Taliban Arrest Shia Clerics in Herat for Opposing Eid al-Fitr Announcement
Taliban authorities in Herat arrested several Shia clerics after they refused to commit to celebrating Eid al-Fitr on Thursday as declared by the Taliban, according to sources.
The Taliban's Hajj and Endowments Directorate in Herat held a meeting on Tuesday with mullah imams of mosques and members of the Shia Ulema Council, sources said. Officials presented a written document asking attendees to sign and pledge to observe Eid according to the Taliban's announcement. The Shia scholars declined, stating that the determination of Eid and fasting days in Shia jurisprudence follows decisions by marja' taqlid.
During the meeting, Taliban forces arrested Muhammad Rouhani, head of seminaries in southwestern Afghanistan and head of Sadighiyeh Seminary, sources said. On Wednesday, they also arrested Khudadad Ehsani, representative of Ayatollah Mohaqqeq Kabuli and preacher at al-Mehdi Jibril Mosque, as well as Muhammad Akbari, former head of the Jibril Ulema Council, and several other Shia scholars in Herat. The detainees were transferred to prison.
The Taliban declared Thursday as the first day of Eid al-Fitr, differing from most Islamic countries. Saudi Arabia set the holiday for Friday, 29 Hoot.
Know more about this story?
If you have additional information or believe something is inaccurate, let us know. Your tips help us stay accurate.
Sources (1)
More in Politics
Islamic Emirate Marks World Press Freedom Day with Commitment to Media Support and Licensing
UN Rapporteur Warns Press Freedom in Afghanistan Has Nearly Collapsed
Fawzia Koofi Condemns Taliban Raid on Badakhshan Home and Arrests of Relatives
Special Court Declares Over 12,500 Jeribs of Land in Khost as Islamic Emirate Property
ReliableIslamic Emirate Marks World Press Freedom Day with Commitment to Media Support and Licensing
The Islamic Emirate’s Ministry of Information and Culture marked World Press Freedom Day by announcing 141 new media licenses and reaffirming its support for journalism within Islamic and national guidelines. Meanwhile, international observers highlighted Afghanistan’s low press freedom ranking and called for the release of four detained journalists.
ReliableUN Rapporteur Warns Press Freedom in Afghanistan Has Nearly Collapsed
UN Special Rapporteur Richard Bennett warned that independent journalism in Afghanistan has been nearly dismantled since August 2021, citing widespread censorship and arbitrary detentions. He called for the immediate release of detained journalists and urged international action to address the crisis.
ReliableFawzia Koofi Condemns Taliban Raid on Badakhshan Home and Arrests of Relatives
Former Afghan MP Fawzia Koofi has condemned a Taliban raid on her Badakhshan residence that resulted in the detention of relatives and local residents, calling the operation a sign of the authorities' instability. The Taliban have not yet commented on the arrests or provided information regarding the detainees' whereabouts.
ReliableSpecial Court Declares Over 12,500 Jeribs of Land in Khost as Islamic Emirate Property
A special court in Afghanistan has declared over 12,500 jeribs of land in Khost province as Islamic Emirate property following a review of ownership claims and cadastral records. The ruling directs the relevant commission to formalize state control over the uncultivated tracts in the Ismailkhel and Mandozai districts.