RASC News Agency: Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, the reclusive leader of the Taliban, has decreed that participating in congregational prayers is “religiously obligatory,” warning that those who fail to comply will face punishment. On Thursday, August 8, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid shared a 14-point directive from Akhundzada on the social media platform X, outlining strict guidelines concerning the observance of congregational prayers.
The first point of the directive asserts: “Performing prayers in congregation is religiously obligatory, and those who neglect this duty will be subject to disciplinary action.” In the second point, Akhundzada emphasizes that officials and members of the Taliban’s ministries and departments are “religiously obligated” to strictly adhere to the prescribed times for congregational prayers.
According to the directive, if any member or official within the Taliban administration fails to attend congregational prayers without a valid excuse, the relevant ministry’s or department’s officials in charge of religious guidance are first to counsel the individual. Should the neglect persist, the individual is to be reported to the head of the respective ministry or department.
Akhundzada further mandates that the ministry or department head is responsible for imposing appropriate disciplinary measures, in accordance with Hanafi jurisprudence, on those who consistently neglect congregational prayers. The third point of the directive instructs the Ministry of Guidance, Hajj, and Religious Endowments to consistently communicate these guidelines to the public, ensuring widespread adherence.
Akhundzada also asserts that neglecting congregational prayers is a sign of “hypocrisy.” Notably, this directive omits any reference to the pressing economic challenges or the increasing emigration of Afghanistani citizens. Previously, Hibatullah Akhundzada had mandated that his name be mentioned in Friday and Eid sermons. This latest directive further illustrates how the Taliban, throughout their three-year rule, have imposed numerous restrictions on the Afghanistani people under the pretext of upholding religious principles.
