Summary of the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue, Prevention of Vice, and Hearing of Complaints’ Activities During the Past Week

Officials (Muhtasibs) of the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue, Prevention of Vice, and Hearing of Complaints of IEA, within the framework of their religious responsibilities and in cooperation with religious scholars, tribal elders, and various segments of society, carried out a number of significant activities during the past week aimed at strengthening Islamic values, maintaining social order, promoting virtue, and preventing vice.

Minister Conducts Visits to Eastern Provinces

Sheikh-ul-Hadith Mawlawi Mohammad Khalid Hanafi, Minister of the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue, Prevention of Vice, and Hearing of Complaints, continued his provincial tour by visiting the eastern provinces of Nangarhar, Kunar, Laghman, and Nuristan. During his meetings with religious scholars, respected elders, tribal leaders, community representatives, local influential figures, and provincial officials, he emphasized the importance of implementing Islamic Sharia, enforcing the Law on the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice, combating harmful customs and traditions, and strengthening cooperation between the public and ministry inspectors (Muhtasibs).

Ministry Addresses Women's Sharia-Based Rights

During the week, ministry personnel (Muhtasibs) handled 115 cases related to women's rights under Islamic law. As a result of these efforts, they reported preventing 53 cases of abuse against women and 11 forced marriages. Officials also reviewed 14 inheritance cases, restored dowry rights for 13 women, addressed 10 maintenance cases, facilitated 8 Sharia-compliant marriages, and examined 6 divorce cases in accordance with Islamic law.

Disputes and Longstanding Feuds Resolved

As part of efforts to promote Islamic brotherhood and social harmony, ministry inspectors (Muhtasibs) said they successfully mediated and resolved 13 longstanding feuds and 48 major and minor disputes among families and tribes in Kabul and several provinces through reconciliation and mediation.

Eight Arrested on Sorcery Allegations

In efforts to safeguard Islamic beliefs and prevent practices considered contrary to Islamic law, ministry inspectors (Muhtasibs) arrested 8 individuals on allegations of sorcery in the provinces of Paktika, Parwan, Balkh, Takhar, Sar-e-Pul, and Kabul during the past week. According to the ministry, the suspects were referred to judicial and legal authorities after preliminary investigations for further legal proceedings.

Economic Oversight and Market Inspections

To promote Sharia-compliant commercial practices, prevent hoarding and fraud in weights and measures, and protect consumers' rights, ministry personnel (Muhtasibs) held 218 advisory, reform, and monitoring meetings with traders, shopkeepers, and business owners across various provinces during the week. Market inspections also resulted in the confiscation of nearly three metric tons of expired and substandard food products from local markets.