'Be Just and Righteous'

 

 Timeless wisdom of the Holy Qur'an

‘You who believe, fulfil your obligations…’ (5:2)

‘Allah commands you to return things entrusted to you to their rightful owners, and if you judge between people, to do so with justice: Excellent is that which Allah instructs you, for He hears and sees everything.’ (4:59)

‘You who believe, be steadfast in your devotion to Allah and bear witnesses impartially: do not let hatred of others lead you away from justice, but adhere to justice, for that is closer to awareness of Allah. Be mindful of Allah: Allah is well aware of all that you do.’ (5:9)

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‘Being Fair in Family Relations’

  

‘Truly many intimate partners/close associates transgress against one another, save those who believe and perform righteous deeds. And yet, how few are they!’ (Holy Qur’an, 38:25)

'The just will be on platforms of light in the presence of God; those who are just in their decisions, with their families, and with what they are in charge of.' --Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa). 

 

The structure of a Muslim family, in general, at the minimum, involves the husband and wife, their children and their parents. Within this basic social unit, the dynamics of family/household relations can test the best of men and women, especially when mother-in law and the daughter-in law in the family do not get along well. With different temperaments and inclinations, preferences and prejudices; conditions and circumstances emerge on aspects of everyday life whereby differences of opinion lead to conflictual positions.  If not handled with care with wisdom respecting the emotions of all involved in a fair way in quick time [before the hardening of feelings among the persons concerned]; inexorably and inevitably, the issues can lead to simmering tensions, even domestic abuse and violence. And when the discord becomes irreconcilable, the very breaking up of family relations ensue- as it happens these days with so many families in our societies.

An anecdote from early Muslim history suggests that during the time of the second caliph Hazrat Umar (ra), he apparently wrote to his governors saying: ‘Tell relatives to visit one another, and not to live next to one another.’ Commenting on Hazrat ‘Umar’s words, Imam Al-Ghazzali said:  ‘He said that because living next to one another may lead to conflicts and may lead to alienation and severing of ties.’ [Ihya’ ‘Uloom al-Deen (2/216)]. According to another saintly figure in Islam, ‘If you live further away from one another you will have greater love for one another.’ 

Palestine: 'The Blood of Sacrifice'

 

 

THE CRY FOR PEACE

Secluded from the World,

I hear the cry of Innocence,

Being stripped of Life,

Heart-wrenchingly calling for Help;

 

Enough, Enough, Enough!

No more pain, please!

 

Like animals to Almighty God’s Altar,

Their blood has become

The Blood of Sacrifice;

 

Martyrs they have become,

For the Love of Truth & Justice;

Chaos in the World

In his Friday Sermon of 14 June 2024~ 07 Dhul-Hijjah 1445 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius profoundly reflects on the ongoing conflicts- the portent signs of chaotic disorder in the contemporary international system. Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) underscores that at the root of the present chaos in the world lies the ‘worship’ of the Satan. Indeed, when the Faith weakens, and fear of God is lost, people are lured by the hedonistic trappings of this world: they will aggressively pursue material interests and selfish impulses without any concern for moral restraints, nor for the broader good- resulting in all round conflicts and chaos.  

Indeed, wars and other forms of severe calamities are engulfing and afflicting our world. With entire nations being devastated by the hands of unscrupulous men, the catastrophic events should inspire deep soul-searching. For thoughtful people, there is little doubt that in the interest of our common humanity; urgent course-correction is required on all sides for peace and tranquillity to prevail in the world: there is no alternative to recognizing the power of principles and ethical conduct as ordained by God Almighty through His prophets- the Divine laws brought by the messengers through divine revelations.

Historically, the early Muslims under Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa), and the righteous Caliphs established principles and rules of social engagement injecting compassion and humane considerations, including in times of war, in the just treatment of prisoners of war and conquered peoples, women and children. Yet today, the Muslim world has lost its original moral moorings, and rich nations among them are ignoring their vital obligations of solidarity, and are often complicit in the oppression of the persecuted, siding with the oppressive forces, or in any case, preferring to remain neutral even in times of great evil. They seem to give priority to their own economic development and national progress, neglecting the obligations of Faith and morality. True devotees of God should re-establish Islamic values and way of life through Duahs, personal reform, and reclaiming the spirit of sacrifice and striving for the collective good, urges Hazrat Saheb (aba) in the discourse. 

