The leader of the Taliban has announced the official prohibition of four additional practices, including mixed martial arts (MMA), cutting ribbons at ceremonies, celebrating certain special days like Valentine's Day, and walking on carpets with shoes in government offices, declaring them as "immoral acts" that are now banned.
Tarz Press has obtained a document from the Ministry of Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, which indicates that the ministry requested the Taliban leader to ban these actions, arguing that they are contrary to "Islamic Sharia." The Taliban leader accepted the ministry's recommendations, and a reliable source has confirmed the authenticity of the document to Tarz Press.
The document states: "Mixed martial arts (MMA), in which severe harm is inflicted on the opponent, leading to the risk of blindness, brain damage, and even death, is forbidden under Islamic Sharia because it constitutes willfully endangering one's life, which is prohibited."
The document also mentions that cutting ribbons during inauguration ceremonies is considered "immoral" because it resembles practices of "non-Muslims."
It further states: "Cutting ribbons at inauguration ceremonies, celebrating days that are not endorsed in Islam and are imitations of non-Muslim practices, such as Teacher's Day, Mother's Day, and Valentine's Day, are banned because they involve imitating non-Muslims."
The document also highlights that walking on carpets in hallways and staircases of government offices with shoes is also prohibited, as it is considered "wasteful and an imitation of non-believers." The document concludes by recommending that the Taliban leadership issue necessary guidelines to prevent these immoral acts in both government and non-government offices, a recommendation that the Taliban leader has endorsed.
Tarz Press sought opinions from several Kabul residents regarding these bans, and many expressed astonishment, stating that the Taliban should prioritize the reconstruction of the country, economic issues, and the protection of Afghanistan's airspace.
Abdullah, a Kabul resident, said he was astonished and unsure of the Taliban leader's agenda. He added that these rapid and daily bans have left all Afghans bewildered, not knowing what the future holds for Afghanistan. Engineer Khan Mohammad, another Kabul resident, shared similar concerns and emphasized that the Taliban should engage with the people, stating, "A government ruled by force and prohibitions will not yield good results." He added that the Taliban, as a government, should first address issues like unemployment and poverty in Afghanistan.
Moreover, many social media activists have also reacted, saying that the Taliban should focus on economic development and the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Mohsen wrote on his Facebook page that the Taliban government is preoccupied with "trivial matters," which he believes is a sign of "lack of substance."
