Unity in Adversity: Strengthening the National Trust and the Reformist Path of the State

Speech at a commemorative ceremony for Ashura

Keypoints: 

• National Unity: Treat diversity as a strength; all Afghans are the "flowers of one garden."
• Rationalism vs. Ignorance: Combat the "followers of ignorance" with logic, reason, and science.
• Political Reform: Model governance on justice by fighting corruption and ensuring meritocracy.
• National Trust: Protect the "wall of trust" as the country’s primary defense against division.
• Ownership & Sovereignty: Assert full control over national land, resources, and future destiny.
• Social Responsibility: Task religious and intellectual leaders with guiding the public toward unity.
• Institutional Transformation: Build modern, transparent, and accountable systems for a stable state.

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Excellency Hamid Karzai, the National Leader of Afghanistan; Excellency Ustad Khalili; Excellency Ustad Danish; distinguished members of the Cabinet; the Attorney General of Afghanistan; Honorable Ambassador of Iran; esteemed Ulema; respected professors; all mourners, brothers, sisters, and the dear children present here—Peace, mercy, and the blessings of Allah be upon you all!

The day of Ashura, which has always been a significant day in celestial religions and a day of worship and spirituality in the life of our Holy Prophet ﷺ, has gained a double significance in our history by being linked to the martyrdom of the Leader of the Youth of Paradise, Imam Hussain (RA). I offer my deepest condolences and sympathies to all the Muslim people of Afghanistan on the arrival of this great day and the days of mourning for Imam Hussain and his companions.

Condemning the Attack on the Sakhi Shrine

Regrettably, last night, murderous terrorists and criminals against humanity once again martyred a group of our people who were mourning the grandson of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, Imam Hussain (RA). They have left the mourning nation of Afghanistan in deep grief and sorrow.

These individuals, who commit such crimes and the cold-blooded massacre of mourners in a religious sanctuary under the name of Islam, do not believe in nor adhere to any principles of the luminous religion of Islam. This act is a clear sign of their enmity toward the unity and empathy among the followers of different schools of thought (mazahib) within Islam in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan as a Model of Coexistence

Followers of different denominations in Afghanistan live in a completely peaceful environment and represent a rare model of religious coexistence in the region, as Ustad Khalili rightly mentioned.

Attacks on holy sites, shrines, and civilians are clear indicators of crimes against humanity, which are perpetrated daily by terrorists across the country—from Kunduz to Uruzgan, from Kabul to Farah, and in Baghlan, Maidan Wardak, and Daykندی. The terrorist event last night at the Sakhi Shrine has once again torn the mask from the faces of those who commit crimes against humanity in defiance of Islam and human values, revealing their true anti-human nature.

A Call for National Vigilance

In these sensitive conditions, where enemies lie in wait for the Muslim nation of Afghanistan with various ruses, it is imperative that all people raise their voices as one against these criminals. I call upon the Ulema of both Sunni and Shia, the political strata, and the conscious public to fulfill their mission in raising awareness and preserving the unity and integrity of our people.

The Spiritual and Rational Purpose of Commemoration

Commemorating such valuable religious occasions provides us with an opportunity—as guided by the luminous religion of Islam—to focus on the spiritual dimensions of our lives, to review the shortcomings that have occurred, and to devote ourselves to self-reform and correction more than ever before.

As you know, social life is a dynamic process; like a surging river, it carries immense energy, and directing it properly can lead to great achievements. On these religious occasions, we can re-examine this process and ask: Are we where our religion wants us to be? Have we realized the objectives intended by our Sharia? Have we drawn closer to the standards recommended by our Prophet ﷺ, his noble companions, and his esteemed household (Ahl al-Bayt)?

Rejecting Sectarianism and Misinterpretation

You see that in parts of the Islamic world, chaos and crises are ablaze. Groups, through the misuse of the name of religion and a false interpretation of its teachings, have made life bitter and dark for Muslims. You are witnessing how sectarian wars and the fueling of religious differences in some countries have led to widespread and destructive turmoil.

We must be grateful to the Almighty that in our dear Afghanistan, Islamic unity and brotherhood between Shia and Sunni remain steadfast. Despite the threats posed by extremist activities and the promotion of terrorist ideologies, the Islamic tolerance and moderation among our people are exemplary.

The Legacy of Unity: Wisdom over Prejudice

We must be vigilant; following the path of the elders of our faith and realizing the high maqasid (objectives) of Islamic Sharia requires deep wisdom. Today, those who are ignorant of the spirit of Islamic Sharia fuel prejudice and increase divisions. Instead of relying on similarities, they emphasize differences. Instead of turning to commonalities, they focus on divergences. Through their reckless behavior—rooted in superstition and ignorance—they seek to create rifts and hypocrisy among Muslims.

Let us not forget that the legacy of the great figures of the Ummah, the legacy of the companions and the noble family of the Prophet, is a legacy of ethics and spirituality. They were the embodiment of moral virtues and demanded a commitment to these same values from their followers. They came to unite, not to divide (Vasl kardan, na fasl kardan). Had they possessed a sectarian approach, it would have been impossible for that magnificent civilization to rise in Islamic history.

Lessons from Islamic Civilization

The flourishing of that great civilization holds many lessons for us. The clearest lesson is that a rational outlook, an ethical approach, a grand vision, the valuing of science, and the consideration of beneficial customs for social life were the authentic values of that civilization—values that illuminated a vast part of the ancient world for centuries.

Strengthening Social Solidarity

Today, we need to return to these concepts. Our society has its own specific needs, and it is our duty to respond to them. While we share many commonalities with other Islamic societies, we must simultaneously possess our own unique model that is consistent with our civilizational identity. Our religious ceremonies and the way we conduct them must be a platform for strengthening social solidarity, increasing respect for the rights and conditions of our fellow citizens, fostering a culture of proper use of the public sphere, and consciously avoiding anything that gives our enemies a pretext to damage our unity and brotherhood.

Defending National Trust

In a situation where Afghanistan is moving toward determining its own fate and building its history through its own will—exercising ownership over its land, natural resources, and immense capital—enmities against us increase. Various methods are employed to make us fail in this vital journey, the most dangerous of which is creating a rift in the wall of national trust among our people.

Therefore, we must increase our historical understanding and enhance our knowledge of regional and global conditions. With insight and wisdom, we must defeat every sinister intention and divisive movement. It is only through this path that the legacy of the elders of the Islamic Ummah and the Leader of Martyrs, Imam Hussain (RA), will remain alive and enduring.

Diversity as National Strength

We believe that all the brotherly tribes and ethnicities of this country are flowers of one great garden named Afghanistan. This diversity is the source of our beauty. We all cherish this beauty, and by strengthening our national bonds, we add to the beauty, resilience, and authority of our country.

Reform as a Husseini Priority

By modeling ourselves after the reformist movement and the political biography (Seerah) of Imam Hussain, we have placed the fight against corruption, the implementation of reforms in all sectors, the assurance of justice and balanced development, and good governance based on transparency and meritocracy at the top of our priorities. We will pursue this policy with decisive will, and in the coming months, you will witness further developments in these areas.

International Standing and Future Outlook

Today, in terms of international credibility, Afghanistan stands in a worthy position, and our policies are supported by the international community. By utilizing these opportunities and moving toward strengthening the defensive, economic, and cultural foundations of the country while securing our national interests, we foresee a bright and radiant future in the realization of peace, stability, and the welfare of our people.

Once again, blessings upon the souls of all martyrs—the martyrs of the security and defense forces of Afghanistan who make daily sacrifices, the martyrs of Karbala, and the martyrs of last night.