Part 1
Written by: Hashim Khalid
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated, “Islam began as something strange and will revert to being strange as it began. Therefore, glad tidings to the strangers.”
During the initial stages when the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) commenced preaching Islam, individuals viewed it as unusual and peculiar.
Some individuals even found it unacceptable that Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) chose a human as a prophet instead of an angel. Similarly, in the modern era, Islam will once again be perceived as strange and unfamiliar, with its teachings and judgments considered unacceptable to many.
Afghanistan stands out as the sole nation globally where a Sharia-based system, known as the Islamic Emirate, is in place and governs. Nevertheless, individuals influenced by Western democracy often categorize this system as a self-imposed regime or, in different terms, a monopolistic government.
They hold the belief that Islam merely entails reciting the declaration of faith, performing prayers, fasting, giving zakat, and undertaking pilgrimage, viewing matters such as transactions, legal rulings, retribution, and governance as separate and detached from religion.
Yet, this assertion is erroneous. Islam offers a holistic way of life for individuals and mandates adherence to it. Therefore, Afghanistan is a nation where every facet of life, including beliefs, transactions, traditions, governance, economic structures, and societal issues, is exclusively dedicated to Allah, the Exalted.
The Leadership is chosen in accordance with Islamic principles. Peace agreements with non-Muslims are established while upholding Islamic principles completely. Interactions with regional and international bodies are rooted in the Quran and Hadith. Actions and relationships prohibited by the Quran and Sunnah are avoided, while those commanded are put into practice. Islamic punishments and retributions are enforced.
This is the essence of an Islamic system that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan embodies.
