Poll: Afghans Believe Ashura’s Message of Justice is Path Out of Crisis
On the eve of Ashura, amid Afghanistan’s deepening social and political crises, the results of a new poll conducted by DIDPress reflect the moral and social priorities of the Afghan people. The central question of the poll was: “In Afghanistan’s current situation, which message of Ashura is crucial to rebuilding social trust?”
Poll Results:
Justice and defending the oppressed – 38%
Honesty in words and actions – 31%
Sacrificing personal interests for the common good – 31%
Loyalty to pledges and covenants – 0%
Preserving human dignity even in hardship – 0%
These findings indicate that, for the Afghan people, justice, honesty, and selflessness form the three pillars for restoring social trust and national unity.
Justice: A Universal Demand
Topping the responses, “defending the oppressed and seeking justice” (38%) highlights society’s urgent need for fairness, anti-corruption efforts, and protection for vulnerable groups. This aligns with the spirit of Ashura, where Imam Hussain (AS) sacrificed his life to stand against tyranny and uphold truth.
Honesty: The Foundation of Rebuilding Trust
With 31%, “honesty in words and actions” ranks second. A society where leaders, media, and institutions communicate transparently fosters lasting trust. In today’s climate of deep distrust in Afghanistan, honesty is more vital than ever.
Self-Sacrifice for the Collective Good
Similarly, “sacrificing personal interests for the common good” (31%) underscores the Ashura-inspired value of prioritizing communal welfare—a key factor in navigating crisis and instability.
Why Some Messages Received No Votes?
Options like “loyalty to pledges” and “preserving dignity in hardship” garnered 0%. This suggests that these values are either already assumed or seen as secondary to the immediate urgency of justice and honesty.
Summary
For Afghans today, Ashura’s messages transcend religious teachings—they are essential strategies for social healing, restoring trust, and building a better future.