Read the Friday Sermon Below: 

Syria, Golan Heights, & Israel

Modern international law has colonial origins; yet it has evolved much in the post-colonial times, especially after the end of the Second World War; with the establishment of the Charter-based mechanisms and processes of multilateral cooperation under the United Nations Organization. From being merely an imperial handmaiden in the past, international law has progressed to a great extend to articulate the common standard of civilization and human rights in our multicultural world today, and States, by and large, respect and abide by international law and treaty obligations most of the time. A vital standard of State conduct conferring global legitimacy, the 'soul' of international law stands for peace and strives for justice in our power-oriented, complex international system. 

Contemporary International law insists upon non-use of force as a foundational principle of the world public order. Hence, the military conquest of nations, or ‘aggression’, is a crime under international law. Likewise, acquisition of a territory belonging to another nation through coercive method/s is also prohibited. As a consequence of this clear normative position, territorial aggrandizement through conquest will not be recognized by the international community. The conquering State cannot hope to gain any valid title to the newly acquired territory under international law as no legitimacy is attached to the taking of territory through military occupation. Consider the case of Israel. Notwithstanding the fact that it has been effectively controlling several Arab territories occupied through war for over five decades, international community continues to reject Israel's sovereignty claims over such territories, including in the cases of East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights. 

In his Friday Sermon of 07 June 2024~29 Dhul-Qaddah 1445 AH, Imam-Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius spoke about the persisting, ongoing illegal occupation and annexation of the Syrian territory of the Golan Heights by Israel since 1967/1981. As Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) rightly notes, many blatant illegalities are being perpetuated with impunity by the State of Israel on the lands of its Arab neighbours. Strong economic, military and technological support of the United States provides the material basis for Israeli excesses in the Middle East. Perhaps equally important is the complicity of important Arab leaders who have their own secret relations with the Jewish State even in the midst of the latter's despicable crimes against the Palestinian people, as well as its continued, illegal occupation and annexation of Arab territories, including the Syrian territory of the Golan Heights. Hazrat Saheb (aba) alludes that the enemies of Islam have been able to get away for so long with their manifest illegalities and high crimes against the Muslim peoples in a religious, political and strategic context of manifest internal weaknesses, disunity, and internecine conflicts. Fair-minded people in Europe and elsewhere are increasingly becoming aware of the horrific extend of Israeli/US highhandedness in the Middle East. Be that as it may, it is by reclaiming the true spirit of Faith, including the duties of solidarity, that Muslim nations will be able to discriminate between 'good' and 'evil', and 'friends' and 'enemies' of the Faith and of the peoples in these times. And it is by invoking Allah (swt) through fervent prayers, and by embracing the lawful methods of resistance against injustice that our Faith teaches that we can eventually triumph over the forces of evil- both internal and external- that presently pervade our backyard inflicting much suffering on the Ummah in these turbulent times, notes Hazrat Saheb (aba) in this discourse. 

Read the Friday Sermon Below:   

'Nations, Abide by Accords'

In his Friday Sermon of 31 May 2024~22 Dhul-Qaddah 1445 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Al Mahdi Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius calls attention to the foundational element of a peaceful and progressive global order: respect for international agreements; the sanctity of mutual obligations. 

Speaking against the backdrop of the ‘Brexit’ debates in England, Ireland and the wider Europe, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) notes that nations are free to pursue their own political and economic futures: to go solo, or in alliance with other nations, in the pursuit of national interests. But wherever external elements are involved, States should engage with one another in a spirit of dialogue and exchange of views, and agree on mutually-beneficial arrangements in a spirit of give and take, respecting each other’s interests and concerns. Indeed the primary purpose and function of international law and organization today is to facilitate beneficial cooperation among States by defining the rules of engagement, and that is why sanctity of treaties is the first principle at the root of global order. However, when powerful nations overstep their limits, and commit aggression on another people, it leads to war crimes and crimes against humanity, and even genocidal mass murder and horrific suffering of entire civilian populations, as is happening now in Gaza and other Israeli-occupied Palestine territories. Hazrat Saheb (aba) urges in the strongest terms all nations, large and small, to return to common sense and respect for pacts lest the present chaos in international relations lead to worst disaster and horrific consequences for humanity [God forbid].    

