KABUL (THE THURSDAY TIMES) — Afghanistan’s most influential scholars, jurists and spiritual leaders have issued a joint religious declaration that sets out a sweeping framework for the Islamic Emirate’s legitimacy, state sovereignty and the limits of external engagement. The statement, released after a rare nationwide gathering in Kabul, outlines what the scholars describe as the Sharia foundations of the current system and the responsibilities of Afghan citizens under Islamic law.
The declaration opens by affirming the Islamic Emirate as a legitimate Sharia-based order born of “sacrifice, jihad and the collective struggle” of the Afghan people. According to the scholars, supporting and obeying this system is a religious obligation upon all Afghan Muslims, as the Emirate safeguards Islamic law, justice and moral values.
Defence of the homeland is described as a personal duty for every Muslim should Afghanistan face external aggression. The scholars frame such defence as a sacred form of jihad, urging citizens to stand united in protecting the Islamic system, Afghan territory and national identity.
The statement also establishes a hard line against those who oppose the Emirate, whether inside Afghanistan or abroad. Publicly supporting groups or individuals who seek to destabilise the Emirate is declared religiously impermissible, and the authorities, the scholars say, have full Sharia-based authority to act against such elements.
One of the most consequential components of the decree concerns military activity beyond Afghanistan’s borders. The scholars insist that no Afghan may participate in any foreign conflict without explicit authorisation from the Islamic leadership. Such actions, they say, violate state sovereignty and international norms, and preventing them is a core responsibility of the government.
The declaration further outlines the religious boundaries governing relations with non-Muslim nations. Long-term religious or ideological alliances with groups that deny monotheism, reject divine scripture or uphold polytheistic beliefs are deemed prohibited. However, temporary strategic engagement may be considered if the Islamic state faces an existential threat and receives no support from the wider Muslim community or People of the Book.
The scholars conclude by urging unity among Muslims and jihadi groups, warning that factionalism, sectarian division and internal disputes weaken both the nation and the faith. They call on Afghans to cultivate harmony and prioritise collective religious and national interests.
