Taliban Leader Swears Allegiance from Hajj Teachers in Kandahar
Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada, leader of the Taliban administration, during a five-day seminar for Hajj teachers in Kandahar, called on the participants to renew their allegiance to him and pledge support for the system endorsed by the administration. He emphasized that the teachers must encourage pilgrims to observe “Sharia rulings” and obey the leadership of the Taliban.
According to the announced plan, about 30,000 pilgrims from Afghanistan are expected to be sent this year to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. The Hajj teachers are responsible for providing religious teachings and necessary guidance to the pilgrims before the journey and during the ceremonies.
Meanwhile, the Taliban leader has asked the teachers not only to educate on the rituals of Hajj but also to encourage the pilgrims to follow what is termed the “Islamic Emirate.” This move comes while human rights organizations have repeatedly accused the Taliban administration of widespread human rights violations, especially restricting women’s rights and monopolizing power.
Critics argue that linking the religious ceremony of Hajj with political allegiance risks overshadowing the spiritual nature of this duty with political objectives. Despite these criticisms, the Taliban leader has consistently stressed the necessity of full obedience to his orders, and public criticism of the administration’s performance remains severely restricted.
