Taliban leader emphasizes obedience and unity in Kandahar speech

Hamidullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson for the Taliban, stated that Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada delivered a speech on Tuesday at a meeting hall in Kandahar province. Attendees included the Taliban governor of Kandahar, head of the general administration office, head of the Afghan Red Crescent, deputy military chief of the supreme court, Dar al-Iftaa head and other officials and ulema.

According to the statement attributed to Akhundzada, he urged people to unite, obey one another and consult together, warning that the system is built or weakened by them and will endure if they remain vigilant. He stressed that the survival, success and preservation of the Islamic system depend on religious knowledge, with the primary responsibilities of the Taliban regime being to expand and strengthen religious education.

Akhundzada instructed Taliban officials not to covet worldly positions or ranks, to obey and not to hold obedience against anyone, as it benefits them. He directed them to foster a spirit of obedience among the people to promote unity and strength. He expressed thanks to the people and ulema of Afghanistan for their obedience to the Islamic Emirate.

Amu TV reported that Akhundzada called on ulema to encourage people toward unity, adherence to sharia laws and avoidance of 'jahiliyyah customs,' without specifying what those customs entail. Participants renewed their pledge of allegiance to Akhundzada at the event.

Afghanistan International noted that the statement emphasized 'obedience' six times.