Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada delivered a solemn message of unity and adherence to Islamic principles during a sermon marking the festival of Eid al-Adha in southern Kandahar province. His speech comes at a critical juncture for Afghanistan, grappling with humanitarian crises and facing international isolation.
Addressing Afghans amidst ongoing turmoil, Akhundzada cautioned against pursuing worldly gains amid the country’s challenges, emphasizing the importance of Islamic values and unity among Muslims. He lamented internal divisions and urged Taliban officials to heed the counsel of religious scholars, urging humility and adherence to Islamic law.
“We were created to worship Allah and not to earn money or gain worldly honour,” Akhundzada asserted, underscoring the Taliban’s commitment to implementing their interpretation of Islamic governance despite internal dissent and external pressures.
The supreme leader’s remarks also come ahead of pivotal UN-hosted talks in Doha, Qatar, where a Taliban delegation seeks to engage with international stakeholders amidst efforts to address Afghanistan’s future. His call for unity is seen as an attempt to quell internal dissent and project a unified front amid reported tensions between hardliners and moderates within the Taliban ranks.
Critics, however, including Pakistani journalist Ahmed Rashid and Michael Kugelman of the Wilson Centre, suggest Akhundzada’s appeal for unity may be a response to growing internal challenges and a bid to maintain control amid broader socio-economic issues plaguing Afghanistan.
Rashid commented, “Akhundzada’s appeals for unity were a sign of desperation,” highlighting the supreme leader’s reluctance to address critical issues such as unemployment and economic development facing Afghans.
Kugelman questioned the broader audience of Akhundzada’s message, noting, “The supreme leader looks to command respect beyond Afghanistan’s borders,” hinting at potential strategic aims to resonate within the global Muslim community.
Public dissent over Taliban policies remains rare, with protests swiftly suppressed. The Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islamic law has been a focal point of international criticism, particularly regarding women’s rights and education.