In early December 2023, Dr. Ali Al-Qaradaghi, the secretary general of the Qatar-funded International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS), led a delegation of Islamic religious scholars to Kabul where the clerics, during multiple meetings with Afghan Taliban ministers, discussed similarities between the Palestinian resistance against Israel and the Afghan Taliban's 20-year jihad to defeat the U.S. and NATO in Afghanistan.[1]
Subsequently, Ali Al-Qaradaghi gave a long interview, conducted in Arabic and published with English subtitles, with Hurriyat Radio, a semi-official pro-Afghan Taliban multimedia news service.[2] In the interview, the IUMS secretary general says the organization's membership comprises 100,000 Islamic religious scholars and notes the role played by IUMS during the U.S.-Taliban negotiations that resulted in the February 29, 2020 Doha Agreement.
Ali Al-Qaradaghi says that since the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, IUMS has been instrumental in discussions with Islamic countries to facilitate the recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the Afghan Taliban government in Kabul. "We spare no effort in our endeavors to enhance relations between the Islamic government in Afghanistan and Qatar as well as with Malaysia and Indonesia. We are aware of some current challenges in the Afghan Embassy in Kuwait and we will do our utmost to resolve these issues. Similar efforts are being made in Oman and Iraq," he says.
In the interview, he stresses the significance of the media jihad in countering Western "propaganda" against the Islamic world and calls for the establishment of Islamic media organizations in different languages like Farsi, Pashtu, and Urdu, and relations between those organizations and the Qatar-based Al-Jazeera network. "To counter this [Western propaganda], it is crucial to develop a robust media presence, particularly in the Arabic and English languages and establish relations with influential platforms such as Al-Jazeera and others. We should not neglect the significance of effective channels in languages like Pashtu, Farsi, and Urdu," he says.
Ali Al-Qaradaghi on the right being interviewed by Hurriyat Radio journalist (left)
Following is Hurriyat Radio's English translation of the interview:
"Our Brothers In Afghanistan Have Without Doubt Been Successful In War And Other Areas In The Cause Of Allah, And Now It Is Necessary To Succeed In Media Jihad As Well, Allah Willing"
Interviewer: "We express our heartfelt gratitude for granting us this opportunity to meet and conduct this interview. And we extend a warm welcome to the esteemed guest in the dear and Islamic Afghanistan. It is the homeland of all scholars like you. To commence, Hurriyat News Network extends a warm welcome to you for this exclusive Arabic interview with a delegation of esteemed scholars in the liberated land of Afghanistan. Welcome... Following defeat of the American occupation and the establishment of the Islamic system in Afghanistan, how do you evaluate the political experience of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan?"
Ali Al-Qaradaghi: "Before answering your good question, I would like to express my gratitude to the Islamic Emirate, its supreme leader (May Allah protect him), the ministers, the prime minister and the scholars and the dear, sweet, and brotherly Afghan people. God Bless you. I would like to express my gratitude on behalf of myself, the delegation of scholars and the international Union of Scholars as a whole.
"Before answering, I would like to inform you about the importance and value of the media and thank you for giving me the opportunity. As Allah has called media jihad as the greatest jihad, our brothers in Afghanistan have without doubt been successful in war and other areas in the cause of Allah, and now it is necessary to succeed in media jihad as well, Allah willing. Allah the almighty says about the importance of the media and the publication:... [Quranic verse: So, obey not the unbelievers, but struggle with them thereby mightily]. This verse was revealed in Mecca and the purpose of it was the media and to call to jihad and Allah's way and to remove doubts and the protection of the religion's values, principles, and foundations and goodness that have been given to this Ummah.
"We are proud members of the International Union of Muslim Scholars, an esteemed organization encompassing a remarkable 100,000 Islamic religious scholars from various communities within the Ummah. Despite differing opinions, we stand united on fundamental principles and values. All praise be to Allah. It is essential to highlight that our union wholeheartedly celebrated the triumph of our Afghan brethren against the invading forces. This is not an ordinary occurrence, as repelling invaders is an obligatory duty. Our brothers fulfilled this duty with unwavering commitment, and we ask for Allah's blessings upon them. Undoubtedly, Muslim scholars worldwide joined in welcoming this victory and success.
"Many of us even humbled ourselves in prostration, expressing our gratitude to Allah. This victory is a tremendous blessing, surpassing expectations. Our leaders anticipated victory, but its rapid arrival was beyond imagination [i.e., the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021]. It is indeed Allah who made this victory attainable and bless and honor our courageous mujahidin brothers. There are two reasons behind this love: The first reason is the imperative duty of expelling and defeating occupiers, whether they be Americans, Russians, or British. Expelling them from the Islamic nation is a legitimate obligation that we uphold.
