Celebrating the Prophetic Legacy: Unity, Knowledge, and Justice in Afghan Society

Keypoints: 

• Prophetic Legacy: Honoring the life and teachings of the Prophet ﷺ
• Unity & Peace: Condemning extremism and promoting harmony
• Islamic Identity: Strengthening pride in Islamic history and civilization
• Religious Guidance: Empowering scholars and mosques for stability and education
• Women’s Empowerment: Highlighting women’s historical and social contributions
• Balanced Education: Integrating religious and modern knowledge in madrasas
• Cultural Heritage: Supporting Islamic arts, literature, and poetry
• Justice & Equality: Ensuring legal equality and anti-discrimination
• Ethical Governance: Aligning policies with Islamic principles
• Global Brotherhood: Promoting moral conduct and universal compassion

In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

Honorable brother Vice President Danesh, Mr. Ahmadzai, esteemed members of the National Assembly, distinguished members of the Cabinet, Mr. Kashaf, respected members of the Council of Ulema, my dear sister the First Lady, professors, the Minister of Women’s Affairs, the Minister of Counter-Narcotics, sisters and brothers: Peace and the blessings of Allah be upon you all.

Quranic Reference

God Almighty says in the Holy Quran: "This day I have perfected for you your religion and completed My favor upon you." Everything is contained within the Holy Quran.
Congratulation on the Prophet’s Birth Anniversary
I congratulate all my fellow devout countrymen on the blessed birth anniversary of the Great Prophet of Islam, the Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad ﷺ, and I send my salutations to his pure soul.

Renewal of Covenant with Prophetic Legacy

Celebrating this auspicious occasion is a renewal of our covenant with the path and methods bequeathed to us by the Leader of Humanity. Vice President Danesh explained the various dimensions of this legacy fundamentally, and I am in total agreement with him. True following of the Prophet ﷺ lies in understanding and pursuing the high objectives of his mission—the same objectives that led nations to embrace Islam and made it a global faith. Scholars note that while the name "Muhammad" appears only four times in the Quran, the title "Prophet" or "Messenger" appears hundreds of times; therefore, the focus of the Holy Quran is on the nature of his mission and his message to all of humanity.

Objectives of the Prophet’s Mission

One of the objectives mentioned in the Quran for the Prophet's mission is liberation from animosity and the establishment of brotherhood. He came so that malice, enmity, fratricide, aggression, oppression, bloodshed, and discrimination would end—to be replaced by love, solidarity, cooperation, and moral virtues.
Current Challenges and Fitna in the Islamic World
We celebrate the birth of our beloved Prophet at a time when the Islamic world is grappling with a great Fitna (strife). In Afghanistan, in the Holy Mosques (Haramain), in Egypt, Malaysia, Indonesia, and other Islamic nations, eminent scholars have a consensus: labeling Islamic countries as "lands of disbelief" (Dar al-Kufr), inciting rebellions, and creating chaos within them is a Great Fitna.
The actions of rebels have no result other than the killing of Muslims and the destruction of Islamic nations. Commitment to the Prophetic Seerat (biography) and Sunnah requires all of us, especially the Ulema, to raise our voices in unity against this bloodthirsty strife. Our Ulema Council has always raised its voice, and I thank them for it. We say with pride that the Constitution of Afghanistan is among the best in the Islamic world regarding Islamic values.

Pride in Islamic History and Self-Belief

Honorable countrymen, scholars, and guests, including the ambassadors of neighboring countries and the Ambassador of Iran:
Studying the Seerat, reflecting on the brilliant pages of Islamic history, and understanding the achievements of Islamic civilization are factors that strengthen our self-belief. Our societies have moved past the stage where a lack of awareness about our historical pride led to a sense of deficiency. Let us admit that 150 or 200 years ago, we suffered from an inferiority complex; we thought the key to everything lay in Western civilization. This is not the case. As a result of that sense of deficiency, people either lost their identity and denied their past, or took a defensive and sometimes hostile stance against the achievements of the modern era.
Today, there is sufficient knowledge regarding the influential role of Islamic civilization in the overall course of human progress. It is necessary for our young generation to return to these roots and maintain their authenticity. As Rumi beautifully said: "Everyone who is left far from his source, wishes back the time when he was united with it."

