Kabul, Afghanistan — Today, July 16, marks the 10th of Muharram, known as Ashura, a significant day in the Islamic calendar. However, this year, the observance comes amid severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban on Muharram and Ashura rituals.
Sources told Amu that journalists have been barred from reporting on Ashura ceremonies, and access to telecommunication services has been restricted in many areas of Kabul.
Shia clerics, activists, and political figures have condemned the Taliban’s actions, viewing them as contrary to Afghanistan’s religious values. In several provinces, including Herat, the Taliban have removed Muharram flags and prevented gatherings for Ashura commemorations.
According to a document obtained by Amu, the Taliban has reduced the traditional ten-day ceremonies to three days and limited them to specific areas in Kabul.
Videos from Herat show Taliban members attempting to remove flags in the Hajji Abbas neighborhood, leading to confrontations with local residents and mourners. Following these actions, mourners in Herat took to the streets for widespread nighttime protests.
Former President Hamid Karzai addressed the nation on X, emphasizing the unity and brotherhood inherent in Islam’s teachings. He wrote, “The teachings of Islam are the foundation of unity and brotherhood among our people, essential for strengthening national unity and making Afghanistan a successful model of unity among Islamic countries.”
Meanwhile, a Taliban official in Herat recently referred to Ashura ceremonies as a “heresy” during a meeting with Shia scholars.