"The second reason lies in the establishment and application of the Islamic system and state along with our unwavering dedication to adhering to shari'a and embracing its principles. This is, undoubtedly, a remarkable blessing for which both scholars and all Muslims should express gratitude to Allah the almighty. Undeniably, it is our collective responsibility, with the aid of Allah, to implement shari'a in a manner that transforms Afghanistan into a model and sets an exemplary standard for others in every facet of life."
"We Have Made Special Efforts Through Our Association With Turkey And President [Recep Tayyip] Erdoğan To Pave The Way For Re-Establishing The Relationship Between Afghanistan And Turkey"; "We Spare No Effort In Our Endeavors To Enhance Relations Between The [Taliban] Islamic Government In Afghanistan And Qatar"
Interviewer: "As an esteemed Islamic organization that holds a religious perspective on the Islamic Ummah and the global community, what is the role of the International Union of Scholars in satisfying the Islamic countries and the OIC to interact with the Islamic Emirate and recognizes the Afghan government?"
Ali Al-Qaradaghi: "Ever since the triumphant victory of our Afghan brothers, we have been diligently working by the grace of Allah the almighty. We have established cooperation with the Political Office of the Islamic Emirate in Qatar from its inception. We have actively participated in discussions regarding the quality and manner of negotiations. Notably, we have had meetings with the leaders of the Islamic Emirate, particularly [the Taliban negotiator] Sheikh Abdul Hakim, where we provided advice on negotiation matters.
"Following the glorious success and divine triumph, we have been steadfast in our efforts to foster connections between the Islamic government and other Islamic nations, especially those countries that adhere to shari'a law and prioritize Islamic methodologies and policies. Our relationships with our Qatari brothers have been strengthened and I bear witness that the country of Qatar, led by its esteemed Emir [Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani] and the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani played a significant role in supporting the Islamic Emirate during these negotiations [leading to the signing of Doha Agreement in February 2020].
"We have made special efforts through our association with Turkey and President [Recep Tayyip] Erdoğan to pave the way for re-establishing the relationship between Afghanistan and Turkey. Unfortunately, Turkey's involvement in NATO in Afghanistan with around 500 soldiers, drew criticism from our Taliban brothers. However, after explaining the situation to [Amir Khan] Muttaqi Sahib, [the Afghan Taliban's] Minister of Foreign Affairs, who was then Minister of Foreign Affairs, and he promptly sent an official invitation, and a special plane was arranged [to discuss and resolve the differences]. With the help of Allah, this relationship was successfully established, and we will continue to work toward strengthening the ties between Turkey and Afghanistan after this visit.
"Furthermore, we spare no effort in our endeavors to enhance relations between the [Taliban] Islamic government in Afghanistan and Qatar as well as with Malaysia and Indonesia. We are aware of some current challenges in the Afghan embassy in Kuwait and we will do our utmost to resolve these issues. Similar efforts are being made in Oman and Iraq as we are fully committed to serving the Islamic Emirate and ensuring it receives its rightful place and breaks free from isolation. With the assistance of Allah, we believe that stability and strength will be established in Afghanistan, and we remain dedicated to this mission."
"If Daesh [ISIS] Claims To Be Striving For An Islamic Caliphate, Then Today Afghanistan Is Implementing The Shari'a Of Allah; What More Could They Possibly Desire?"
Interviewer: "After a span of four decades, a significant milestone has been achieved with the Islamic Emirate gaining control over the entirety of Afghanistan and successfully ensuring a considerable level of security. In the light of this development, is it within the realm of possibility for the Ulema Union [IUMS] to engage in crucial discussions with Islamic nations to secure official recognition for the Islamic governing system in Afghanistan?"
Ali Al-Qaradaghi: "The concise response is: Yes, indeed! The reason behind this affirmation lies in our direct observation of the guaranteed security in Afghanistan. We express our gratitude to Allah the almighty for this achievement. We have heard from the [Afghan Taliban's] prime minister, his deputy, the minister of foreign affairs, and other ministers about the successful elimination of Daesh [ISIS], a group that perpetrated bombings in violation of all religious, legal, and human values. As the Ulama Union, we have issued shari'a statements denouncing Daesh and affirming that they have no affiliation with Islam.
