Afghanistan Times
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KABUL — Today, the capital city of Afghanistan marked Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, with solemn mourning ceremonies honoring the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, a pivotal figure in Shia Islam. Despite the profound religious significance of the day, observances were notably subdued due to stringent restrictions imposed by the Taliban authorities.
In Kabul and several other provinces including Herat, Balkh, Bamiyan, and Ghazni, public mourning processions were heavily curtailed, with bans on photography and the use of cameras strictly enforced. These measures reflect the Taliban’s ongoing efforts to limit public religious expressions during Muharram, a month regarded as sacred by millions of Muslims worldwide.
Despite these constraints, some Shia community members reported that their mourning gatherings proceeded peacefully under heightened security. The Taliban’s Interior Ministry issued assurances that it was coordinating with security agencies to maintain order during the ceremonies.
In a rare public statement during the observance, Shahabuddin Delawar, head of the Afghan Red Crescent under the Taliban administration, called for unity among Muslim sects, emphasizing that divisions serve no one’s interests within Islam.
The restrictions have drawn criticism from opposition groups, including the Supreme Council of National Resistance for the Salvation of Afghanistan, which condemned the Taliban’s treatment of mourners and urged Afghans to remember Ashura with dignity, highlighting Imam Hussein’s enduring legacy of standing for freedom and justice.
While the day’s ceremonies were marked by a quiet solemnity, the contrast between the spiritual significance of Ashura and the restrictive environment underscored ongoing tensions within Afghan society under Taliban rule. Nevertheless, the resilience of Kabul’s Shia community in observing their traditions reflects the deep-rooted cultural and religious importance of Ashura in Afghanistan.
