The Taliban’s Directorate for the Follow-up and Oversight of Decrees and Orders has, in a letter, instructed employees of Nangarhar University to comply with the directives of Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada concerning beards, hair, and prayer.
The letter, sent to Nangarhar University on 22th September , states that government employees whose beards do not conform to the Taliban’s stated religious standards, or who fail to participate in congregational prayers, will face punishment.
The letter states that employees who violate requirements relating to their “appearance and conduct” may face disciplinary measures including suspension from duty, dismissal, withholding of salary, salary reductions, and demotion in position or rank.
It also emphasizes that employees’ beards and head hair must conform to the prescribed standards, and that those whose beards are shorter than one fist-length will be subject to punishment.
According to the letter, participation in congregational prayers is also considered mandatory, and it warns that the prescribed ta’zir punishments will be imposed on those who fail to perform their prayers.
The Taliban’s Directorate for the Follow-up and Oversight of Decrees has instructed Nangarhar University to implement these measures immediately and submit a report on the actions taken to the oversight committee.
The letter further states that employees should be continuously provided with books and pamphlets on prayer, the beliefs of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’ah, and obedience to the Taliban’s “Islamic system.”
Such restrictions are being imposed as part of the Taliban’s broader administrative and religious regulations governing universities and higher-education institutions.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