"If Daesh claims to be striving for an Islamic caliphate, then today Afghanistan is implementing the shari'a of Allah. What more could they possibly desire? Therefore, we firmly state that apart from the misled youth of Daesh it is apparent that many of its leaders either due to ignorance or subservience, pursue foreign policies that serve the interests of Zionists, Americans, and other foreign entities. The attacks carried out by Daesh in Afghanistan have made it evident that they have severed any religious connection. We sincerely thank Allah for this significant achievement, which marks a substantial step forward.
"Another crucial aspect is the social dimension, particularly addressing the issue of drug addiction. Currently, there are approximately three-to-four million drug addicts in Afghanistan with a significant portion having already received treatment. We have come across distressing videos showcasing the lives of addicts in Kabul highlighting the dire circumstances they faced under the previous government and occupation. Therefore. it is imperative to prioritize the treatment of these individuals and continue this ongoing process.
"In addition, there is a focus on implementing various economic projects. Undoubtedly, the Islamic Emirate has inherited a substantial burden but amidst this weight, there have been notable achievements. It is our endeavor to present an accurate portrayal and emphasize that the notion of Afghanistan being unsafe is unfounded.
"In fact, compared to numerous other countries, Afghanistan now stands as a relatively secure nation. As Allah the almighty states... They have successfully established religious harmony and widespread social security. With their dedicated efforts and the assistance of sincere allies and governments, economic stability will also be achieved, by the will of God. According to shari'a, it is our duty to support them in maintaining security.
"It is unrealistic to expect any country to rapidly reach the pinnacle of development within a short span of one or two years. This is a legitimate aspiration of the Islamic Ummah and thus we are diligently working toward this objective. We implore Allah to grant us success in serving our brothers as it is an essential obligation for us. Our actions are not driven by favoritism or personal vows."
"The State Of Israel Is Under The Control Of A Fundamentalist And Terrorist Regime – They Exhibit Acts Of Terrorism In Every Aspect, Yet They Continue To Receive Official Recognition From The International Community"
Interviewer: "While Western perspectives may vary regarding the legitimacy of systems and governments, Islam offers a distinct and unequivocal viewpoint on power and governance. In the light of this, considering the significant role played by a prominent religious organization within the Islamic Ummah what is the vision of the International Union of Muslim Scholars and what is their appeal to the global community regarding the official recognition of the Afghan government? Furthermore. is it feasible to present this matter to Islamic states and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) based on a shari'a perspective rather than a purely political one?"
Ali Al-Qaradaghi: "The Western perspective is entirely disregarded in this matter. The ideology and values propagated by the West revolved around human rights, women's rights, children's rights, health, and humanitarian organizations. However, the recent tragic events in Gaza, including the brutal Zionist war... [the propaganda and] unwavering support of the American and numerous Western governments and regimes, their unwavering support for the Israeli occupying regime and their complicity in these heinous crimes have shattered their claims.
"The current count of martyrs, missing individuals, and wounded stands at approximately 60,000, and this number may have increased to over 65,000 by now. Shockingly, two thirds of these casualties, totalling around 40,000 consist of innocent children and women. So, where are the supposed rights of women? Where are their rights to life?
"While they speak of women's rights in Afghanistan the women in Gaza are deprived of their fundamental right to life; they have been killed along with these innocent children. It is truly astonishing that the U.S. Secretary of State recently stated that Israel is merely defending itself and does not intend to kill civilians! Shari'a courts have suffered destruction, with up to 300 mosques being demolished. Churches, hospitals, and homes are being exploited as a means to shame Western nations and divert attention from discussions on human rights women's rights, and children's rights.
"Furthermore, from a legal standpoint, the establishment of a state entails the provision of security and protection for its citizens, masses, and residents. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, in its pursuit of implementing shari'a law, has strived to fulfil these responsibilities. Their actions have been driven by the will of the people establishing a connection between them and the populace. Therefore, it would be incorrect to not recognize them as an official entity based on legal considerations.
The IUMS delegation with Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amin Khan Muttaqi
"At present, the state of Israel is under the control of a fundamentalist and terrorist regime. They exhibit acts of terrorism in every aspect, yet they continue to receive official recognition from the international community. As a result, their proclamations and assertions are rendered invalid particularly in the light of the tragic events in Gaza and even prior to this catastrophe. It is therefore imperative to confer official recognition upon a government [led by the Taliban] that truly deserves it.
"From an Islamic perspective, a state is deemed legitimate when it ensures security, upholds the laws of Allah with justice and fairness, and allows for open dialogue, debate, and expression of opinions. This is the Islamic concept of a state. And it is crucial to grant it official recognition. While it may not be feasible to delve into all the underlying principles here we strive to engage in discussions and debates with states that are receptive to our viewpoints, maintaining good relations with them.
