JALALABAD, Afghanistan – Afghan religious scholars criticized a ban on girls going to school on Saturday, while a top Taliban minister told clerics not to go against the government on the controversial issue.
Girls in Afghanistan aren’t allowed to go to school past the sixth grade, and this rule goes all the way up to universities. Women are prohibited from entering public places, including parks, and working in most occupations. According to the UN, Afghan women were forbidden from working at the organization last week, though the Taliban has yet to make a public declaration.
The government says that the restrictions on education are temporary suspensions rather than bans, but universities and schools started up again in March without women students.
The sanctions have sparked international outrage, further isolating the country when its economy has crumbled, and a humanitarian catastrophe has worsened.
On Saturday, two well-known Afghan religious scholars suggested that authorities reconsider their decision. Even though some Taliban commanders have said they don’t like how decisions are made, the public rarely disagrees with Taliban policies.
Abdul Rahman Abid is a researcher who thinks colleges should be able to re-admit girls and women through separate classes, hire female teachers, push back schedules, and even build new facilities.
He told The Associated Press that knowledge is required in Islam for both men and women, and women are permitted to study.
Well-known Afghan religious scholars suggested that authorities reconsider their decision.
“My daughter is absent from school, I am embarrassed, and I have no answer for my daughter,” he explained. “My daughter wonders why girls are not permitted to attend school in the Islamic system.” “I don’t know what to say to her.”
He stated that reform is required and cautioned that delays are detrimental to the global Islamic community and the government.
Another Taliban expert told the AP that there is still time for ministries to address the issue of girls’ education. Toryali Himat mentioned ministries affiliated with the supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, based in Kandahar.
The government prohibited girls from classrooms on his command. According to Himat, there are two types of criticism: Destructive and corrective.
Islam allows both men and women to learn, but hijab and curriculum should be taken into account.
“Islam allows both men and women to learn, but hijab and curriculum should be taken into account,” Himat remarked. “Corrective criticism should be provided, and the Islamic emirate should consider this.” There is the risk of corruption where there is no criticism. “In my opinion, girls should be educated to the university level.”
Acting Higher Education Minister Nida Mohammad Nadim stated on Friday that clerics should not oppose government policies.
After another professor, Abdul Sami Al Ghaznawi told students at a religious institution that there was no disagreement over girls’ education, he made his statements. He claimed that Islamic scripture made it plain that girls’ education was permissible. Al Ghaznawi could not be reached for comment right away.
By referencing “an honorable scholar” at the top of a video message shared on social media, Nadim targeted Al Ghaznawi.
“What happened because you encouraged people to rebel?” Nadim stated. “Consequently, rebellion against this (ban) is permitted.” Will encouraging individuals to struggle against the system benefit Muslims?”
The minister could only be reached for comment later. His spokesman, Hafiz Ziaullah Hashimi, acknowledged Nadim’s remarks but did not elaborate on who they were directed at or why they were made.
SOURCE – (AP)
