Crucial for the Afghan Taliban and the Muslim Scholars to Refute ISIS Propaganda Magazine ‘Voice of Khurasan’
By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam
1 July 2024
Call for a Robust
Rebuttal to the Doctrines of ISIS
Main Points:
1. The reported move towards a form of
moderation in the Taliban’s behaviours has triggered a strong response of
condemnation and concern from ISIS, their old extremist counterpart.
2. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, it
is of utmost importance for the Taliban leadership to promptly address the
serious allegations propagated through the ISIS magazine.
3. By disregarding these accusations, the
Taliban risk allowing doubts to be sown among their own ranks, potentially
leading to a damaging erosion of loyalty and support within their regime.
4. Failing to address the claims of ISIS
decisively could provide space for ISIS to exploit the situation, manipulating
the narrative to fuel dissent and discord among Taliban members and
sympathizers.
5. The Taliban must present a robust rebuttal
to the accusations, thereby safeguarding their reputation and thwarting any
attempts by ISIS to sway the beliefs and actions of their followers.
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In a prominent feature within the ISIS propaganda magazine
"Voice of Khurasan," which explicitly positions itself as a loyal
supporter of the Islamic State (ISIS), serious allegations are levelled against
the Afghan Taliban. The article accuses the Afghan Taliban of wilfully ignoring
and condoning a series of purported heinous crimes perpetrated by "Hindu
polytheists" against the principles and followers of Islam, while also
accusing them of entering into alliances with India, a move viewed with disdain
by the ISIS. Additionally, the publication does not shy away from depicting the
Taliban in the harshest light, utilizing terms such as "shameless"
and "spineless" to underscore the perceived moral and ethical
failings of the Afghan Taliban.
The meticulous articulation and bold language used within
the article are designed to incite strong emotions among its readership and
further fuel tensions between the various factions involved. By casting the
Afghan Taliban in such a negative light, ISIS aims to sow seeds of doubt and
discord within the ranks of those sympathetic to the Taliban's recent cause
towards moderation, potentially weakening their support base and bolstering
ISIS's own position in the region. The deliberate choice of language and
framing of the accusations serve not only to disparage the Taliban but also to
position ISIS as a more righteous and morally upright alternative, seeking to
draw disaffected individuals towards their extremist ideologies through such
rhetoric.
According to the article featured in the latest issue of the
magazine, it was highlighted that the Taliban has emerged as a significant ally
to India in its battle against terrorism, a stance that ISIS condemns as an
assault on Islam itself. The extremist faction goes as far as blaming the
Taliban for contributing to the oppression of Indian Muslims, alleging that
their alliance with the polytheistic forces in India has had detrimental
consequences on the Muslim community, both in direct and indirect ways.
The Taliban's approach, as outlined in the article, is
depicted as one where the safeguarding of India's security takes precedence
over the well-being and rights of its own Muslim populace, a strategy that has
stirred controversy and scepticism within global security and human rights
circles.
Overall, the article in question sheds light on the complex
dynamics at play between these extremist groups, notably emphasizing the
intricate relationships and perceived betrayals that underscore their
contentious interactions. Through this nuanced exploration, it becomes evident
that the geopolitical landscape in the region is deeply interwoven with
religious affiliations and differing interpretations of loyalty and protection,
thus underscoring the delicate balance that shapes the ongoing discussions and
conflicts between these entities.
In the article, ISIS reprimands the Taliban for their perceived
shift away from Islam-centric policies towards a focus on economic endeavours.
In their critique, they accuse the Taliban of compromising with longstanding
adversaries of Islam, which include nations such as India, China, Russia, Iran,
America, and Britain. The Taliban, according to ISIS, is purportedly willing to
settle for meagre forms of assistance and a handful of development projects in
exchange for aligning themselves closely with these supposed foes in combating
terrorism.
ISIS goes further to insinuate that the Taliban's
willingness to collaborate with various nations might someday lead them to form
unexpected alliances, suggesting a scenario where the group could potentially
find common ground with the Jews in exchange for certain concessions. This
notion put forth by ISIS paints a picture of the Taliban's evolving alliances
and policies that, in ISIS's view, could potentially veer towards increasingly
unconventional partnerships in the future. Such warnings from ISIS regarding
the Taliban's flexible allegiances serve as a cautionary tale in the realm of
global geopolitics, emphasizing the complexities and intricacies of diplomatic
relations and strategic manoeuvres employed by different factions within the
Middle East and beyond.
The article pointedly observes that despite self-identifying
as mujahideen, the Taliban's actual behaviour tells a different story
altogether. In practice, they seem to prioritize safeguarding individuals
perceived as infidels, leading many to question the authenticity of their
proclaimed beliefs. Additionally, their self-professed status as strategic
allies with Hindus in the region raises eyebrows and prompts speculation about
the sincerity of their alliances. This apparent contradiction in their actions
versus their stated affiliations sets the stage for a deeper analysis of the
Taliban's motivations and the intricacies of their political strategies. By
examining these discrepancies, the article suggests, one can gain valuable
insights into the complex web of alliances and interests in the region,
shedding light on the true nature of the Taliban's agenda. Ultimately, this
scrutiny serves to unravel the layers of complexity surrounding the group and
provides a nuanced understanding of their role in the broader geopolitical
landscape.
ISIS's ideology categorically asserts that the apostate
Taliban militias must be perceived in the same light as the Indian polytheists,
both groups being denounced for their shared objective of annihilating devout
followers of Islam.