Religious Identity and Dialogue

By increasing our knowledge, we can solidify our "religious identity." Religious identity is by no means synonymous with conflict with the world. "Solitude in a crowd" (Khalwat dar Anjuman) has always been a great element of our mystical culture. On the contrary, we need to enter into dialogue with others—both intra-civilizational and inter-civilizational—each having its own logic.

Role of Ulema and Mosques in Education

In the path of returning to our roots, we must not forget the essential role of the Ulema. They are the link to our cultural past; thus, their role must increase in various spheres, especially in education. Our mosques must reclaim their scientific and educational roles alongside worship, and there must be a direct link between the mosque and the Ministry of Education.

Role of Women in Islam and Afghan Society

Furthermore, we must always remember the prominent role of women in Islamic history. The status of Bibi Khadija (RA) shows that from the dawn of Islam, from the first moments of revelation, women played an essential role in supporting the Prophetic mission. This role has continued alongside the growth of Islamic civilization. Today, the role of Afghan women in the development of our country is undeniable. Following the Seerat, we must pay more attention to strengthening the position of Afghan women and view their successes with respect. Those with a misogynistic mindset who wish to hinder the success of Afghan Muslim women are obstacles to the progress of the country and the flourishing of Islamic civilization.

Growth of Mosques and Madrasas

Fortunately, the number of mosques in our country is increasing daily. As a child, there were two mosques in my ancestral village; today, by the grace of God, there are seventeen, four of which are grand mosques. We have many madrasas and scholars. This is because the people want it; these mosques are built by the will and contributions of the people, not by any foreign power.

Response to Those Claiming Islam is in Danger

To those bloodthirsty individuals who claim "Islam is in danger," we say: Islam is not in danger; rather, it is your killings, crimes, and rebellions that have brought misery to Muslims. If we have precise programs for the mosques, we can improve the state of education and social activities. I propose that in the "Citizens' Charter" programs, the Ulema must participate alongside tribal elders and civil activists.

Quality of Madrasas and Integration of Sciences

Our madrasas must also focus more on quality, taking the ancient madrasas of the Golden Age of Islamic civilization as their standard—institutions that raised giants like Imam Ghazali, Ibn Sina, Al-Biruni, and Imam Fakhruddin Razi. In those centers, there was no separation between religious and worldly sciences; if one does not understand the world, how can they manage it?

Proposal for Awards on Seerat Studies

I would be very pleased to personally present awards and medals named after great scholars for the best academic articles, writings, and translations on the Seerat of the Prophet ﷺ at next year's gathering.

Encouragement of Naat and Islamic Poetry

We must know our Islamic culture. I also request that more attention be given to encouraging those who recite hymns (Hamd) and poems of praise (Naat). We witnessed two great reciters today, and we hope to cooperate with them further. Our great poets have written beautiful hymns for centuries to strengthen the love of God and His Messenger ﷺ in our hearts.

Conclusion with Naat by Ustad Gul Pacha Ulfat

I wish to conclude my speech with a few verses from a Naat by the late great poet, Ustad Gul Pacha Ulfat, addressed to the Prophet ﷺ:

"Before you came, there was no light in the world / The eye of intellect and consciousness was not sighted / You vanished that dark gloom / Which neither the sun nor the moon could dispel / You raised humanity to the level of Miraj (Ascension) / You brought Pharaohs down from their thrones and crowns / You made the poor and humble your beloveds / You made the arrogant wonder at themselves / You brought human dignity to mankind / You brought human brotherhood to the world."

Final Message

With such a guide, we are not in need of any other philosophy. If we truly understand the Seerat and the dimensions of the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, we will never be lost in any area of life.
At the same time, I wish to announce and direct the Ministry of Justice to take nationwide measures to eliminate discrimination, in accordance with the Constitution of Afghanistan, and to prepare the necessary regulations under the supervision of Vice President Danesh. Our society neither needs nor allows discrimination. The equality of every Afghan with every other Afghan is part of our faith. The message of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was for the entire world. We were Muslims, we are Muslims, and we shall remain Muslims forever.
I thank the Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs, the National Council of Ulema, and my colleagues at the Presidential Palace for organizing this gathering.
Long live Afghanistan!