Rejecting Islamic Laws Without Understanding Is a Sign of Arrogance: Taliban

Kabul: In response to global criticism of their recent moral laws, Taliban officials have stated that rejecting Islamic laws without understanding them is a sign of “arrogance.”

Under the 35-article laws announced by the Ministry of Justice, women are instructed to cover themselves completely and refrain from raising their voices in public. Other regulations also restrict women’s movement and behavior.

The laws impose restrictions on men’s attire, participation in prayers, as well as bans on displaying images of living beings, homosexuality, animal fights, and playing music in public places.

The United Nations, human rights organizations, and Afghan citizens have expressed concern that these laws will lead to stricter enforcement of lifestyle and behavioral norms. While these laws have been informally in place since the Taliban’s rise to power, they are now formally codified.

Chief spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that these laws are “based on Islamic teachings” and should be understood and respected. He said, “Rejecting these laws without understanding is, in our view, an expression of arrogance.” Additionally, “Criticizing this law can weaken a Muslim’s faith.”

The European Union expressed its “surprise” at the decree, which imposes further severe restrictions on Afghan citizens’ lives. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell called it “another serious blow to the rights of Afghan women and girls, which is unacceptable.”

Borrell appealed to the Taliban to end the “systematic oppression” of Afghan women and girls and warned that this could amount to gender-based violence, a crime against humanity under international law.

The Taliban government has consistently rejected international criticism of its policies, especially those imposing restrictions on women, which the UN has deemed a “human rights violation.”

Under the new law, penalties for non-compliance include fines and various prison terms. The enforcement of these laws will be under the Ministry of Vice and Virtue.

Zabihullah Mujahid dismissed concerns about the implementation of the law, stating that “no one’s rights will be violated and no injustice will occur.”

Earlier, deputy government spokesperson Hamdullah Furat stated that these laws would be implemented “softly” through consultation and guidance.

The Taliban government recently announced that the police will play a more active role in enforcing Islamic law. A UN report released in July accused the Taliban of creating an “atmosphere of fear.”

Rosa Otunbayeva, head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, described the law as a “worrisome scenario for Afghanistan’s future,” where moral inspectors have broad and sometimes excessive powers to threaten and detain individuals for violations.

Statements from the UN and the EU warned that this law could affect the prospects for engagement with the international community.

No state has yet recognized the Taliban government, but recently, they have increased diplomatic activities, including participation in UN-hosted negotiations on Afghanistan in Qatar.

Zabihullah Mujahid asserted that the concerns raised by various quarters will not undermine the Islamic Emirate’s resolve to implement Sharia law.