Islam in Afghanistan

Islam is very important in Afghanistan, where almost everyone follows this belief. Most people, about 90 out of every 100, practice Sunni Islam, which is also the country's official religion. The other group, making up just under 10%, follows Shia Islam. Islam started in Afghanistan a long time ago, after Arab Muslims came to the area between the 7th and 10th centuries. Before that, many people in Afghanistan practiced Buddhism or Zoroastrianism, but most changed to Islam over time.

The spread of Islam continued as different groups, like the Turkic Ghaznavids, moved into the region. By the end of the 10th century, they had taken control of areas including Kabul and Herat. Today, Islam shapes many parts of life in Afghanistan, influencing traditions, culture, and how the country is governed.

History

Main articles: Islamic conquest of Afghanistan and History of Arabs in Afghanistan

In the 7th century, Arab leaders from the Rashidun Caliphate came into the land now called Afghanistan after defeating other rulers. They brought their beliefs to the people there. Many people in northern Afghanistan began to follow these new ideas during the time of leaders like Caliph Hisham and Umar ibn AbdulAziz. In the south, a leader named Abdur Rahman bin Samara went into areas ruled by other groups.

Later, during the time of leaders like Al-Mu'tasim, most people in the area practiced these beliefs. After some changes in leadership, the beliefs became very common in cities like Kabul. The father of a well-known leader named Abu Hanifa was born in this area, and later, others helped spread these ideas deeper into nearby lands. Since then, these beliefs have been very important in Afghanistan. Leaders sometimes used these ideas in times of trouble.

The old leaders of Peshawar were removed by Mahmud of Ghazni in the years 998 and 1030. The Ghaznavids were replaced by the Ghurid dynasty, who made Afghanistan an important place for learning. The Friday Mosque of Herat is one of the oldest mosques in the country, believed to have been first built under the Ghurids in the 12th century. During this time, known as the Islamic Golden Age, Afghanistan became an important center for learning after Baghdad.

After attacks by the Mongols, the Timurids helped rebuild the land and made it a center for learning again. In the 16th century, new beliefs came to southern Afghanistan during the time of Safavid rule. Until 1709, the Kandahar area was often fought over between different groups.

Conquest by Abdur Rahman Khan

King Abdur Rahman Khan, who ruled from 1880 to 1901, was the first to use these beliefs as a way to build a stronger country. He said that all laws must follow these beliefs, which made them more important than other traditions. He asked religious leaders to help support his rules. This helped the religious community grow, but as they became part of the government, their power changed. Many special rights for religious people were adjusted to fit the government's plans.

Abdur Rahman Khan's leaders kept and expanded his rules as they tried to change the country. These beliefs stayed important in everyday life, but the religious leaders did not get involved in politics much. They were more like a guide for moral behavior. However, in hard times for the country, these beliefs were used to bring people together. For example, they stood against changes made by King Amanullah Shah from 1919 to 1929, which they thought were too much like other countries and not like their own traditions.

Later leaders tried to balance these beliefs with new ideas for progress. Even though these beliefs were very important to the people, their role in running the country kept getting smaller. The 1931 Constitution made Hanafi beliefs the official beliefs of the country. The 1964 Constitution said the country should follow Hanafi beliefs in its rituals. The 1977 Constitution said Islam was the belief of Afghanistan but did not say the country’s rituals should follow Hanafi. By 1978, the government showed it did not support religious leaders very much, but still used words from these beliefs. This led to big changes and the start of movements that wanted to use these beliefs in politics.

These belief-based movements started in 1958 at Kabul University. Teachers and students, influenced by ideas from other countries, wanted to mix modern life with these beliefs. After the 1964 Constitution, students at Kabul University became very active. Both teachers and students formed groups, and by 1970, these belief-based student groups became larger than other groups.

Radicalization and NATO presence

Further information: Soviet–Afghan War and War in Afghanistan (2001–2021)

The 1979 entry of Soviet forces to support a government changed how these beliefs were used in politics. These beliefs helped bring together many different groups against the new leaders. The Soviet invasion and changes in nearby countries brought in outside leaders with strong views. Leaders of the resistance were chosen by their followers based on personal ties, regions, or groups. With help from other countries, they fought to remove the Soviet forces but struggled to create a new government after winning.

After the Soviet forces left and the old government fell, a new government formed in 1992. But this government had trouble gaining support and faced many problems. In 1994, a group called the Taliban came in, promising to bring order and create a government based on their strict view of these beliefs. Supported by some leaders from nearby countries, they took control of much of Afghanistan by 1996 and established a government. They made many strict rules, including limits on public activities and roles for women. They were removed from power by Afghan and NATO forces in 2001 but continued to fight against the new government. By 2021, the Taliban returned to power and re-established their government with similar strict rules.

Islam in Afghan society

For Afghans, Islam helps bring people together, especially because many families and tribes take great pride in their own traditions and honor. Islam plays a big role in everyday life in Afghanistan. Religious activities are part of daily routines and special events.

Afghans have large mosques for weekly prayers and smaller ones in villages and neighborhoods. Mosques are not just for praying; they are also places where people meet, celebrate, and learn. Many Afghans attend mosque schools when they are young, and for some, this is their main education. Islam guides how people behave, with values like honesty, kindness, and respect. It affects how families and communities interact every day.

Local religious leaders, called mullahs, work in mosques. They are chosen by the government and their communities and often teach children about Islam. Some mullahs also help solve disagreements about religious matters. In rural areas, many mullahs also work as farmers or craftsmen. They are respected for their religious roles but sometimes face jokes or disagreements within their communities.

Many Afghans visit shrines that honor holy people. These shrines come in different forms, from simple mounds to grand buildings. People go to these places for special celebrations, to ask for help, or to show respect. These visits are important to many, especially women, and they often take home small items believed to bring good luck or protection.

Shia Islam in Afghanistan

Main article: Shia Islam in Afghanistan

About 10% of the people in Afghanistan follow Shia Islam. Most of these people belong to a group called the Twelvers. This group includes the Hazara ethnic group and a smaller group called the Qizilbash, who originally came from eastern Iran.

In the 1960s and 1970s, some Shia students helped start a movement inspired by ideas from China. After big changes in Afghanistan in 1978 and in Iran in 1979, Shia groups in a region called Hazarajat became more active. They worked with other groups fighting against the government and helped each other even though they did not always agree.

Ismailism

Further information: Ismailism

The Ismailis are another group within Shia Islam. They believe something different about leadership compared to most Shia groups. They live in parts of eastern Hazarajat, near Baghlan, in the mountains of Badakhshan, and in the Wakhan Corridor. After the Taliban's rule ended in 2001, Ismailis started a political party that had seats in the Afghan government. They supported different leaders in presidential elections over the years.

Sufi influences

Main article: Sufism in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has three important Sufi groups: the Naqshbandiya, started in Bukhara; the Qadiriya, started in Baghdad; and the Cheshtiya, found near Herat. These groups have played an important role in the country's spiritual life. Some of their leaders have been respected teachers and peacemakers, helping to solve problems between families and groups.

Though Sufi leaders sometimes face challenges, they are generally respected in Afghan society for their wisdom and spiritual gifts.