Read the Friday Sermon Below: 

Poem: 'The Call of Humanity'

The world would have been,

A golden gate to paradisiacal serenity,

Were it not for the feigns and false promises,

Of secular and religious authorities who,

In the name of politics, patriotism and union,

Leave behind their conscience,

To delve into the sea of fraud and corruption;

 

Oh how beautiful would it have been,

If with a true heart,

Each political representative,

Of the multitudinous countries,

Stand up in honour of the world,

And all its inhabitants,

And chant the call of togetherness,

As one global people,

As one united nation,

In the best interest of,

Humankind as a whole,

Poem: 'The Origin of Peace'

  

Every part of the Universe is ever locked in the concept of Peace,

From the moment of creation,

The word to have found light in the Heavens was Peace

A piece of the heart is engrossed in the meditation of Peace,

 The every second which passes in concentration of the Unique God,

Alights from the meaning of Peace,

India @ 77: A Special Message

 

In a special message sent to the Hon’ble President of India, Mrs. Droupadi Murmu, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius shared the greetings of peace and good wishes for the great people of India on the occasion of the nation’s 77^th Independence Day.

At almost 1.4 billion, India is the world’s most populous nation and largest democracy, with the people professing a multitude of faiths and observing diverse cultural traditions and food practices, and speaking numerous languages in distinct regions. The country is bound together by a Constitution drafted by the leaders of the national movement that fought for independence from British imperialism. Indeed the nation’s constitutional norms reflect the values of the great struggle for freedom and equality in India, and celebrate the dignity and rights of the people in their incredible diversity. However, with the increasing assertion of total dominance by the majoritarian ruling dispensation  and its tactics of pitting the dominant community against the minorities, the original social contract of federal distribution of powers as well as individual  rights is fraying at the seams today. The great occasion of national independence is a time for all Indians not only to do thanksgiving, expressing gratitude for God’s mercy on this ancient land, but also to do deep soul-searching in a spirit of humility and prayer for guidance for the nation in the crossroads of time.   

Hazrat Imam Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah’s special message on the auspicious occasion of the celebration of freedom in India is also a gentle reminder of the duty and responsibility of nations- large and small- to embrace the diversity created by God in this world and to abide by the fundamental human values of peaceful coexistence and shared living in our multicultural world.   

Read the Text of the Special Message below:

Oommen Chandy [1943-2023]

 

Former Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr. Oommen Chandy, passed away on Tuesday, 18 July 2023. He was 79, and was ailing for some time. Born on 31 October 1943, Mr. Chandy was the 10^th chief minister of Kerala, serving from 2004 to 2006 and 2011 to 2016. He served also as the Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly from 2006 to 2011.

 

He represented Puthuppally constituency as a member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in the State Assembly from 1970 until his death in 2023, making him the longest-serving MLA of any state legislature in India. He received an award for public service from the United Nations in 2013. He was a member of the Congress Working Committee, the apex decision-making body of the Indian National Congress, at the time of his death.

As a political leader of Kerala, he served the people with much humility and sincerity of purpose all through his days in government as well as outside of it; Mr. Chandy leaves behind a rich legacy of public service;  an outpouring of love and grateful remembrance by common people across the State when his body was taken on its final journey to the burial place is emblematic of the numerous lives he touched throughout his life as a people’s leader. 

We in the Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam- Kerala remember with fondness Mr. Oommen Chandy’s respectful and warm interaction with our beloved Imam Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius, during the latter’s India visit in December 2018. 

'Ummah': Unity in Diversity

 

In his Friday Sermon of 30 December 2022~ 06 Jamadi’ul Aakhir 1444 AH, Imam-Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam International Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius begins a series of reflections on forging unity within the global Muslim Ummah. As the existential conditions of the Muslims around the world are characterized by deep diversity- languages, races, regions, nations and peoples, etc.-and the Ummah is virtually split into numerous sects and factions, with each group claiming monopoly over the Truth; formidable challenges confront the tasks of Muslim unity.

