Written by: Aziz Azam
In political programs, discussions, and on social media, a common criticism directed at the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) is its governance model. The key question often raised is: What kind of Islamic system does the IEA seek to emulate? It is argued that the current system in Afghanistan does not resemble those of Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, or any other Islamic country. Therefore, if none of these existing models align with the system being implemented by the IEA, the question arises: What distinct Islamic system is the IEA attempting to establish?
There is no doubt that such criticisms stem from mindsets influenced by Western ideologies. Those who voice these critiques often possess little to no genuine understanding of Islam, remaining Muslim only by heritage. Consequently, rather than analyzing Islam through its principles and core values, they define it through the lens of individuals, nations, or the secular and Western-influenced systems prevalent in many contemporary Islamic states.
First and foremost, the current state and system of Islamic countries themselves are questionable. Can the political structures in Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Egypt, and other such nations genuinely be regarded as Islamic systems?
Can so-called Islamic republics—whose elections, candidates, and political apparatus are funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and other Western institutions—truly represent Islam?
Afghanistan now stands as the only country in the Islamic world with a distinct and exemplary system—one established independently, free from foreign intervention, external support, or colonial influence. Grounded in Islamic values and reflecting the aspirations of the Afghan people, this system integrates military strength, administrative competence, financial independence, and diplomatic expertise—all essential for the effective governance of the nation.
The sustainability of any system rests on a strong ideological foundation, and the IEA is firmly established upon this principle. At its core is Islamic Sharia, implemented not only in theory but in both word and action, fully aligning with the aspirations of the Afghan Muslim nation.
Over the past century, the Afghan people have steadfastly resisted three major empires solely to safeguard their faith and values. Now, with the establishment of the IEA, this enduring aspiration has finally been realized. Consequently, the fulfillment of the people’s wishes has also resolved the question of national legitimacy.
Across the Islamic world, there is no country where governance is entirely based on Sharia, with all laws and policies approved by a leader well-versed in the Qur’an and Hadith. In contrast, the leader of the IEA has consistently emphasized that if any decree contradicts the Qur’an and Hadith, even an ordinary Afghan citizen has the right to reject and criticize it.
Another crucial aspect is the selection of ministers, councils, and officials. While they may not always possess the highest levels of technical expertise, they exhibit an exceptional commitment to their faith, nation, and people. Past experience in Afghanistan has demonstrated that technical proficiency alone—without sincerity and dedication—has consistently failed. Leaders with dual or even multiple citizenships have never genuinely served the country’s best interests.
Currently, both major and minor projects in Afghanistan are executed by skilled professionals. However, these professionals operate under the leadership of committed and principled officials—such as ministers and directors—who uphold Islamic values and prioritize national interests.
Therefore, the IEA is not only an exemplary system for the ruling governments of Islamic nations—most of which are republics or monarchies—but also offers a framework for Western or non-Muslim countries in terms of respecting the will of the people, providing public services, and fostering cooperation. The result has been the establishment of security, prosperity, and a climate of national reconciliation in Afghanistan.
Foreign adversarial elements, intelligence agencies, and proxy networks find no foothold in Afghanistan. This may explain why the world today feels a greater sense of assurance regarding Afghanistan’s stability than ever before. Moreover, the balanced diplomatic relations with neighboring countries have further reinforced this atmosphere of confidence, cultivating an environment of goodwill, security, and mutual cooperation.
