By: Walid Wyar
The 7th and 8th of Sawr are exceptionally significant and unforgettable dates in the contemporary history of our country. They are commemorated repeatedly every year, and extensive literature has been produced regarding them. To ensure this piece does not merely become another addition to those repetitive writings, I will point out specific recommendations and lessons, keeping in mind several brief observations and current circumstances.
Nearly half a century ago, in 1357 (Solar Hijri/1978), the communists, with great naivety and under the dark shadow of the former Soviet Union’s political ideology, launched a military coup under the guise of bringing prosperity and freedom to Afghanistan. In reality, they sacrificed a relatively peaceful and independent country to their sinister political ambitions and prioritized their rejected communist ideology. On the other hand, the Muslim people of Afghanistan accurately perceived this sensitivity and honorably stepped into the field of struggle and sacrifice, waging Jihad and resistance against both the occupiers from Moscow and their communist puppets.
Ultimately, after fourteen years of sacred Jihad, the Soviet invading forces faced a humiliating defeat, and Afghanistan achieved its glorious victory on the 8th of Sawr. This victory was not a gift from anyone; rather, it was the fruit of the sacrifice and martyrdom of hundreds of thousands of empty-handed Mujahideen. However, because the sanctity of the Jihad, the grandeur of the victory, and this national honor were not respected, the country became ensnared in the trap of civil wars. Consequently, the Jihadi leaders faced infamy and disgrace due to their ingratitude for this blessing (the victory).
The 8th of Sawr is not merely an ordinary day or a simple anniversary; it is an epic embedded in the heart of history that tells the story of a helpless yet faithful nation’s struggle against the global arrogance and colonial powers of the time. Its primary message is that winning freedom and bringing occupiers to their knees is not a matter of mere words or slogans; it is a philosophy of sacrifice and giving one’s life for faith and country. The Afghans proved this at that time, painting a grand, historical portrait of the clash between faith and materialism.
The fact that former factional leaders began fighting over power, fell victim to self-interest, and clashed with one another is, in reality, the penalty for violating the principle of preserving the grandeur of Jihad. The fact that some of them remain wandering and regretful to this day, having lost their popular respect, signifies that they are humiliated and shamed before the Almighty as well. For the current generation and officials, several messages from this historic day are as follows:
First:
The saying of the elders is entirely accurate: independence is taken, not given. The Afghan warriors proved that religion and country are the greatest values and honors; the only path to rescuing and protecting the country from occupation is through freedom.
Second:
Preserving freedom is as much a great spiritual art as gaining freedom. If we consider independence a blessing from Almighty God, then being ungrateful for this blessing is a sin. Freedom is embedded in commitment to the values of Jihad, ethics, and moving beyond self-interest.
Third:
Nearly five years ago, with the re-establishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) rule, there were once again concerns that the country might head toward turmoil and civil wars. However, the leaders of the Emirate understood that those bitter experiences must not be repeated and that they must value the preservation of freedom.
Fourth:
If the thought of rebuilding the war-torn country had occurred simultaneously with the victory of the Mujahideen on the 8th of Sawr, Afghanistan today would be a prosperous and shining nation at the regional level. With this concern in mind, the IEA focused on work and nation-building in the first month of its return, and to this day, the comprehensive development of the country continues through balanced progress.
Fifth:
With the 8th of Sawr, the Jihadi and national spirit was extremely vibrant, proud, and held in high regard. However, due to the self-interest of the factional leaders and the labels they gave to their sinister actions under this slogan, that spirit was suppressed to such an extent that it gave the enemies of Islam a language for criticism and taunts.
Keeping this historical experience in mind, following the victory of the IEA, not only have the values of Jihad and conquest been maintained with their original excellence, but they are also nurtured with great respect to this day, taking root in the minds of the new generation as a sacred trust. This is because the leadership of the IEA allowed no gap between words and actions, dressing its slogans in the garb of practice and implementation.
It is hoped that the date of the 8th of Sawr remains a day of pride for the Afghan Mujahid nation and a great lesson of warning to all aggressors who consider attacking and occupying Afghanistan; while seizing this sacred land might seem easy to invaders, winning it over or sustaining its occupation is impossible, as proven by historic days and events like the 8th of Sawr.