AIG Bans Women from Mosques in Kandahar and Herat During Ramadan Prayers

The Afghan Interim Government (AIG) has implemented a ban on women attending mosques in the cities of Kandahar and Herat during the Ramadan prayers, including the Taraweeh prayers, which are performed after the Isha prayer. This decision, effective from the night of March 11, has sparked significant attention and debate both within Afghanistan and internationally. Women in Kandahar have been prevented from entering several mosques, while women in Herat have faced a complete block from participating in prayers at mosques during the holy month.

This ban marks a significant shift from previous years when women were allowed to attend mosques and engage in religious activities during Ramadan, including Taraweeh prayers. In the past, women in Herat, as well as in other provinces, had been able to participate in these prayers without restrictions. However, under the current administration, the AIG’s morality police have been stationed at mosque entrances in both Kandahar and Herat, enforcing the new policy and preventing women from entering. This policy has caused concern in local communities, particularly among those who view it as a deviation from the more inclusive practices observed in previous years.

The ban has been met with reactions of concern from various quarters, with many in Kandahar and Herat viewing the move as a restriction on women’s ability to practice their faith freely. Critics argue that such policies limit women’s participation in religious and social life, and contribute to a broader pattern of exclusion. In Herat, a city traditionally more open to women’s involvement in public life, this latest restriction has been met with particular dismay, as it represents a reversal of past freedoms.

The AIG has repeatedly stated that it seeks to govern in accordance with Islamic principles, but these policies have raised questions about the balance between religious interpretation and the rights of women. Many argue that these actions are not representative of Islamic teachings, which emphasize equality and the right to worship freely. Some observers suggest that the growing restrictions on women are indicative of the evolving approach to governance under the AIG, where the freedoms and rights previously gained by women in Afghanistan are being gradually rolled back.

International organizations, including human rights groups and foreign governments, have expressed concern over the new restrictions on women’s access to mosques. Many have called on the Afghan authorities to reconsider the policy and allow women the opportunity to participate in religious life without facing discrimination. However, the AIG’s response to international pressure remains uncertain, and it is unclear whether these calls will result in any immediate changes to the policy.

This move is part of a broader trend of restrictions on women’s rights in Afghanistan since the Taliban regained control in August 2021. Women have already faced significant limitations in other areas, including education, employment, and mobility, while also being subject to strict dress codes and behavioral expectations enforced by the morality police. As such, the recent decision to bar women from mosques during Ramadan adds to the growing concerns about the erosion of women’s rights in the country.

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Despite these challenges, many women in Afghanistan continue to advocate for their rights and resist the policies imposed by the current government. They hold onto the hope that the future may offer a chance to reclaim their freedoms and restore their place in society.

Ultimately, the new restrictions on women’s participation in religious life during Ramadan highlight the ongoing debates about the direction of governance in Afghanistan and the evolving role of women in the country. The response to these policies will likely continue to be a key point of focus for both Afghan citizens and the international community in the months and years ahead.

This news is sourced from [Afghanistan International] and is for informational purposes only.