Recently, a video has been circulating on social media depicting the Taliban coercing Ismaili Muslims to declare their allegiance to Sunni Islam by saying Shahada. This implies that these individuals were not considered true Muslims until now and must reaffirm their faith to be accepted back into the Islamic community. This incident has caused concern among many observers and has further heightened the anxieties of the Afghan people. The freedom to choose one’s religion and express one’s opinions is a fundamental right of every human being, and it is crucial for the governing body to remain impartial in this matter. However, the Taliban do not believe in religious neutrality and actively seek to eradicate diversity and pluralism in Afghanistan. Their exclusionary mindset encompasses various aspects such as religion, ethnicity, language, and political orientation. The incident in Badakhshan exemplifies that anyone who does not adhere to the Taliban’s beliefs is deemed outside the realm of Islam and must undergo a ritual of professing a new Shahada and renewing their faith, even if they have been integral members of the Muslim community for centuries.
The Ismaili sect holds a significant place in the history of Islam, being one of the oldest sects within the faith. In Afghanistan, the Ismailis have a rich history spanning nearly a millennium. Among the notable figures of the Ismailis in Afghanistan is Hakim Nasser Khosrow, a renowned poet and scientist of his time. During the fourth and fifth centuries of the Hijri calendar, the Ismailis held considerable influence in the political and social spheres, from the Samanid era to the Ghaznavids, Ghorians, Seljuqs, and Khwarazm Shahs. Additionally, in other regions of the Islamic world, they established great Muslim empires that stretched from North Africa to the Levant and Hijaz. However, the situation changed with the devastating attacks of Genghis Khan’s forces, leading to a period of political decline for the followers of the Ismaili rsect in this particular region.
In today’s context, the Ismailis in Afghanistan represent a minority in terms of population. It is important to note that minorities in societies worldwide often face increased vulnerabilities. As a result, democratic systems implement measures to support and protect these minorities from discrimination. One such measure involves shifting the focus away from the political and legal implications of being a minority or majority. Instead, the concept of citizenship is emphasized. This means that being part of the majority does not grant special privileges, nor does being a minority imply a deficiency in basic rights. In countries with diverse ethnic, ancestral, linguistic, and religious backgrounds, it is crucial to move away from the distinction between minority and majority and solely emphasize the concept of citizenship.
Under the current rule in Afghanistan, individuals who hold different thoughts and perspectives from the Taliban are facing immense pressure. This includes individuals who are Sunni and share similarities with the Taliban, such as the Salafists and the Ikhwanis. Even Twelfth-century Shiites or Ismailis, whose interpretation of Islam is questioned by the Taliban, are also affected. The situation is equally dire for liberal Muslims, whom the Taliban label as secular, as well as followers of other religions like Hindus and Sikhs in Afghanistan. Bahais and Christians are unable to openly express their existence. Consequently, Afghanistan is no longer a safe haven for anyone except for Taliban supporters. As a result, millions of people are seeking to leave the country and find refuge in other parts of the world.
