty. Allah alone determines your sustenance; no one increases it beyond, nor decreases it, nor will your life be prolonged except by will of Allah. Therefore, have faith and seek the pleasure of Allah Almighty.
"xii) Encourage and motivate people toward Islamic values and ethics, inspire them and use gentle persuasion rather than force. Hatred is instilled through force, while encouragement fosters sincerity and dedication.
"xiii) Try not to forget the religious practices and good habits obtained during jihad.
"xiv) Stay connected with the Holy Quran; at least recite and contemplate upon it during a specific time of the day.
"xv) Strive to excel in your duties and responsibilities, but do not become complacent or arrogant due to your position and do not be upset while losing a position.
"xvi) Take lessons from the mistakes and misdeeds of others, especially from those who have a bad reputation. Let their actions serve as a reminder for you to adhere to good deeds and morals."
"Assist the Needy
"I urge the wealthy and affluent people of Afghanistan to remember the poor and needy Afghans during these auspicious days, extend your cooperation and utilize all your resources to support and assist the less fortunate among our fellow citizens.
"At the end, I once again congratulate you for the arrival of Eid-ul Fitr. May Allah protect you from all kinds of harm and disaster, and may you be successful by the grace of Allah.
"Sheikh-ul-Quran and Hadith Mawlawi Hibbatullah Akhundzada,
"Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate"
[1] AlemarahEnglish.af (Afghanistan), April 6, 2024. The original English of the message has been lightly edited for clarity and standardization.