"Through reasoned arguments, we aim to explain why it is imperative for Islamic states to formally recognize the Islamic Emirate. In general, there are shared shari'a conditions that can serve as a common ground. Undoubtedly, there may arise some challenges and difficulties but over time, they can be resolved. We are committed to engaging in productive discussions, and with the help of Allah, we hope to achieve positive outcomes."
"Western Propaganda, And Unfortunately The Western Media, Have Long Been Influenced By Zionist Forces; During The Onset Of The Gaza Tragedy, These Media Outlets Spread False Narratives About Our Brave Mujahideen In Palestine And Gaza"
Interviewer: "How many times have you met with the leaders of the Islamic Emirate and have had close discussions with them on all ordinary and sensitive topics? How reliable is the Western propaganda surrounding the Islamic Emirate? Moreover, what role can the International Union of Muslim Scholars play in rectifying and dispelling the erroneous image and misconceptions propagated by the Western media regarding the Islamic Emirate both globally and particularly in Western countries?"
Ali Al-Qaradaghi: "Western propaganda, and unfortunately the Western media, have long been influenced by Zionist forces. During the onset of the Gaza tragedy, these media outlets spread false narratives about our brave mujahideen in Palestine and Gaza. They fabricated numerous lies. All praise be to Allah, these falsehoods were quickly exposed and discredited. They claimed that our fighters were beheading children, but they failed to provide any evidence. They accused them of killing women, yet no substantiation was provided.
"On the contrary, our fighters treated prisoners with dignity, to the extent that even Israeli captives acknowledged their humane treatment. Western propaganda has been debunked, as it relies on illusions and deceit that will ultimately fail. Western powers have closely monitored Afghanistan since the triumph and establishment of the Islamic Emirate aiming to distort their image through media channels. To counter this, it is crucial to develop a robust media presence particularly in Arabic and English languages and establish relationships with influential platforms such as Al-Jazeera and others. We should not neglect the significance of effective [television] channels in languages like Pashtu, Farsi, and Urdu.
"Therefore, their propaganda and claims remain unverified and inaccurate. When our [Afghan Taliban] brothers entered the cities during the conquest [of August 2021], we witnessed their magnanimity toward those who were part of the previous regime. The presence of former leader [former President Hamid] Karzai is a clear example of this leniency as everyone who remained has been granted amnesty. It demonstrates that our brothers did not resort to excessive measures or oppression against their opponents.
"However, any stable system requires the establishment of principles, rules, and laws to ensure security. Western propaganda continues to be influential, but just like previous failures it will eventually crumble and be rendered invalid by the grace of Allah. It is our collective effort, along with the endeavors of the Islamic Emirate in various media domains, that will be instrumental in dismantling these propagandas exposing the corrupt individuals and revealing the truth. We believe that Allah will destroy falsehood, but it requires great efforts and efforts from all of us."
"Based On These [United Nations] Laws, States Should Officially Recognize Afghanistan"; "States That Implemented Fundamentalist Communist Ideologies Were Recognized By The United Nations And Other Countries; However, When It Comes To Islam And Muslims, A Double Standard Seems To Prevail"
Interviewer: "Is the jurisprudential view of a regime or a certain member of the international community the reason why the whole nation or country can be deprived of political, economic and social rights? What is the role of the IUMS in eliminating this to convince Islamic countries and organizations to interact with the Islamic Emirate?"
Ali Al-Qaradaghi: "According to the laws and charter of the United Nations, diplomatic relations, economic cooperation, and official recognition are not contingent upon ideology or religion. These laws do not bind political relations to specific beliefs or religious system. Therefore, based on these laws, states should officially recognize Afghanistan. The current government possesses all the essential elements of a functioning state. However, the distinguishing factor is that this government implements shari'a law, which is its right to do so under the notion of religious freedom. Freedom, as claimed by the United Nations, encompasses the protection of such freedoms.
"It is worth noting that in the past, states that implemented fundamentalist communist ideologies were recognized by the United Nations and other countries. However, when it comes to Islam and Muslims, a double standard seems to prevail. Hence, I believe that international laws and the United Nations do not possess the authority to interfere with matters related to Islam. This is why the West appears to be hypocritical. Therefore, it is imperative for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Islamic countries to present evidence and arguments within the United Nations as to why they have not officially recognized the Islamic Emirate.
