Taliban Distort Islam to Restrict Civic Space in Afghanistan – Study
Michael Hughes
April 20, 2024
The Taliban’s archaic interpretation of Sharia has been a useful tool in crushing civil society despite the fact such discourse is in line with Islamic principles, a new research report from the Raoul Wallenberg Institute argued, as the radicals in Kabul look to eradicate opposing voices from the country.
The study by researcher M. Abul Ahrar Ramizpoor comes as the Taliban escalate crack downs on members of civil society in recent months, particularly targeting journalists. As part of the process the Taliban have often used religion to justify their actions. Ramizpoor explores the mindset behind this attitude and action toward civic space.
The Taliban’s religious narrative and Islamic governance system has roots in thoughts and theories that are centuries old. The Taliban’s doctrine, according to the study, is codified in a 312-page book entitled “Islamic Emirate and its system,” which was published in 2022.
The book was authored by Abdul Hakeem Haqqani, a graduate of the Deobandi Haqqania madrasas in Pakistan, who is currently the Taliban’s de facto chief of justice. The framework of the book is allegedly drawn from classic Islamic texts of Hanafi jurisprudence. In the study, Ramizpoor illustrates the influence of this conservative radical actor and his texts and deep held belief system.
And what practically speaking are some of these core beliefs that underpin the Taliban’s draconian policies toward civil society?
The Taliban, Ramizpoor explained, believe civil society organizations and political parties are Western phenomena that must be removed from Afghan society. The Taliban claim the presence of political parties is contrary to the Qur’an “as these entities divide and disunite Muslim societies.” Moreover, the Taliban argue, there is no need for such groups when peace has been established, the democratic system no longer exists, “and people’s rights have been ensured.”
When it comes to “freedom of expression” the Taliban view is, unsurprisingly, quite narrow.
“From their [Taliban] perspective, women should remain at home as their presence in society leads to immorality, freedom of expression is limited to promoting virtue and preventing vice, and people do not have the right to criticize or protest against the Islamic Emirate,” Ramizpoor said.
If The Taliban so oppose such organizations, the next question is, well, why don’t they shut down all of them? This explanation of course makes perfect sense.
“One reason for the continuation of these organizations is related to economic issues, as they contribute to Afghanistan’s weak economic cycle using funds from foreign donors. Some national organizations have also shifted towards surveying and distributing humanitarian aid, possibly explaining why the Taliban’s de facto government is not immediately interested in their removal,” the report said.
NO BASIS IN ISLAMIC PRINCIPLES
Ramizpoor goes to great lengths to underscore that the Taliban’s policies are not in alignment with what many scholars believe are Islamic principles.
“Civil society is not a phenomenon contrary to religion,” Ramizpoor wrote. “The components of civic space, namely freedom of expression, the right to establish associations, and the launch of peaceful assemblies, do not contradict Islamic guidance.”
Through research and interviews with Islamic scholars and civil activists, Ramizpoor added, it became evident that the restrictions imposed by the Taliban “have no basis in Islamic principles.” The Taliban’s narrow perspective has them relying on outdated rulings that shape stances on modern science education, women’s education, civic activities, and international human rights laws.
The Taliban often base their decrees on fatwas and rulings of ijtihad from several centuries ago, which are perceived as incompatible with contemporary conditions and advancements, the study said. This point is echoed by civil society leader Najiba Ayoubi, currently in exile after the fall of Kabul.
“The opposition of superficial scholars [Taliban], whose understanding of religion and jurisprudence is solely based on old fatwas, has narrowed the scope of Islam for the people… There is a crucial need to revisit jurisprudence,” Ayoubi said as quoted in the study.
Ramizpoor in an interesting side note explains how some previous hardcore ideas about Islamic jurisprudence were never implemented. It took the Taliban to turn them into reality.
“One of the key distinctions in terms of applicability between previous ideas of Islamic jurisprudence and the Taliban’s ideology is that while previous Islamic Jurisprudence remained only in the pages of books, the Taliban applied the practical example of an Islamic governance system within the specific geographic context of Afghanistan,” Ramizpoor said.
One of Ramizpoor’s recommendations is that Islamic scholars revamp old theories that help support the Taliban narrative.
“Many of these theories are the product of their jurisprudential interpretations, and since these interpretations have not been updated, there is a need to review and reconsider these old readings with due consideration to the complexities of today’s interactions and relations, while also considering the spirit and purposes of Islamic law,” Ramizpoor said.