The officials of the Taliban regime have, as in previous years, opposed the popular and cultural celebration of Nawroz and have forbidden people from celebrating it. The Taliban have used religious pretexts to conceal their opposition to Nawroz, which is actually based on other factors. In order to prevent the ancient and widespread celebration, the Taliban have declared it to be illegal and have asserted that Muslims should not celebrate it, without providing any acceptable religious justification.
Supporters of Nawroz can rightly claim that this celebration has a history of thousands of years, and the people of Afghanistan, who are the inheritors of the region‘s history, have the right to keep this symbol, their cultural and historical heritage, alive. The Taliban are unwilling to consider whether Nawroz is an ancient–cultural festival or not because they do not believe in considering other perspectives and debating contentious matters. Anything that does not align with their beliefs, this group typically states that this or that thing is in conflict with their ‘Islamic, national and cultural values.” They have yet to explain their interpretation of national and cultural values, yet their understanding of religious values is somewhat evident and all authoritative Islamic authorities in other countries have labeled them “extremist and terrorist” and repudiated them.
Throughout Afghanistan’s turbulent history, the Taliban have been the first group to declare Nawroz (a traditional holiday) haram (forbidden) from the government’s base. In some cases, they have even beaten civilians for celebrating it. Those who trained the Taliban in their extremist schools in Pakistan, along with other instrumental uses, are trying to destroy the historical and cultural values of Afghanistan. The Taliban officials, known as extremism dealers in the region, have used all available tools and global support to raise a group of mercenary fighters armed with takfiri and terrorist thoughts in order to destroy Afghanistan. The border disputes and tensions that occurred between the two countries at the beginning of the formation of Pakistan have been used as an excuse to justify these policies inside Pakistan. Now, the ruling minority, the Taliban, and extremism have become so deeply entrenched in this bloody industry that the fire of extremism and terror along the Durand Line has been burning for years, and extreme interpretations of religion and culture have made life hell for millions of residents.
By declaring Nawroz to be haram, the Taliban, who are enemies of the rulers of Pakistan, are raising questions in the minds of Afghans. The Taliban should explain whether they accept Afghanistan and its long-standing culture. If they do, why have they forbidden the celebration of Nawroz? If they do not accept Afghanistan and its culture, then one should ask “who are you, and who gave you the authority to rule over our nation?” When the Taliban talk about “Islamic, national and cultural values,” do these cultures actually exist, or are they just unrealistic ideas like other Taliban beliefs?
The Taliban must clarify whether Afghans were Muslims or non-believers prior to the establishment of the Taliban and their control of Afghanistan. Did they simply convert Afghans to Islam by deeming a large portion of their beliefs to be un-Islamic and forbidding them?
The Taliban’s stance against Nawroz, like their other stances, is not founded on any rational basis, thus demonstrating their lack of knowledge and reliance. The Taliban are a symbol of many atrocities and the executors of outdated beliefs and outdated mentalities. They were formed to be hostile to life and humanity, and are responsible for spreading terror. Their goal is to be in opposition to progress and civilization, and to achieve this, they consider themselves justified in using any inhumane means. However, while this group may temporarily silence people through force and terror, they will ultimately fail in the long run. The failure of the Taliban is certain, just as it is certain that an ignorant person cannot stand against the passage of time and try to stop the sun from setting. The Taliban’s animosity towards Nawroz will not last, and their victory in destroying the popular celebration is impossible. Despite their claims of transformation, the Taliban have once again failed in the political, cultural, and national tests, just as they have in the past. Therefore, the dark chapter of their existence will soon come to an end.
If the Taliban do not cease their foolish disputes with the public, like any other destructive and anti-social force, they will be met with a unified and comprehensive response from the people, which they will not be able to withstand. This is because the nation will not tolerate the extremist group that repudiates the cultural and historical values of the inhabitants of this land.
