Taliban’s Nasheeds Rediscover Old Indian Melodies Despite Strict Music Ban

An investigation by Amu TV has uncovered that the Taliban in Afghanistan are incorporating melodies from Afghan and Indian music into their newly released nasheeds. Nasheeds are a form of Islamic vocal music, often performed a cappella or with minimal instrumentation, akin to hymns.

The investigation, which involved an anonymous music expert from Afghanistan, analyzed six recent nasheeds broadcast by Taliban-controlled media. Findings reveal that several nasheeds are direct adaptations of existing songs. For instance, the nasheed “Qurban Le Emirate” (Love for the Emirate) draws from a melody originally performed by Afghan singer Naghma and includes elements from Waheed Qasimi’s patriotic song “Ey Zama Watana” (Oh My Homeland).

This revelation is notable given the Taliban’s strict ban on music, including national anthems and patriotic songs, imposed after they seized control of Kabul in August 2021. The ban was part of a broader effort to replace all forms of music with nasheeds, in line with the Taliban’s interpretation of Islamic Sharia Law.

The group expanded its media presence in August 2022 with a dedicated social media account named “Taranum” on X, which focuses on broadcasting these nasheeds. The term “taranum” itself reflects a blend of musical elements. According to journalist Haroon Majidi, this practice, rooted in the musical traditions of Peshawar and influenced by Haqqani madrassas in Pakistan, is used to promote the Taliban’s extremist ideology and has no place in Afghanistan’s cultural heritage.

Despite the music ban, the Taliban continues to use these adapted nasheeds to propagate their ideology and enhance the atmosphere at their events and gatherings.