Reflections on Women’s Rights: Taliban Governor Claims Freedom Under Sharia in Afghanistan

Abdullah Sarhadi, the governor of the Taliban group in Bamiyan province, has claimed that women in Afghanistan enjoy legitimate freedom under the current regime, which is defined within the framework of Islamic Sharia…

Statements at the Graduation Ceremony of Girls from Darul Uloom Ittifaq Bamiyan

The Bamiyan provincial media office stated that Abdullah Sarhadi made these remarks at the graduation ceremony of several girls from Darul Uloom Ittifaq in Bamiyan city.

Criticism of Foreign Cultures and Emphasis on Taliban System

The Taliban governor stated that for decades, foreign cultures contrary to Islamic values have been imposed on the Muslim community of Afghanistan by occupiers, particularly affecting women. According to him, with the rise of the Taliban regime, the ground for the implementation of Islamic rulings has been established, and women are now benefiting from legitimate freedom within the framework of Sharia.

Emphasis on Women’s Status in Islam

Sarhadi, referencing the status of women in the Holy Quran and the prophetic tradition, said that women hold a high status in Islam, and the Taliban government is committed to preserving this status and ensuring their Sharia rights.

Hijab and Education; Two Concurrent Values for Muslim Women

The Bamiyan governor concluded by stating that education and hijab are two essential and complementary values for Muslim women, and women should pursue their education and serve the community while adhering to hijab. These statements come at a time when the Taliban officials have imposed extensive restrictions on women in Afghanistan since the group’s return to power in August 2021. The Taliban has limited or banned many fundamental rights of women, including the right to secondary and higher education, employment in public and private sectors, presence in public places, and social activities. International organizations have repeatedly described these actions as a blatant violation of human rights and a systematic elimination of women from society.