Afghanistan

Afghanistan: Taliban on the Righteous Path (Perspective Analysis)

1. Context of Afghanistan’s Turmoil

• Afghanistan has been invaded, occupied, and used as a battleground for proxy wars for over 40 years (Soviet invasion, civil war, US/NATO occupation).

• From this lens, many Afghans see the Taliban as defenders of Islam and Afghan sovereignty, who expelled foreign forces and restored order after decades of chaos.

• The Taliban claim they are mujahideen (fighters in the path of Allah) fulfilling their religious duty to implement Shariah after decades of corrupt and Western-backed governance.

2. Taliban’s “Righteous” Vision

1. Sharia Governance

   • Taliban insist that Islamic law (Shariah) is superior to secular or Western models.

   • Their decrees on dress code, gender segregation, and criminal punishments are derived from Hanafi jurisprudence, which they consider a divine mandate.

   • They argue their policies aim to preserve morality, family structure, and Islamic identity in the face of Western influence.

2. Restoring Afghan Sovereignty

   • Taliban highlight their victory over US/NATO forces as a sign of divine support.

   • They portray themselves as the only group able to unite Afghanistan under Islamic leadership, free of foreign control.

3. Religious Education (Madaris)

   • Heavy emphasis on Quranic memorization and Islamic sciences, believing secular schools were promoting Westernization.

   • Madrasa education aims to raise a generation rooted in Islamic creed and Afghan traditions.

3. Their View on “Oppression” Allegations

From Taliban rhetoric and sympathizers:

• Gender Restrictions:
  They see limits on women’s movement, dress, and employment as protection, not oppression—preserving women’s dignity and guarding against Western moral decay.

• Media & Expression Controls:
  They argue that free media during the Western-backed government promoted immorality and anti-Islamic content. Restrictions are seen as safeguarding faith.

• Religious Minorities:
  Taliban claim they protect non-Muslim minorities as dhimmis under Islamic law, while also ensuring no blasphemy or missionary activity destabilizes society.

• Hudood & Punishments:
  Harsh punishments (stoning, amputation, public executions) are justified as divinely ordained deterrents to crime.

4. Why Supporters Consider Them “Righteous”

1. Victory over Occupation

   • Driving out Soviet forces (1980s mujahideen) and later US-led forces is viewed as a fulfilment of jihad fī sabīlillāh (struggle in Allah’s path).

2. Islamic Authenticity

   • Taliban present themselves as students of Deobandi scholarship, claiming direct adherence to Hanafi fiqh and traditional Islamic governance.

3. Resistance to Western Influence

   • Taliban rule symbolizes cultural and religious independence against foreign powers’ attempts to reshape Afghan society.

4. Sharia Enforcement

   • Taliban supporters argue that Sharia is not oppression, but justice and divine guidance.

5. Criticism from Within Islamic Scholarship

• Many respected ulema worldwide argue that true Sharia also emphasizes education (for both genders), economic welfare, consultation (shura), and justice.

• Critics say Taliban interpretation is too literal and tribal, neglecting maqasid al-sharia (objectives of Islamic law).

• The idea of “righteous path” remains debated: Taliban claim legitimacy, but scholars highlight the Prophet ﷺ’s mercy, justice, and balance in governance.

6. Balanced Perspective

Even when seeing Taliban as “righteous”:

• Afghanistan remains one of the poorest, most conflict-ridden countries.

• Their interpretation of Islam is deeply influenced by Pashtun tribal culture.

• Oppression reports may be exaggerated by Western media, but Taliban policies undeniably restrict freedoms in ways many Muslims and Afghans themselves contest.

• This shows a clash of visions: Taliban’s strict Deobandi-Hanafi Sharia model vs. calls for a more inclusive, education-friendly Islamic governance.

Takeaway

From this lens, Taliban are seen not as oppressors but as protectors of Islam and Afghan sovereignty, implementing their understanding of Sharia, defending Afghanistan from foreign occupation, and striving to create an Islamic emirate. However, this “righteous path” narrative is controversial, as their strictness has caused suffering and international condemnation.