Why Are the Taliban Afraid of Religious Debate?
Independent religious scholars assert that, instead of engaging in dialogue and scholarly debate, the Taliban have chosen the path of repression and elimination of religious critics.
This approach, according to experts, stems from the group’s inability to defend its views through scientific or jurisprudential reasoning.
Since its emergence, the Taliban have reportedly avoided open debates with domestic and international scholars of Islam, aware that they would face significant weaknesses when confronted with reasoned religious critique.
Observers note that the Taliban rely on intelligence and security apparatuses to silence dissenting voices, severely restricting the space for independent religious expression.
As a result, many genuine scholars especially those who do not align with the Taliban’s official interpretation have been forced into silence.
Reports indicate that over the past four years, several critical scholars have been arrested, tortured, or imprisoned, including Maulvi Qanat Takhari, who is detained for refusing to cooperate with the Taliban’s propaganda or accept financial incentives.
This environment of fear has not only silenced scholars but also deterred ordinary citizens from expressing independent views, rendering religious debate a prohibited and dangerous activity.
