New Order by Hibatullah Akhundzada: Taliban Employees Required to Grow Beards and Wear Turbans and Caps.
A copy of an order issued by Hibatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban’s leader, has been released. According to the order, all government employees under the group’s control are required to grow beards and wear turbans and caps. The order provides for penalties against those who fail to comply with the specified directives, including suspension of salary, suspension from duty, demotion, and ultimately dismissal from employment.
Under the directive, all Taliban government employees are also required to perform their prayers in congregation and attend religious lessons conducted by the group’s officials responsible for the promotion of virtue and prevention of vice. The order emphasizes that religious teachings associated with Sunni Islam and the Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah should be taught to employees on an ongoing basis.
The order was issued after Hibatullah Akhundzada received a report from the Taliban’s Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice concerning the implementation of the group’s law. His letter states that there have been complaints about the law not being properly enforced and that the report submitted by the Taliban’s Administrative Office also contained shortcomings and deficiencies.
The new order issued by Hibatullah Akhundzada consists of six articles and emphasizes the mandatory implementation of the specified directives. The first article states that employees whose conduct or appearance is deemed contrary to Sharia should be dealt with in accordance with Order No. 354, dated 15/5/1446 AH, and that penalties including suspension of salary, suspension from duty, demotion, and dismissal should be imposed on them.
Under the second article, Taliban government employees are required to perform their prayers, and instructions have been issued for them to receive the necessary training on prayer. The order also states that the book Aqidah Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah and the treatise The Impact of Obedience on the Consolidation of the Sharia-Based System should be taught continuously to all employees.
The directive also makes no mention of religious freedom for citizens, particularly followers of Shia Islam, while emphasizing the teaching of Sunni religious doctrines to employees. According to the text of the order, these lessons must continue on an ongoing basis, and employees must participate in religious programs designated by Taliban institutions.
The directive does not apply only to employees inside Afghanistan; staff members of Taliban political missions and embassies abroad are also required to comply with it. The order emphasizes that all individuals covered by the directive must follow the specified regulations and that those who fail to comply will face the prescribed penalties.
Part of the letter states: “In accordance with the decree on the observance of prayer, all employees should be provided with the necessary instruction on prayer. The book Aqidah Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah and the treatise The Impact of Obedience on the Consolidation of the Sharia-Based System should also be taught continuously.”
Writer:Salima Aryaei
