Afghanistan International: Ayatollah Waezzada Behsudi, a prominent and senior Shia emulation and cleric, says Taliban pressure on followers of the Ja’fari school has steadily increased over the past five years, adding that people approach religious scholars in tears to complain about mounting restrictions. Speaking during Eid al-Adha prayers, Behsudi said that despite the Taliban’s claims
Afghanistan International: Mohammad Mohaqiq, leader of the People’s Islamic Unity Party of Afghanistan, said the Taliban have stripped the Jaafari jurisprudence of official recognition and imposed widespread pressure on the religious practices of Shia Muslims. In a post on Facebook, Mohaqiq said the measures included insults, beatings of Shia clerics and interference in matters related
DW: An attack on a Shiite place of worship in Herat killed least 11 people. While the Taliban have pledged protection, a sense of structural vulnerability is growing within the Shiite community. “The Taliban’s ultra-conservative Sunni interpretation of Islam labels Shiite Muslims as heretics. This characterization contributes to their vulnerability and increases their exposure to
Afghanistan International: Local sources told Afghanistan International that the Taliban prevented Shia Muslims from holding Eid al-Fitr prayers in some areas of Kabul. According to the sources, most Shia Muslims observed Eid on Saturday, but Taliban forces were deployed at the entrances of Shia mosques, including in western Kabul, to block the prayers. Click here
AA: Afghanistan announced Wednesday that the moon has been sighted and the Eid al-Fitr holiday to mark the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramada will be observed Thursday. Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the Supreme Court of Afghanistan has officially declared Thursday as the first day of Eid al-Fitr. Click here to read
Amu: As Ramadan begins, rising food prices across Afghanistan are fueling fresh anxiety among families already strained by economic hardship, particularly in the country’s southern provinces. Residents say the cost of basic staples has climbed sharply in recent weeks, making it increasingly difficult to prepare meals for the holy month, when families traditionally gather at
Gulf News: Saudi Arabia announced the sighting of the crescent moon. Thus, tomorrow [Wednesday, February 18, 2026] will be the first day of Ramadan. Click here to read more (external link). More Saudi Arabia, Taliban announce Wednesday as first day of Ramadan Afghanistan welcomes Ramazan; authorities emphasize security and support for citizens
Khaama: Ramadan is expected to begin Thursday across several Arab states, pending crescent moon sighting that determines start of Islamic fasting month globally. In Saudi Arabia and many Muslim-majority countries, the start of Ramadan is officially determined through verified sightings of the new moon after sunset. Click here to read more (external link).
Afghanistan International: In a statement issued Sunday, January 25, the council said it does not consider the Taliban administration’s penal code to be consistent with Islamic principles, adding that parts of it resemble what it described as Hindu teachings. The council also criticised what it described as the division of society into “slaves” and “free