Through this discourse, Hazrat Muhyiuddin (aba) addresses this vital question of Islamic unity by calling attention to the foundational guidance of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa) on the role of sincerity and humility in religious relations. People are prone to 'worship' their own ideas and inherited notions, customs and practices; preferring their own position, wealth and power and other passions of the self. On the other hand, overcoming the inclinations of the self and preferring others to one's own dictates is the path to spiritual progress and God realization. For the sake of Divine approval and pleasure over the Ummah as a whole- rather than seeking fringe benefits and cheap sectarian victories-, people have a strong basis in religious sincerity and humility for remaining united for collective welfare and attracting Divine blessings, points out Hazrat Saheb (aba).      

A Vision for A Just World

In his Friday Sermon of 16 December 2022 ~21 Jamadi’ul Awwal 1444 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Muhyiuddin Al Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius speaks movingly about the struggles of persecuted minorities; stateless refugees and other peoples caught up in climate change-induced migration; the deep connections between ecological disasters and armed conflicts, and also the problem of modern slavery: human trafficking across borders amidst deepening misery and despair at home in several lands.  

Speaking against the backdrop of the material conditions in Mauritius, Imam Azim (aba) urges fellow citizens to be deeply grateful to God for the available social blessings of peace, relative prosperity and global standing of the nation, and at the same time, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) gently reminds people to be conscious of long-term societal trends, and also be aware of the moral and ethical obligations the people owe to fellow beings in their midst- especially those in suffering and are vulnerable due to their difficult circumstances.  In this eloquent discourse, Hazrat Azim (aba) invites our attention to the obligations of our common humanity towards the refugees and the vulnerable migrants. Warning against the pitfalls of indifference, silence and negligence, Hazrat Saheb (aba) urges one and all to stand up for the less privileged and try to make a difference in our surroundings for our collective welfare and shared progress. Muslims especially have a duty to be the forces of good; fighting evil within and outside; standing up for justice and equity. Indeed, true faith and allegiance to Divine worship requires us to be mindful of the needs of our fellow beings and ease up their travails, and engage ourselves in the larger causes of humanity, reminds Hazrat Saheb (aba).

Civility in Religious Debates

Be it writing on social media, or appearing on television channels on public debates; the persons exercising their free speech rights have a duty to observe civility and courtesy, and not to fan hatred between different classes of people, nor spread bigotry among religious communities, especially so when they are leading politicians and spokespersons of a party ruling a country. When political elites fail to observe restraint and cross the red-lines in public discourse on people’s beliefs, or faith-related controversies; it invariably generates public resistance and political backlash, muddying the social relations- nationally and internationally.

Recently, two leaders of the ruling BJP in India, Nupur Sharma and Naveen Jindal, indulged in wanton anti-Muslim tirade, in public television and on social media. In their visceral hatred of the Muslim community in the country, these ruling politicians went to the extreme extend of attacking and vilifying the religion of Islam, and insulting the sacred memory of the Holy Prophet (sa) and his family. Making hurtful comments about the Holy Prophet’s life with his young wife Hazrat Ayesha (ra), these thugs from the majority community in the land sought to humiliate the minority community by insulting their religious beliefs. With the Muslims in India holding angry public demonstrations against the culprits, and many Muslim majority-nations in unison calling out the Islamophobia on full display in India, the episode involving the gross misconduct of its spokespersons embarrassed not only the governing party but also caused deep humiliation for the country’s image and standing internationally. [Inset: People hold posters during a protest demanding the arrest of suspended Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokeswoman Nupur Sharma and expelled BJP leader Naveen Jindal. Credit: Reuters photo/ Deccan Herald/ PTI, June 10, 2022]. 

