KABUL: The Islamic Emirate has enforced a new 17 point law called the Law of Preachers, bringing all religious activity under direct state control. The law has been officially published and is now in force across the country. Its main aim is to regulate who can preach, what they can say, and how religion is practiced in public life.
To begin with, the law allows only preachers from the Hanafi school of thought to carry out religious preaching. This means followers of other Islamic traditions are effectively pushed out. As a result, many see this move as a clear restriction on religious freedom and diversity in Afghanistan.
Moreover, the law places the responsibility of enforcement on the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice. This gives the state full authority to approve, monitor, and if needed stop religious preaching.
Preaching Turned Into a Tool of Power
At the same time, the law strictly controls the content of sermons. Preachers must follow a state approved syllabus and are not allowed to discuss sensitive or differing religious views. Open debate and independent thinking are discouraged. Instead, sermons are expected to focus on obedience to authority and loyalty to the ruler.
Analysts say this turns preachers into state messengers rather than independent religious guides. Many believe the real goal is to strengthen the unchecked authority of Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzada and silence any alternative views.
In addition, the law cancels all previous rules that do not match this new system. Local administrations are ordered to closely watch preachers and report their activities. Even ordinary citizens and mosque leaders are told to cooperate with this system.
Meanwhile, human rights groups warn that using religion as a political tool will deepen fear and silence in society. They argue that forcing one interpretation of faith harms social harmony and goes against the core Islamic values of tolerance and understanding.
Overall, critics say the new law shows how the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is tightening its grip on both belief and expression, leaving little space for freedom of thought or religious choice.
