Political activist Habib Hekmatyar, in a recently published statement, strongly criticized the Taliban’s religious practices, educational policies, and style of governance.
He claimed that the current ruling system is under the influence of a limited number of individuals who, according to him, have shifted religious values away from their core substance toward secondary and outward issues. He stated that in such an approach, the fundamental principles of justice, consultation (shura), and the people’s right to determine their own destiny have been neglected.
Habib Hekmatyar also argued regarding acts of worship and outward appearances that, according to Islamic texts, certain traditional customs such as some forms of head covering are not considered essential conditions for obligatory acts of worship. He emphasized that religion should not be mixed with cultural habits.
The statement also referred to educational restrictions, saying that some children and students are being deprived of education because they do not fulfill certain outward religious requirements. In his view, such measures contradict the true spirit of religion and the value of education.
He further mentioned the spread of certain social practices such as amulets, spiritual services, and some traditional customs, stating that such conditions weaken the true message of religion.
In conclusion, Habib Hekmatyar prayed for reforms and improvements in the social and political situation and stressed that the fundamental standards of the Holy Quran should be taken into consideration when evaluating religious matters.
Writer:Saee Sameer