The Economic System In Islam

In his Friday Sermon of 24 December 2021~19 Jamadi’ul Awwal 1443 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius explains the outlines of Islamic economic values. Islam fosters fair trade, and contractual arrangements based on free consent within a non-exploitative business environment. The prohibition of usurious interest, rejection of monopolistic ownership and control over natural resources, and other unfair trade practices, etc. are emblematic of the Islamic economic system. Likewise, to ensure the fair spreading of economic assets across the social classes and for the welfare of the masses, Islam created a range of institutionalized public-giving and other charitable practices, such as Zakat, Sadaqah, Wasiyyah, Waqf, etc. In this discourse, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) underscores the need for the believers of be aware of, and to be conscious of these religious, institutional arrangements for the creation of a healthy economic order and a just society, especially in the context of the foundational obligations of Faith.

Read the Friday Sermon Below:

Kerala: Gifts for Kids

 

“Do good to others. Allah loves those who do good.” (2:196) 

Islam instils a culture of caring and sharing, and a sense of responsibility within individuals for fostering a just society. Rather than being content to live with one’s wealth and family, the Qur’an expects you to be virtuous and do good to others as an obligation of faith and commitment. Being a trustee of God on earth, it is your duty to deploy all that Allah (swt) has gifted you in this life so as to work for the well being of all of God’s creations. 

This is especially so in times when glaring inequality and  deep fractures and fault-lines in our communities call for robust initiatives for a just and caring social order. Indeed, our broken times call for the creation of 'a new world' that foregrounds the protection and benefit of the poor and the indigent, the orphans and the widows, the homeless and the landless, the elderly and the sick; that facilitates education, skills training and other beneficial capabilities among the young for a better future.  

   

Inspired by the illuminating guidance and leadership of Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Khalifatullah Munir Ahmad Azim (aba) of Mauritius, the humble and devoted brothers of the Jamaat are increasingly engaging themselves in beneficial social engagement programmes at their own local communities, Alhamdulillah, Summa Alhamdulillah. 

Kerala: A Charitable Trust

 

‘O My Lord, help me to be truly grateful for Your favours to me, and to my parents; help me to do good work that pleases You; make my offspring good. I  turn to You; I am one of those who devote themselves to You.’ (HQ, 46:16) 

As one grows older and wiser, one becomes even more conscious of one’s responsibility towards both the older and the younger generations. ‘Whosoever is unkind to our young and disrespectful of our old is not one of us’, declared the Holy Prophet Muhammad (sa). Indeed, being virtuous and showing gratitude to one’s parents is a Qur’anic duty on all believers- second in importance only to the duty to worship God: “Worship God; join nothing with Him. Be good to your parents, to relatives, to orphans, to the needy, to neighbours near and far, to travelers in need, and to your assistants.” (4:37)

Inspired by Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Khalifatullah Al Mahdi Munir Ahmad Azim (aba)’s spiritual discourses and illuminating guidance, Mukarram R. Jamaluddin Raother Saheb of Mathra recently established a charitable initiative in Kerala, India. With the sublime objective of rendering service to humanity, Jamaluddin Saheb has founded and legally-registered a Trust in fond memory of, and in the name of his beloved parents, Janab Rasavumeeran Raother (d. 1951) and Fatima Beevi Saheba (d.1986).   

Identity Conflicts

As a religion of God, Islam is an uncompromisingly monotheistic creed, and its spiritual realm has no space for any form of idolatry, or the worship of lords beside the Lord Almighty. As its mark of identity, Islam prescribes fraternal affection and bonds of solidarity among all believers, regardless of their racial or linguistic background, social or national origin. Indeed, Islam recognizes the universality of the religious experience and testifies to the Divine origin of religions among all the peoples. As God is Lord of all the Worlds (of mankind, angels, animals, plants, this world and the world to come, etc.), Islam also fosters utmost sympathy and compassion for all of His creatures (not just for fellow-Muslims); upholding the dignity and rights of all communities of people living in society. Islam envisages a social order that will peacefully facilitate the triumph of good over evil; the  prevalence of truth over falsehood in the ideational battle and struggle for supremacy between God's Religion, and all other ideologies.

Yet Today, ours is an age of rising intolerance and identity-based conflicts among communities. Societies are splintered on religious and sectarian lines. Many conflicts have their roots in religion-based adverse discriminations. The persecution of minority communities such as the Rohingyas in Myanmar and the Uighurs in China by the nationally-dominant  non-Muslim groups uprooted millions of Muslim peoples from their own homes and hearth in recent years. Likewise, the deep schism in Islamic lands, among the Sunnis and the Shias, and also other marginal  sects such as the Ahmadis, have also witnessed much sectarian bloodshed and killings. Likewise, the radicalization of the Muslim youth through extremist and militant interpretations of religious doctrines for political mobilization by a section of the Mullahs' and their terrorists' groups is also a threat to social peace and harmony, and also to the fair name of a pure religion.

