The Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs has declared a “jihad” on those exploiting religious divides.
At the launch of a party called Hezb Harakat Enqelab Islami, Deputy Minister Abdul Hakim Munib called on mullahs to counter those who seek to spread hate and target those of a different religion or from another sect.
Munib also asked the leaders of the government of national unity to bridge differences between tribes and unite the country.
Reza Haidaryan, a graduate in political science approves of the ministry’s decision. “Mullahs should play a main role,” he says. “But I am not sure if the mullahs and religious authorities would do this.”
Mir Mohammad Sidiq Zaliq, a university lecturer, suggests the ministry should begin by changing perceptions in the presidential palace, Parliament, chief executive’s office and other ministries. The Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs needs to call a national-level meeting of tribal and religious leaders, he says.
He is doubtful if the ministry’s aim to erase religious differences will succeed in remote and insecure areas where it will be difficult to reach the message. Also, since it challenges the power of groups and institutions that feed on religious prejudices, he thinks there will be strong opposition.
At a big meeting in Kabul recently, religious authorities announced a jihad against ISIS. Its fighters in Afghanistan are a growing presence, in opposition to the Taleban. ISIS had claimed responsibility for the killing of at least 80 Hazara protestors in Kabul, in July, stating that it had sent two fighters with suicide belts to a “Shia gathering”. The explicitly sectarian claim of responsibility was condemned by the Taleban as an “attempt to divide the nation” and a “plot to ignite the civil war”, according to reports.
Afghan religious authorities have described the actions of ISIS contrary to Islam and announced that the jihad against ISIS was “based in Islamic teachings”. Mawlawi Sadozai told the meeting, “Standing and fighting against ISIS in Afghanistan is legal and based on Islamic teachings.” He said ISIS-led attacks were a crime against humanity. Participants said ISIS does not have much support in the country, and was trying to polarise society by fanning religious differences.
