Category Archives: Muslims and Islam
Hazara Leader Accuses Taliban Of Escalating Pressure On Shia Community in Afghanistan
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
Afghanistan: Shiite and other minorities living in fear
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
Taliban Block Shia Eid al-Fitr Prayers In Parts Of Kabul, Say Sources
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
Afghanistan to observe Eid al-Fitr on Thursday following moon sighting
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
Rising food prices deepen hardship in Afghanistan as Ramadan begins
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
Saudi Arabia confirms first day of Ramadan
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
Ramadan Likely to Begin Thursday in Arab Countries
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).
Pakistan Ulema Council Calls Taliban Penal Code ‘Un-Islamic’
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
Taliban Offer Incentives For Ismailis To Convert To Sunni Islam
Afghanistan International: According to a document obtained by Afghanistan International, the Taliban’s Council of Clerics in Badakhshan has offered financial rewards and security guarantees to Ismaili Muslims who convert to Sunni Islam. Sources say conversions are being enforced through threats and intimidation. The document shows that the Taliban clerics’ council in Badakhshan has drawn up