Hekmatyar Criticizes Taliban for Prioritizing Appearance Over Islamic Principles

DID Press: Gulbuddin Hekmatyar has issued rare criticism of the Taliban, accusing them of distorting Islamic values and arguing that Islam is founded on justice, consultation, and the protection of the oppressed—not external symbols such as clothing style or beard length.

In a recent statement, the leader of the Islamic Party of Afghanistan said Islam is built on principles of justice, shura (consultation), monotheism, and defense of the oppressed, and should not be reduced to outward appearances such as turbans or beard size.

He referred to Islamic rulings on Hajj, noting that men are prohibited from covering their heads during ihram and that the Prophet Muhammad also performed prayer and pilgrimage in certain cases without head covering. He argued that turning head covering or its absence into a measure of religiosity represents a deviation from core religious principles.

Hekmatyar also criticized the spread of superstition, charms, witchcraft, and saint-worship practices, saying some groups attempt to give religious justification to such behaviors, which he described as a distortion of faith for personal or political gain.

His remarks come as the Taliban have imposed strict regulations on clothing, hairstyles, and beard length, with enforcement actions reportedly increasing.

The latest comments continue Hekmatyar’s previous criticism of Taliban policies. He has earlier called the ban on girls’ education “unjustifiable,” stated that education is obligatory for both men and women, and condemned taxation policies targeting low-income groups as “oppression,” arguing that taxes should be limited to the wealthy and based on public consent.