Taliban Reportedly Restrict Congregational Shiite Prayers in Ghazni

DID Press: Local sources in Ghazni province report that Taliban morality police have instructed Shiite worshippers in Nawabad township to perform Maghrib and Isha prayers separately in line with Sunni jurisprudence, warning that the mosque could be shut down and the imam detained if congregational prayers continue.

According to local accounts, Taliban officials from the “Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice” told worshippers that combining the two evening prayers in congregation is not permitted and must be performed in two separate prayer times.

Shiite jurisprudence traditionally allows the combination of Maghrib and Isha prayers within a shared time window, a practice widely observed by Shiite Muslims based on established religious tradition.

Local sources said the Taliban officials described the practice as an “innovation” and insisted on adherence to Sunni-based interpretations of prayer timing. The mosque imam reportedly responded that the practice is rooted in recognized Shiite jurisprudence and cannot be altered at the local level, stressing that such rulings fall under the authority of religious marja (authorities).

Despite these explanations, Taliban representatives allegedly rejected the clarification and warned of mosque closure and possible arrest if the practice continues.

Worshippers in Nawabad have described the measures as interference in religious beliefs and an attempt to restrict their worship practices, adding that mediation efforts by local scholars have so far failed to resolve the issue.

The reports come amid broader allegations from religious circles in Kabul in recent weeks regarding the detention and intimidation of Shiite clerics by Taliban authorities, raising concerns among observers about increasing pressure on religious minorities and potential sectarian tensions.