POLITICS — April 6, 2026
Taliban Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada Urges Hajj Guides to Promote Sharia Rulings
Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada urged Hajj guides in the southern zone to raise Sharia awareness, reform pilgrims' minds and prevent prohibited practices, in his first public speech since Eid prayer. The remarks made no reference to recent Taliban-reported deaths from natural disasters and border clashes with Pakistan.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Afghanistan International — 2 min read
Taliban deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat issued a press release on Monday, 17 Hamal, stating that leader Hibatullah Akhundzada addressed members of the "Reform and Educational" workshop for Hajj guides in the southern zone.
Akhundzada instructed the guides to educate people on Sharia rulings, reform their minds and keep pilgrims away from "makruh and corrupt practices" during Hajj rituals. He emphasized ensuring that Hajj rituals strictly adhere to Islamic Sharia.
Fitrat's statement described the event as Akhundzada's first participation and speech in a program since Eid prayer.
The address comes amid Taliban reports of at least 100 people killed in natural disasters across Afghanistan over the past two weeks. Taliban reports also indicate thousands of families displaced and more than 800 people killed in clashes with Pakistan during the same period.
Akhundzada did not mention the natural disasters, displacements or clashes with Pakistan in his remarks.
Read the original reporting at Afghanistan International →
Reliability assessment
Single source with direct on-record attribution from named Taliban deputy spokesman Hamdullah Fitrat's press release, including quotes, date (17 Hamal), and event details; side claims cite 'Taliban reports' providing concrete numbers.
The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. Afghanistan International: 'در حالی به اصلاح اذهان مردم تاکید کرده که' ('while he emphasized reforming the minds of the people') juxtaposes the speech with unmentioned crises for ironic effect; 'رهبر طالبان اما در این سخنرانی به هیچ یک از این موارد اشاره نکرده است' ('however, the Taliban leader did not mention any of these cases') implies negligence through contrast and omission-highlighting.
Independent web corroboration
An independent web search turned up no separate corroborating reports. Treat the account as single-sourced until more outlets pick it up.
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Afghanistan International
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Politics — Hibatullah Akhundzada, Hamdullah Fitrat, Taliban, Hajj guides, Sharia
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