Taliban Minister Urges Staff to Prioritize Religious Duty Over Provincial Leaders’ Reactions

Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, the Taliban’s Minister for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, has instructed his provincial department heads not to worry about upsetting governors and other local authorities while carrying out their duties.

Citing the Hadith, “There is no obedience to creation in disobedience to the Creator,” Hanafi emphasized that obedience to humans is not permitted if it leads to disobedience to God. He stated that the primary basis for decisions should be the ministry’s religious interpretation.

Hanafi added that divine satisfaction is more important than public or officials’ approval, asserting that if God is pleased with someone, no power can harm them. Conversely, he argued, universal approval holds no value without God’s acceptance.

These remarks come amid ongoing widespread criticism of the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice for its actions over the past three years. Human rights activists, Afghan citizens, and international organizations have condemned the ministry’s strict interpretation of Islamic law, which has imposed extensive restrictions on social life, particularly for Afghan women and girls. Critics say the ministry has failed to adequately address the consequences of its policies.