Taliban: We will not allow the misuse of religion and Sufism.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Promoting Righteousness and Preventing Evil has announced that it has arrested Syed Mohammad Ibrahim Gilani, a leader of the Qadiriyya Sufi order, and a number of his followers.
The ministry’s spokesman, Saif Khyber, accused him of “misusing Sufism” and said that these individuals were “carrying out acts contrary to Sharia law under the guise of religion.”
The Taliban have emphasized that their duty is to “reform the intellectual and ideological structure of society” in order to prevent the spread of “wrong ideas and false beliefs.”
The ministry also published a letter showing that Mr. Gilani has given a written commitment “not to commit any wrongdoings or innovations” and to align his actions with Sharia law.
The commitment also states that he “has no right to complain” in the event of a violation. It is not yet clear whether Gilani was released after signing the pledge or whether he remains in detention.
Ibrahim Gilani, known as “Pir Ibrahim Baba,” is the nephew of Pir Sayed Ahmad Gilani, the late leader of the Qadiri Sufi order, and is descended from Abdul Qadir Gilani, the founder of the Sufi order.
He was previously arrested by the Taliban in Paktia in 1401.
Over the past four years, the Taliban have repeatedly suppressed individuals and religious movements outside their framework and have even forced people to convert in some areas.