The extremist group, in a propaganda publication, sends out
a fervent plea to the Muslim youth residing in India and its neighbouring
regions. The call is a direct appeal, urging these young individuals to take a
stand against what is perceived as the vehemently anti-Islamic stance espoused
by the Indian polytheists, with a particular emphasis on the BJP party and its
leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The message is underscored by a stark
warning: a failure to act decisively in the face of these anti-Islamic forces
will inevitably lead to a future shrouded in humiliation and unrelenting
oppression, leaving no room for ambiguity in its portrayal of the stark
consequences awaiting those who choose passivity over resistance.
In their propaganda, ISIS asserts that the primary goal of
jihad is twofold: to safeguard the well-being and safety of the Muslim
community and to fulfill their sacred duty of practicing Islam while
disseminating its teachings worldwide.
According to ISIS, the Taliban has been engaged in a long-standing
deception under the guise of jihad. They allege that the recent actions of the
Taliban, particularly in the context of opportunities to further implement
Shari’ah law, have unmasked their true intentions. By seemingly endorsing
democratic initiatives such as those outlined in the Doha Agreement and
acquiescing to popular sovereignty, the Taliban, as interpreted by ISIS, is
portrayed as prioritizing human governance over the divine word of Allah. This
shift, in the eyes of ISIS, reveals a fundamental discrepancy between the
professed commitment to Islamic principles and the perceived alignment with
secular ideals.
ISIS contends that any engagement with democratic projects,
particularly when juxtaposed against the backdrop of traditional Islamic tenets,
signifies a departure from the path of true jihad. This divergence amplifies
ISIS's condemnation of the Taliban's perceived deviation from the pure pursuit
of protecting the faith and community in favour of embracing external
influences that challenge the primacy of religious authority.
In a scathing critique featured under the headline “Allah’s Hudood and Taliban’s Drama,” the ISIS
magazine unequivocally denounces the Taliban, accusing them of manipulating the
Sharia Hudood laws for their ulterior motives.
The 21st edition of
the ISIS magazine reads:
“In this drama, they [Taliban]
think of other people as fools like themselves, and they think all the people
eat grass instead of food, like the vertebrates. In this failed attempt, they
have tried to convince people that they have implemented the Islamic Shari'ah
and their country has become a Dar al-Islam, and that rebellion against it is
forbidden, while in reality, they have implemented a secular system in
Afghanistan. On one hand, they have been staging the drama of implementing fake
Hudood in Afghanistan, and on the
other hand, they have been pleading for the international recognition of their
regime, accepting the international Kufri
laws and befriending all the military infidels like Russia, America, China,
India, and so on. Their foreign policy rejects the system of Jizyah, concubine, and slaves, while at
the same time, it accepts the Sykes-Picot border and other nationalistic
borders made by the infidels, as they have abandoned jihad against the enemies
of Allah. And these Murtadd militias
have been performing dozens of other Kufri
and blasphemous actions. Yet, they have been taking the empty slogans of Islam
and Shari'ah.”
[End of quote:
https://soerenkern.com/pdfs/islam/voiceofkhurasan21.pdf]
The recent shifts in the Taliban's behaviour towards a
moderate stance have sparked criticism from ISIS, who vehemently denounces this
supposed moderation, fearing its consequences. It's essential for the Taliban
to address these accusations through an official response to disprove the
narratives propagated in the ISIS magazine. Failure to do so could potentially
sway the opinions of Taliban members and supporters, influencing their
perception of the current regime and its credibility.
By clarifying their position and asserting their principles,
the Taliban can thwart any attempts by ISIS to disrupt their progress towards a
more inclusive and moderate approach. This communication is crucial not only
for dispelling doubts among their followers but also for reinforcing the
Taliban's commitment to stability, peace, and the betterment of their society.
As the two groups clash over ideological differences, it becomes imperative for
the Taliban to counter the narrative instigated by ISIS with a transparent and
persuasive account that solidifies their position on the path towards a more
moderate image. Ultimately, in the realm of extremist ideologies and
propaganda, effective communication and clear messaging play a pivotal role in
shaping public perception and maintaining the integrity of a movement.
The ISIS magazine frequently reiterates various doctrines
such as Al-Wala Wal-Baraa, Jihad, Fitna, the eradication of Kufr,
and stories of retribution against homosexuality. Additionally, they draw upon
numerous examples of desecration of Islamic scriptures and cases of unjust
treatment towards Muslim minorities globally to rationalize their acts of
terror and entice young individuals to join their organization. Knowledgeable
Muslim scholars must take up the responsibility of engaging in thorough
responses to counter and disprove the ideological standpoints advocated by
ISIS, thereby presenting a more accurate representation of Islamic teachings
and principles that foster peace, compassion, and understanding among individuals
of all backgrounds and beliefs.
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A regular
Columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is a Classical
Islamic scholar with a rich Sufi Madrasa background and expertise in
English-Arabic-Urdu translation. Throughout his career, he has emerged as a
prominent figure in the realm of Islamic scholarship, consistently contributing
valuable insights and analysis on a wide range of crucial topics. Through his
regular writings, he has delved into multifaceted subjects, including but not
limited to deradicalization strategies, the promotion of moderation within
Islamic teachings, counter-terrorism efforts, and the vital mission of
combatting Islamophobia. Moreover, he extensively addresses the urgent need to
challenge radical ideologies through well-reasoned arguments and scholarly
discourse. Beyond these critical issues, his work also encompasses in-depth
discussions on human rights principles, the significance of safeguarding
religious rights, and the profound exploration of Islamic mysticism.
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