By Nu’man Saeed
I recently listened to the speech delivered by Haji Mullah Sahib Tajmir Jawad, the First Deputy Director of the General Directorate of Intelligence of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, may Allah preserve him. He spoke in the Sayed Karam district of Paktia at a large memorial gathering dedicated to the martyrs.
The address lasted about twenty minutes, yet it carried a weight far beyond its length. It was not a routine speech but one that responded directly to questions and concerns pressing on the minds of many.
I will not attempt a detailed dissection, for this was the address of a leader who spoke with depth across ideological, religious, historical, military, and psychological realms. Such words deserve an interpreter of equal breadth. Still, because of its importance in this moment, I will try, within the limits of my humble pen, to highlight its key passages and place them in their broader contexts, so that the messages embedded within them become clearer.
First passage
“All praise be to Allah the Exalted. Today we and you are participating in an honorable gathering and have come together in a firm trench of jihad and struggle…”
This opening, rooted in praise of Allah, sets the tone. Every blessing flows from the Divine. By invoking “jihad, struggle, and trench,” the speaker recalls the noblest of duties in defending the faith and uplifting the community. These words link present sacrifices to the legacy of past struggles, reminding the mujahideen that they stand in a sacred line of continuity. The trench metaphor is especially powerful. It makes clear that this gathering is not mere formality or discussion but an extension of the battlefield, a front of its own.
Second passage
“Our fathers and grandfathers fought the Soviets, the British, and other aggressive and tyrannical empires, and by doing so they ensured the survival of Afghanistan as a Muslim nation…”
Here the struggle of earlier generations is framed not simply as defense of the homeland but as a battle for the preservation of Islam itself. By invoking resistance against the British and the Soviets, the speaker ties today’s efforts to an unbroken chain of sacrifice. The message is unmistakable: jihad is not an isolated episode but part of the very fabric of religious and national identity, passed down through the ages.
Third passage
“Through martyrdom a Muslim proves that Islam means more to him than anything else…”
With these words, martyrdom is elevated to its rightful place as the highest testimony of faith. The mujahid who sacrifices his life for Allah affirms that the eternal outweighs the fleeting. Martyrs are presented not only as individuals of courage but as enduring symbols of Islam’s vitality in history. At the same time, this sends a message to adversaries. They face men who see beyond this world and who are not bound by fear of death. That conviction is an unshakable foundation of strength, for an army unafraid of dying is difficult to defeat.
Fourth passage
“This is the land of martyrs; this is the land of offerings of heads…”
In these stark words, the soil itself is honored as sanctified by sacrifice. It is a reminder that this nation has been defended time and again by blood freely given for Allah’s sake. The declaration binds present fighters to the legacy of their forebears, insisting that hesitation has no place when faith and independence are at stake.
Fifth passage
“When our enemies suffered heavy defeats, they turned to ideological and psychological warfare…”
The speech then shifts from history to tactics. A warning is issued. Even when defeated on the battlefield, the enemy wages war in other arenas. Propaganda, doubt, and psychological pressure became their tools. This reminder serves as counsel to remain vigilant, not only with weapons but with hearts and minds safeguarded from subversion.
Sixth passage
“By Allah the Great, I am pleased to be reduced to dust in the path of protecting Allah’s religion and this legal system…”
This passage resounds with sincerity. It is not mere rhetoric but a pledge of loyalty and readiness for martyrdom, declaring that the system of Islam will be upheld even at the cost of one’s life. Such words reflect a leader who does not stand above his followers but among them, prepared to share their fate. They also serve notice to opponents that the leadership itself is willing to sacrifice everything to achieve its goals.
Seventh passage
“We will firmly stand against anything that challenges the survival and stability of our system…”
Here the IEA is described not simply as a government but as a complete Islamic order. Any threat to it, internal or external, is cast as hostility to the faith itself. The message is one of absolute resolve. No compromise will be made with forces that undermine stability or the implementation of Islamic law.
Eighth passage
“That your young people, your children, and the pieces of your hearts were chosen by Allah to attain martyrdom…”
In these lines, the grief of families is acknowledged, yet their loss is framed as a divine selection. Such words console, assuring them that their sacrifices are honored in heaven and that their steadfastness continues to fuel the strength of the struggle.
Ninth passage
“Let us stand firmly with the IEA and the respected Amir al-Mu’minin, may Allah preserve him…”
The conclusion is a direct call for unity and obedience. Allegiance to the Amir al-Mu’minin is presented not only as loyalty to a leader but as a religious duty, a safeguard of the IEA’s cohesion. Unity, the speech insists, is the shield against both foreign propaganda and internal division.
The address skillfully wove together faith, memory, and resolve. It linked present battles to the sacrifices of the past, praised martyrdom as the highest testimony of belief, warned against the subtler wars of ideology, and called for unbroken loyalty to the IEA’ leadership. Above all, it reminded its listeners that their cause is sacred, their sacrifices eternal, and their unity the key to survival.
