These actions by the Taliban are pushing Afghanistan toward a closed, tense, and fear-based society-one in which even acts of worship must be carried out with the permission of those in power. Such a model is neither Islamic, nor humane, nor sustainable.

In all Islamic texts and traditions, Eid symbolizes joy after a month of devotion and reflects the peaceful unity of Muslims. Yet in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan-following the banning of traditional and national ceremonies such as Nowruz and Yalda (Shab-e Cheleh)-even religious rituals and celebrations have now been turned into instruments of repression, displays of power, and imposition of belief. The Taliban`s recent move to force Shiite scholars and citizens to hold Eid al-Fitr prayers on Thursday-despite the fact that, according to Ja‘fari jurisprudence, they were still fasting-has once again exposed the group`s monopolistic and authoritarian nature.

Disputes over determining the day of Eid are not new in the Muslim world. For centuries, different schools of thought have set the date based on their own jurisprudential principles. These differences have not been a source of crisis; rather, they reflect the dynamism of Islamic jurisprudence. However, the Taliban have turned this natural اختلاف into a tool of coercion-where force replaces reasoning, and detention replaces dialogue.

The arrest of Shiite scholars in provinces such as Herat and Balkh-simply because they refused to act against their religious convictions-is not a routine security measure; it is a declaration of war against religious freedom. When a religious scholar is detained for refusing to sign an imposed pledge, a clear message is sent to society: "Worship according to our will, or pay the price."

This discriminatory action by the Taliban comes despite a prior agreement reached during a visit by a delegation of Shiite scholars to Kandahar, where they met with Taliban leaders. That agreement reportedly included respect for the fundamental differences between the Hanafi and Ja‘fari schools and granted each group the freedom to determine Eid according to their own religious authorities. By acting otherwise, the Taliban have not only violated their previous commitments but have also demonstrated that they adhere to no binding framework of obligation.

Although some had repeatedly warned certain Shiite scholars that the Taliban are not a group that remains faithful to its promises-given that their ideological foundation is rooted in exclusionary and takfiri interpretations-the meeting in Kandahar and the agreement on respecting jurisprudential differences have now effectively become invalid. This behavior, more than anything, deepens a crisis of trust within society-one whose consequences are far more dangerous than a simple Religious images.

Forcing scholars to perform Eid prayers while still fasting and under restrictive conditions is not only an insult to their beliefs but also constitutes a form of systematic humiliation. This action reduces religion, in the Taliban`s view, from a matter of faith to a political instrument-one used to project power and enforce control, rather than to express devotion to God, the Qur`an, and the Prophet.

Even more concerning is the Taliban`s attempt to impose religious uniformity in a country that is inherently pluralistic. Afghanistan has long been a crossroads of ethnic groups and a space for coexistence among diverse religious traditions. Any attempt to eliminate this diversity is, in effect, playing with the fire of internal divisions-fires that, once ignited, may be beyond the control of any Government.

The Taliban may believe that through pressure and detention they can impose a single narrative of religion. History, however, has repeatedly shown that coerced faith is neither durable nor effective; instead, it leads to resistance and deeper societal fractures. Religious repression-especially against minorities-inevitably evolves into a crisis of legitimacy, undermining the foundations of any ruling system.

Ultimately, these Taliban policies are steering Afghanistan toward a society defined by fear, tension, and closure-a society in which even worship requires state approval. Such a model is neither Islamic, nor humane, nor viable.

In the end, the Taliban must accept a simple reality: religion cannot be preserved through force; it finds meaning only through respect for belief and freedom of choice. Continuing along this path will not only deepen sectarian divisions but will also create an unstable and costly future for the Taliban themselves.