"This is a crucial matter that, in my opinion, can be achieved through discussions and negotiations, by the will of Allah. Let us engage in an interactive dialogue. As members of the Ulama Union [IUMS] our primary concern lies with upholding the principles and fundamentals of Islam. While certain aspects of Islamic jurisprudence allow for flexibility and interpretation through ijtihad [decision-making through reasoning and consensus]. There are also immutable arguments that cannot be altered."
On Pragmatism In Islam – "During The Treaty Of Hudaibiya, The Messenger Of Allah... [Muhammad] Agreed To A Clause Stating That If Anyone From The Enemy Camp Embraced Islam, They Would Be Sent Back To Their People"
"However, there are certain matters where ijtihad[3] can be employed. In this regard, I would like to provide two or three examples which I consider significant. The first example: During the time of [second Islamic caliph] Umar bin Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) he requested permission from the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace) to execute Abdullah bin Abi bin Salul, the leader of the hypocrites. This individual caused great harm to the Messenger of Allah... even spreading false accusations about his wife and uttering derogatory remarks about the Messenger of Allah.
"However, the Messenger of Allah denied Umar's request, as it could have been used by detractors to spread propaganda claiming that Muhammad kills his own companions. This demonstrates the need to safeguard oneself from media propaganda. Therefore, if a state takes precautions against media propaganda, it should not be seen as a flaw, but rather as a wise approach.
"Secondly, there are instances where certain actions may appear as concessions on the surface but are not true concessions. For example, during the Battles of Ahzab and Khandaq, the Messenger of Allah... requested the people of Medina (Ansar) to contribute a portion of their fruits to the Banu Ghatfan tribe. This gesture aimed to create confusion and disunity among the coalition of opposing forces. However, this action was not a genuine concession, as it had political implications rather than being related to the principles and beliefs of the religion. Likewise, during the Treaty of Hudaibiya, the Messenger of Allah peace be upon him agreed to a clause stating that if anyone from the enemy camp embraced Islam, they would be sent back to their people. However, if anyone renounced Islam they would not be returned.
"Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) was initially displeased with this clause. However, Allah declared victory over this action with the verse. This was because the Messenger of Allah and the Islamic State [of Medina] were able to make an agreement and transition from conflict to calling people to the path of Allah. Initially, there were only around 1,500 companions on this journey but within two years, when they conquered Mecca, their numbers had grown to around 10,000 fighters. Therefore, peace is always in our favor, and engaging in war should be avoided whenever possible."
Interviewer: "The establishment of an Islamic system is a religious demand and a hope for Islamic security in general and the Islamic Emirate turned this hope into reality in the country [Afghanistan] where you came and many other scholars visited. In the light of this, what role and responsibilities do you believe the Islamic organizations and movements have in relation to the state that has been founded [by the Afghan Taliban] on Islamic principles?"
Ali Al-Qaradaghi: "As I mentioned earlier, the International Union of Muslim Scholars along with moderate Islamic movements such as the Muslim Brotherhood as well as moderate Salafis and Sufis, are all united under the umbrella of the International Islamic Union of Scholars.
"According to our information, all or most of them have expressed their joy and gratitude to Allah for the victory of the Islamic Emirate. They undoubtedly share the ambition that this state will, Allah willing, serve as a positive example and provide assistance in various aspects and areas, be it security, economy, knowledge, innovation, media, and more.
"Naturally, there is a need for discussions, debates, consultations, and the establishment of laws that clearly outline the rights and responsibilities of the people. When this government is founded upon justice and promotes dialogue and cooperation among nations based on equality in rights and obligations, significant progress can be made in these areas. In doing so, I firmly believe that this state [of Afghanistan] will become a source of pride and inspiration for others, and Muslims worldwide will rejoice in its existence. We are truly grateful for this blessing and pray to Allah the almighty to sustain and strengthen it, resolve any issues or shortcomings, and fortify the foundations of this exemplary government..."
[1] MEMRI Daily Brief No. 554, Qatar-Funded International Union Of Muslim Scholars (IUMS) Delegation Meets With Taliban Ministers In Kabul: 'The Islamic Emirate's Mujahideen Achieved Success Against The World's Great Powers – Similarly The Palestinians, With Their Strong Will, Will Definitely Win This War' Against Israel, December 13, 2023.
[2] Twitter.com/HurriyaAR, December 12, 2023; Youtube.com/watch?v=RrzVM3jd2Ak, December 12, 2023.
[3] Ijtihad is independent reasoning by scholar well versed in shari'a.
