Statement by office of the Prime Minister of Islamic Emirate on Avoiding Controversy and Conflict-Inciting Discussions

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم In the name of Allah, the Merciful As the governing body, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan considers it a duty to safeguard the lives, property, and dignity of the Muslim populace, ensuring their physical security, overall societal stability, and psychological well-being by averting conflicts, discord, and division. It is equally imperative […]

بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم

In the name of Allah, the Merciful

As the governing body, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan considers it a duty to safeguard the lives, property, and dignity of the Muslim populace, ensuring their physical security, overall societal stability, and psychological well-being by averting conflicts, discord, and division. It is equally imperative to shield the community, deter violence, and curtail animosity.

The Almighty Allah states in the Holy Quran:

 وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا . . .( آل عمران ۱۰۳)

Translation: And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided…(Al-Imran 103).

The Islamic Emirate is committed to shielding society from actions, words, deeds, and customs that sow conflict, discord, division, and instability among the people.

A significant assembly of 4,595 renowned scholars convened in Kabul on the 3rd of Rabi’ al-Thani, 1443 AH, and articulated the eighth article of the resolution concerning this matter as follows: Urging scholars engaging in contentious topics on social media to desist rigorously from debates and contentious discussions, as these can mislead and generate discord and concerns within society, giving rise to turmoil.

To steer clear of contentious dialogues and disputes, the following guidelines merit earnest attention and strict adherence:

1. Scholars ought to abstain rigorously from dialogues and discussions that fuel controversy, engender unease and mental agitation among the general populace, potentially tarnishing the dignity and standing of scholars and erudition.

2. Scholars should refrain from expounding on esoteric subjects, rulings, or intricacies beyond the comprehension of the public, which could incite discord among some and perplex the masses. Hazrat Abdullah bin Masoud (may Allah be pleased with him) stated:

ما أنت بمحدث قوما حديثا لا تبلغه عقولهم، إلا كان لبعضهم فتنة

رواه مسلم۹/۱

Translation: Avoid engaging people in discussions that surpass their comprehension, unless doing so leads to temptation for certain individuals among them..” (Narrated by Muslim 9/1).

 

3. Peculiar and obscure issues extracted from jurisprudential or spurious texts, or deduced by mujtahidin according to fiqh principles, which are not widely known or essential to religious practice, should not be broached in public sermons and congregations. Such topics could be ridiculed by adversaries of faith, undermining religion and erudition.

4. Scholars are encouraged to expound on public platforms and media only those subjects pertinent to the well-being and happiness of individuals in this world and the hereafter.

Emphasis should be placed on reinforcing religious beliefs, unity, and adherence to Islamic morals, addressing religious matters intertwined with current affairs and drawing from the vast reservoir of Islamic scholarship to provide people with what is essential.

قَالَ عَلِيٌّ: حَدِّثُوا النَّاسَ، بما يَعْرِفُونَ أتُحِبُّونَ أنْ يُكَذَّبَ، اللَّهُ ورَسولُهُ .

صحیح البخاري۲۴/۱

Translation: Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) advised: Communicate with people in a manner comprehensible to them; would you deny Allah and His Messenger.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 24/1).

 

5. Honorable preachers and instructors should refrain from publicizing and disseminating through the media the specialized, intricate, and detailed subjects and teachings from exclusive lectures and Sufi gatherings, as these sessions are unique in terms of audience, explanations, and topics.

 

6. It is crucial to strictly avoid the use of inappropriate language, as it is deemed impolite and can tarnish one’s reputation.

 

7. Scholars who incite discord, propagate fallacies, persist in using improper language in public media discussions and debates, sow doubt and temptation among the people, all in pursuit of personal fame or to defend their own viewpoints, should not be invited by respected authorities and individuals to partake in events, gatherings, or meetings. They should not be engaged in any other activities nor supported in their assemblies, as their statements are detrimental to the Islamic community, fostering strife and discord.

عَنْ جَابِرِ بْنِ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ رضي الله عنهما أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ قَالَ:

 «لَا تَعَلَّمُوا الْعِلْمَ لِتُبَاهُوا بِهِ الْعُلَمَاءَ، وَلَا لِتُمَارُوا بِهِ السُّفَهَاءَ، وَلَا تَخَيَّرُوا بِهِ الْمَجَالِسَ، فَمَنْ فَعَلَ ذَلِكَ، فَالنَّارُ النَّارُ ».

سنن ابن ماجه/۲۲

It is nurrated from Jabir bin Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with them, that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, cautioned: Do not acquire knowledge to show off before scholars, to debate with the ignorant, or to seek prominence in gatherings; for anyone who does so, will face the consequences – the fire of Hell. (Sunan Ibn Majah/22)

 

8. Students of religious sciences should seek guidance from professors and scholars who avoid inciting disputes, discord, and harmful arguments. They should refrain from belittling themselves and others, abstain from speaking frivolously, and eschew habits of slander and destruction. By adhering to the teachings of benevolent scholars and the Islamic Emirate, and striving solely for the pleasure of Allah in all matters, the students can shield themselves from behaviors that undermine the dignity of scholars. This approach not only garners respect within society but also ensures that scholars uphold the righteous path without facing discord in their communities and professions.

 

عن ابي هریرة قال قال رسول الله صلی الله علیه وسلم: مَن طلبَ العِلمَ ليُجاريَ بهِ العلَماءَ أو ليُماريَ بهِ السُّفَهاءَ أو يصرِفَ بهِ وجوهَ النَّاسِ إليهِ أدخلَهُ اللَّهُ النَّارَ

رواه الترمذي۹۴/۲

Translation: Anyone who acquires knowledge with the intention of showcasing it before scholars, engaging in debates with the uninformed, or seeking personal attention, will find themselves destined for Hell.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi 94/2)

 

Ibn Sirin, may Allah have mercy on him, emphasizes:

 

إنَّ هذا العِلمَ دِينٌ، فانظُروا عمَّن تأخُذون دينَكم .

 أخرجه مسلم في (مقدمة الصحيح) (۱/۱۶)، والدارمي (۴۲۴)

Translation: Truly, this knowledge embodies religion, hence, carefully consider the source from which you acquire your religious understanding!

 

Imam Malik, may Allah have mercy on him, advises:

 

 ’’إِنَّ هَذَا الْعِلْمَ هُوَ لَحْمُكَ وَدَمُكَ، وَعَنْهُ تُسْأَلُ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ، فَانْظُرْ عَنْ مَنْ تَأْخُذُهُ

الکفایة في علم الروایة للخطیب /۲۱

Translation: This knowledge is vital for your spiritual well-being, and you will be held accountable for it on the Day of Judgment. Therefore, be cautious about the sources from which you seek it.

 

The Islamic Emirate is steadfast in its stance against fostering discord, division, conflict, and unrest, undertaking stringent measures to prevent such occurrences.

 

Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan

17/3/1446 Hijri Solar

 30/6/1403 Hijri Lunar – 20/9/2024 Gregorian