The Taliban government in Afghanistan has recently imposed another strict rule on women. According to the new order, Afghan women have been banned from reading the Quran loudly during prayers. Taliban minister Mohammad Khalid Hanafi has issued this order.
What is the new order?
According to sources, Taliban minister Mohammad Khalid Hanafi has said that women will have to read the verses of the Quran in such a low voice that other women present near them cannot hear it. Women are not allowed to read Takbir or Azan, so they cannot sing songs or listen to music.
Why was this ban imposed?
Hanafi said that women’s voice is ‘Aurah’, that is, something that needs to be hidden. Women’s voices should not be heard in public or even by other women. According to sources, at present this order is limited only to reading the Quran, but many experts have expressed apprehension that the Taliban may also ban women from speaking in public.
Impact on women’s religious freedom
This new order of the Taliban can have a profound impact on the religious freedom of women. Women already have limited rights, and such rules are restricting them even more. Reading the Quran and praying is an important part of every Muslim’s life. But now women will also have to read it in a low voice which is limited to themselves.
According to income reports, female healthcare workers are not allowed to speak in public places. Also, they cannot talk about any work-related matter to male employees working in the hospital. Also, they were ordered to always cover their body and faces with thick cloth in public places.
The new laws were approved by Taliban Supreme Leader Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada. Giving the reason behind the laws, he said that even women’s voices can distract men’s minds. Public speaking should be avoided by women. The Taliban has imposed many restrictions on women in the last few years; this is a new order that has been issued.
