Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban’s supreme leader, says students should study both religious and modern sciences so that, in his words, they have the ability to defend their religion against the “enemy.”
The Taliban’s Ministry of Higher Education said on Thursday (22 Asad) that a message from Hibatullah Akhundzada was read at a graduation ceremony for a number of students at Kabul Education University.
In his message, Akhundzada said that religious sciences are superior to other fields of knowledge, while also describing modern and secular education as a necessity for society. He emphasized that the purpose of studying both religious and modern sciences is not merely to meet personal needs, but also to strengthen the capabilities of the Islamic community so that it can safeguard its security and, when necessary, defend its religion against the “enemy.”
The Taliban leader called on teachers to exercise patience, perseverance, integrity, guidance, compassion, and kindness in educating students, and to treat them as they would their own children. He also said teachers should serve as practical role models for their students through their words and actions, and should base their teaching on research and study.
Meanwhile, Nida Mohammad Nadim, the Taliban’s Minister of Higher Education, urged graduates to continue their studies. He said that those who possess knowledge and those who do not are not equal.
Nadim added that the Taliban government has high expectations of the graduates to serve the system, the country, and the people. He urged them not to be misled by those who encourage them to leave the country, but instead to continue their education and work in Afghanistan.
Following the Taliban’s return to power and its ban on higher education for women, female students were also absent from the graduation ceremony.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
