Religious scholars in Mazar-e-Sharif call for security ahead of Muharram

BALKH (ToloNews): A number of religious scholars, residents of the northern and northeastern provinces, and local officials held a consultative gathering in the city of Mazar-e-Sharif, the center of Balkh province, to prepare for the month of Muharram.

In this meeting, the participants stressed the importance of maintaining unity and solidarity among all citizens and sects in the country and called on the authorities to facilitate the holding of Muharram mourning ceremonies. “We must neutralize the enemy’s propaganda. We must build the country. We have both the strength and the plans for the prosperity, dignity, and power of Islam and Afghanistan,” said Sayed Haidar Hashimi, the organizer of this gathering.

“The people’s demand is to hold their religious and spiritual ceremonies in complete peace,” said Ali Madad Fazel, a religious scholar from Badakhshan. “The gathering of people is ultimately a motivation and coordination between Islamic scholars,” said Reza Alamzada, the head of the Sar-e-Pul scholars council.

Local officials in Balkh assured the security of mosques and religious gathering places during the days of Muharram and urged the people to cooperate with security forces in this regard. “The aim of the Islamic Emirate is not to restrict the religious ceremonies of any ethnic group or to impose limitations on any sect; their only goal is to protect all our brothers,” said Abdul Jalil Shaheedkhil, the head of Balkh Education department.

“The Islamic Emirate derives its strength from the scholars. If this government shows the right path to the people, when will this be achieved?” said Sayed Noor Agha Hashemi, the head of vice and virtue department of Balkh. The participants of this meeting also said they appreciated the efforts of the Islamic Emirate to address the demands of the citizens of the country, especially in creating a safe environment for holding religious programs.