The Taliban’s reign of oppression in Afghanistan continues to escalate, with women bearing the brunt of the regime’s draconian policies. The latest blow to women’s rights came on October 26th, when the Taliban’s Minister of Vice and Virtue, Khalid Hanafi, issued a new ban prohibiting adult women from allowing their voices to be heard by other adult women during prayers. This bizarre restriction has sent shockwaves across the globe, prompting widespread condemnation.
In an exclusive conversation with Firstpost, Afghan women’s rights activist Mahbouba Seraj, a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, shared her harrowing insights into the impact of this latest ban. Seraj expressed disbelief and frustration over the Taliban’s increasingly absurd interpretations of Islamic principles. She questioned the regime’s understanding of the Quran, stating that she felt compelled to reread the sacred text to find any justification for this rule.
“We did not know that we were not supposed to be a part of everything Allah said to the Muslims, because we are women,” Seraj lamented. “I thought that the Qur’an and Allah said that men and women are equal, the only difference between them is the level of their taqwa and the level of their prayers, and being a good human being to Allah and being a good Muslim.”
She questioned the Taliban’s claim that the ban is rooted in Islamic scripture, emphasizing the lack of historical precedent for such a restriction. “Now I have to go and restart the Qur’an from the beginning to the end, and I would like to find out where all of this is written, and how come during these 1,400 years of Islam, we didn’t know anything about it. How come suddenly the Taliban came up and found out about this?”
Seraj’s words highlight the Taliban’s manipulation of religion to justify their oppressive agenda. While the regime claims to be enforcing Islamic principles, their actions clearly contradict the Quran’s message of equality and respect for all.
This new ban is just the latest in a series of restrictions imposed by the Taliban on Afghan women since they seized power in 2021. Women have been banned from working, attending school, and even leaving their homes without a male escort. These restrictions are not only a violation of women’s basic human rights but also a devastating blow to the country’s social and economic development.
Seraj pointed out that the Taliban’s oppressive policies are being implemented systematically, first in the provinces and then in Kabul. She warned that the ban on television images of living beings, already in effect in certain regions, will likely soon reach Kabul. This restriction, coupled with the ban on women’s voices, paints a bleak picture of the future for Afghan women.
The consequences of the Taliban’s actions are far-reaching, impacting the lives of women in all walks of life. Seraj highlighted the plight of women doctors, who are forced to work in isolated environments, deprived of the support of male colleagues. She expressed deep concern for the mental health of Afghan women, noting a sharp rise in cases of suicide. “The psychological profile of Afghan women all over is so bad. They are so depressed, it is becoming hard to live,” she said.
While the Taliban seeks recognition from the international community, Afghan women continue to struggle for their basic freedoms. Seraj’s interview is a stark reminder of the dire situation facing women in Afghanistan, highlighting the urgent need for global action to protect their rights and ensure their safety.
This interview is the first part of a two-part series. The second part will explore the Taliban’s growing ties with international actors, particularly China, and the implications for Afghanistan’s future.