Sacrifice and Sovereignty: Transforming Jihad’s Legacy into a Modern State

Speech at at the Martyrs’ Week Commemoration - Salamkhana Palace, ARG 

Keypoints: 

• Honoring Sacrifice: Recognize and value the courage of martyrs and security forces.
• Preserving Legacy: Uphold the lessons and dignity of Afghanistan’s jihad.
• National Unity: Promote solidarity, cohesion, and collective resolve against threats.
• Rule of Law: Strengthen governance and legal institutions for public trust.
• Citizen Engagement: Ensure the people remain active participants in nation-building.
• Strategic Vision: Transform historical struggle to foundation for security, stability, & development.
• Accountability and Justice: Fight corruption and ensure fair recognition of service.
• Security Commitment: Guarantee full support, respect, and professional development for forces.

In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful.

Excellencies, Hazrat Sahib [Mojaddedi], Mr. Danesh, Dr. Abdullah, Mr. Qanooni, all elders—I shall not name you one by one lest someone be omitted—families of the martyrs, esteemed Ulema, brave officers of the National Army, National Police, and National Security, and all fellow citizens: Peace be upon you, and the mercy of God and His blessings!

In the first instance, I express my gratitude to Mr. Danesh and Mr. Ahmad Wali Massoud, the founder of the Massoud Foundation, for managing this week’s ceremonies with such precision. I offer my condolences to the entire great nation of Afghanistan on the martyrdom of the National Hero and all the martyrs of this land. Since much has already been said, I will not read my prepared text; I will speak with focus.

The Epic of Jihad and the Turning Point of History

The Afghan Jihad was an epic that changed the world; yet we are the ones who have forgotten its significance. On the day when the people and the collective consensus of the Afghan nation decided they would not accept aggression or slavery, there were few in the world who gave this nation a chance of victory. Do not forget: they believed that history was on their side and that the "Red Army" determined the direction of history. But it was the Afghan nation that broke the Red Army. We did not merely save ourselves from bondage; without our struggle and Jihad, Eastern Europe would likely still be under the blade of Russia's Red Soldier to this day.

It is therefore necessary that the entire nation understands Jihad as one of our greatest national achievements. This is the honor of the entire nation; it is not a subject for division or dispute. Future generations of Afghanistan must understand the lessons of Jihad fundamentally. History, in fifty or a hundred years, will reach a point where it can examine these deeds impartially. Because any generation participating in a major historical turning point cannot judge itself—it sees from a limited perspective. The broader perspective will be seen by the future generations of Afghanistan. But the preservation of the honor and dignity of Jihad is the duty of every Afghan. Every time we diminish the value of Jihad, we diminish our own standing. We, the people of Afghanistan, have always been a people of honor and dignity, and we shall remain so.

Defining the Martyr: The Defender of the Social Fabric

Today, we are proud that the brave children of this land stand united in defense of Afghanistan, carrying the same spirit that managed and won the Jihad. This nation appreciates, honors, and takes pride in the daily sacrifices of the National Army, National Police, and National Security.

Wait for a moment; reflect for a moment. Who are the Martyrs? Those who defend our honor (Namous); those who defend this little girl; those who defend the scholar, the tribal elder, the mosque, and the school—these are the Martyrs.

Those who represent ignorance today are not martyrs. What righteous justification do they have for depriving an Afghan child of their future? What right do they have to blow up our elders with bombs in Kot? They are strangers to the teachings of the holy religion of Islam. The Ulema are present here; Mr. Kashaf and all the scholars have issued a fatwa with one voice. Furthermore, from the House of God in Mecca, a fatwa was issued last year stating that these are not Mujahideen, but terrorists. Is it not so? Where in the holy religion of Islam is the suicide bomber permitted? Let one religious scholar show where in the entire history of Islam this has a precedent.

The Test of History: The Mountain vs. The Willow

Sisters, brothers, and elders of this land! Today, we stand in a historical test. This onslaught against us is a global phenomenon, a sinister plague that has cast the world into chaos, and we are on the front lines. Therefore, empathy, solidarity, and complete unity are required to bury this phenomenon.

Afghanistan, God willing, shall be the graveyard of terrorism, because we have inherited the legacy of the true Jihad—it has reached our security forces and our brave people. Let no one look down upon this nation. This is not the home of the weak; this is the home of lions, the home of heroes, and it will always give birth to heroes.

To continue this legacy, we must first wipe the tears from the eyes of the martyrs' families. Since the National Unity Government took office, we have moved to resolve the dossiers of the martyrs of the Army, Police, and National Security that had been neglected for years. Our commitment is clear: as our housing programs begin, the families of these martyrs will be in the first phase.

The pressure from outsiders has not increased because we have failed. It has increased because their masters are isolated and they are losing on the battlefield. Why? Because our struggle is between truth and falsehood. Why does the world support Afghanistan’s righteous position today? First, because this nation makes sacrifices. If this nation did not sacrifice, do you think the leadership of the National Unity Government could convince the world? The sacrifice of our people and security forces is clearer than any message. They saw they are dealing with a nation that can sacrifice its today for its tomorrow.

This struggle is not an internal one; it is a regional, international, and enduring struggle. Therefore, what is required is integrated brains, the heart of a lion, and national unity. If we do not have integrated brains, we will sway with every wind like a willow tree (Bed). Governance is not the work of a willow tree. Governance requires the stability of a mountain (Ghar); there must be firm resolve and iron patience.

Breaking the Geography of Isolation

The state and the nation are one; there is no difference between the national vision and the government’s vision. Those who exclude themselves from the political and national consensus, and who insult both the past and the present—isolate them. Do not give them an opportunity.

Afghanistan is the heart of Asia. Consider this: in the past few days, did goods from China reach the Afghan trader directly for the first time? At the same time, did the railway from Iran reach our border? Afghanistan is connecting; it is emerging from its geographical isolation. We are not tethered to anyone’s port such that they can close our path. If they think they can prevent us, they should know: Afghans can change their geography, and we will change it in such a way that tomorrow, you will be the ones in need of these same routes!

Professionalism and the Rule of Law

Our security forces have the support of the entire nation. It is now necessary to support them, professionalize them, and extract them from "small politics." For our forces, there is only one policy: First, the word of God and the holy religion of Islam. Second, every inch of Afghanistan belongs to every Afghan soldier and officer. Who is martyred in Jani Khel? A son of Kapisa. Who is martyred in Kunduz? A son of Nangarhar. All 34 provinces sacrifice daily.

Finally, the people demand the Rule of Law (Hakimiyat-e-Qanoon). By the grace of God, positive steps have been taken, and the people must have confidence.

I conclude by again thanking Hazrat Sahib, the first President of Afghanistan, and the great Mojaddedi family, who for four hundred years have provided religious guidance to this region. You have honored us by coming today to respect the Jihad you started and for which you remain a symbol.

Yasha-sin Afghanistan! (Long live Afghanistan!) May Afghanistan be eternal! Long live the unity of our people!