Taliban Officials’ Conduct Does Not Conform to Islamic Teachings, Interior Minister Admits

Afghan Taliban Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani has acknowledged that the Taliban administration itself does not fully follow Islamic Sharia, the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), or the path of its predecessors. He said rulers should reform themselves before seeking to reform others. According to Afghanistan International, Haqqani made these remarks while addressing a graduation and turban-tying ceremony for students at Noor-ul-Madaris religious seminary in Andar district of Ghazni province. The Taliban Interior Ministry also confirmed his participation in the event on Friday, November 6.

In his speech, Haqqani said that resolving the problems facing society and the public requires every individual to focus first on self-reform and spiritual purification. He said the fundamental problem is that the conduct of officials does not conform to Sharia, the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), or the practices of earlier Islamic scholars. He added that if every moment of life were spent following Allah’s commands, the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and the example of predecessors, problems and difficulties would no longer remain. The Taliban interior minister urged the seminary graduates to correct their own character and actions and genuinely follow divine commands before attempting to reform others.

Haqqani said rulers cannot reform others unless they first reform themselves and hold themselves to the same standards of accountability they demand from the public. He further stated that officials should take responsibility for their shortcomings rather than blaming others, and should prioritize public welfare and improving their own conduct. He said genuine reform would become possible when people show the same concern and compassion for other societies and nations as they do for their own.