Hekmatyar Urges Against Reducing Religion to Outward Appearances
Gulbuddin Hekmatyar, leader of Afghanistan’s Islamic Party, in a critical note stated that Islam is based on justice, consultation, defending the oppressed, and rule of law, and should not be reduced to superficial matters such as clothing style, the length of a turban, or the size of a beard. He warned that reducing religion to such external manifestations leads to a misunderstanding of Islamic teachings.
Hekmatyar, referring to the rulings of Hajj, explained that during the state of Ihram, it is not permissible for men to cover their heads, and even the Prophet Muhammad sometimes prayed and performed Hajj rituals with an uncovered head. Therefore, he believes that whether one’s head is covered or uncovered should not be a measure for assessing an individual’s religiosity.
The leader of the Islamic Party also criticized the spread of superstitions, amulets, magic, and what he termed “elder worship” in society. He claimed that some circles are attempting to provide religious justification for these behaviors.
Hekmatyar concluded with a warning that such an approach could turn religion into a tool for deception and personal gain—an issue that, according to him, contradicts the justice-centered spirit of Islam.