In his Friday Sermon of 17 September 2021~09 Safar 1443 AH, Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (atba) of Mauritius speaks about Islamic teachings that promote religious tolerance, inter-community harmony, and social peace in our divided world. Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) notes that whether majority or minority in  a land, the Muslims ought to emphatically reject all excesses in the name of our identity. As Hazrat Saheb (aba) points out, the Holy Prophet (sa) stated: “He who supports his clan in aggression and he who calls on others to support tyranny is not one of us.”  Indeed, it is vital to reclaim the true and original spiritual moorings of Islam, so that  a just social order  is available for everyone to pursue their religious beliefs and spiritual convictions without any hindrance.  

Read the Friday Sermon Below:  

Solidarity with Palestine

  

Through a series of 'divide and rule' policies in the last four decades, the United States of America played a dubious role as a meddling superpower in the destabilization of countries in the Muslim world. The continuing US support for Israel's inhuman treatment of the Palestinian peoples as well as the ongoing US-Israeli political manipulations to destroy the Palestinian nation through 'a thousand cuts', are a searing reminder of the larger religious and political threats facing the wider Muslim community in our times. 

In his Friday Sermon of 02 July 2021~20 Dhul-Qaddah 1442 AH Imam- Jamaat Ul Sahih Al Islam Hazrat Khalifatullah Munir A. Azim (aba) of Mauritius takes a close and hard look at  contemporary world politics, to identify and call out the hatred that is shaping American double-standards at work in its threatening policies vis-a-vis Muslim peoples in different lands- in contrasts to its policies vis-a-vis Israel's "security". Urging international solidarity and support for the dignity of the oppressed in Palestine, Hazrat Khalifatullah (aba) underscores the need for everyone to wake up and understand the larger political designs at work, and resist the Evils of injustice, oppression and violence through the power of Prayer and fervent invocations to the Lord Almighty for Divine Justice.     

Read the Friday Sermon Below:

Return of the Taliban

 

The fall of the US-propelled government in Afghanistan along with the swift and dramatic capture of power by the Taliban in Kabul, is nothing short of a geopolitical earthquake in international affairs in our times. For one, it marks a defining moment in the unravelling history of American excesses abroad in the name of “war on terror” and attempts to impose their perception of democracy on other nations and peoples.  Likewise, for the region and the world, the larger question is this: can the Taliban- now, the de facto government in Kabul- live down its dreadful legacy, turn a new page in political pragmatism, and usher in a period of peace, security and development for the people of Afghanistan? 

A Legacy of Excesses on All Sides

Afghanistan’s modern destiny is marred by much internal political strife and blood-letting, especially in the last four decades. Illegal interventions and invasions by foreign powers- [the Soviet Union (1979-1989), and the United States (2001-2021) followed by counter-mobilization by militant groups armed and aided by interested foreign governments, and the consequent internecine warfare destabilized the land for long years. The emergence of Taliban in the Afghan refugee camps of Pakistan, and its militant extremism- blurring the line between political resistance and support for indiscriminate and unrestrained violence in the name of ideology/religion against hostile foreign powers as well as defenceless civilians cannot be divorced from this complex political and regional backdrop- including the lucrative profits from mass cultivation of, and trade in, opium and other narcotic substances across borders with colluding elements in Pakistan. 

Domestically, when the Taliban was in power in the land during 1996-2001, its policies were starkly marked by denial of educational opportunities to girl children; curtailment of women’s rights; cruel and degrading treatment of minorities; institutionalization of vengeance in the form of medieval punishments on opponents and enemies of the regime- all in service of a narrow-minded, extremist and simplistic understanding of the Islamic Shari’ah, bringing disrepute to the very Faith they claimed to serve- with hardly any country in the world recognizing the Mullah Muhammad Omar regime in Kabul in those years.