Taliban Leader: Religious Education Foundation for Islamic Governance

DID Press: Mullah Hebatullah Akhundzada, the Taliban’s supreme leader, has underscored the expansion of religious education as critical to consolidating Afghanistan’s Islamic governance. Speaking at the group’s fourth cabinet meeting in Kandahar, Akhundzada urged ministers to enhance public religious awareness, shape societal thinking in accordance with Islamic principles, counter immoral behavior, and curb the spread of what he described as “misguided ideas.”

He characterized the teaching of religion and belief, along with strengthening adherence to Sharia, as both a religious duty and the aspiration of the Afghanistan Muslim population. The meeting assigned Kabul Municipality to construct mosques in strategic locations across the capital, with their management to be overseen by the Ministry of Guidance, Hajj, and Endowments. Ministries were also instructed to give greater attention to mosques, madrassas, and universities, and to improve educational systems in rural areas.

Akhundzada criticized previous Afghanistani governments for allegedly promoting “irreligion” and opposing Islamic values. Figures from the Taliban’s Education Ministry indicate a significant increase in the construction of religious schools over the past three years. However, human rights organizations warn that this rapid expansion may contribute to radicalization—particularly in light of the ongoing ban on girls’ education beyond grade six and the continued closure of universities to women.

Reports suggest the Taliban have established madrassas within certain military facilities and granted bachelor’s and master’s degree equivalency to graduates of religious–jihadist institutions. International bodies have further cautioned that extremist groups, including ISIS, exploit religious schools to recruit and indoctrinate children, some reportedly under the age of 14.