During his visit to Iran, Afghan jihadi leader Abdul Rab Rasul Sayyaf urged the Taliban to establish a Shurā-ye Ḥall wa ‘Aqd, a council composed of “those who are qualified to unbind and to bind”—also described as “the people who loosen and bind”—instead of holding elections.
This council, a concept in Sunni Islamic governance, refers to a body of qualified individuals empowered to appoint or depose a ruler (such as a caliph) on behalf of the Muslim community.
Sayyaf argued that the Taliban lacks legitimacy and insisted that representatives of the people must be involved in selecting a leader. Speaking to Iran’s IRAF News Agency, he stated that the council should be composed of representatives from districts and provinces to elect Afghanistan’s leader.
He emphasised that if a leader were chosen through this process, the people would pledge allegiance to them, but he criticised the Taliban for not adopting this approach.
Criticism of the Taliban’s Legitimacy
Sayyaf pointed to the 1990s government of former Afghan President Burhanuddin Rabbani, which, he said, was formed through a similar council with a religious foundation. He added that the Mujahideen defended Rabbani’s government against the Taliban on this principle, as it had been selected through a legitimate Islamic process.
He asserted that if the Taliban followed the same method, he and his allies would accept its decision—even if they were not part of the council. However, he accused the Taliban of ruling without public support, claiming that their interpretation of Sharia law is flawed and not truly Islamic.
Sayyaf further questioned the Taliban’s legitimacy, stressing that the establishment of an Islamic system requires clear principles and proper mechanisms. He stated “Implementing Sharia is a skill and an expertise.”
Sayyaf’s Political Background and Call for Peace
Despite advocating for the Shurā-ye Ḥall wa ‘Aqd, Sayyaf has been deeply involved in Afghanistan’s electoral system over the past two decades. He was twice elected as a member of parliament from Kabul and ran in the 2014 presidential elections, though he did not win.
Reaffirming his commitment to peace, Sayyaf stated that he has always urged the Taliban that “war is not the solution.” However, he claimed that the Taliban has never been willing to negotiate and suggested that even groups engaged in armed resistance are not opposed to peace. He also noted that anti-Taliban factions abroad have achieved greater unity and coordination.
Warm Reception in Iran
Sayyaf expressed gratitude for Iran’s hospitality and explained why he had not visited the country in the past 50 years. He revealed that, after receiving medical treatment in India, he travelled to Iran and had been living in Turkiye for the past three and a half years.
Who Is to Blame for the Fall of the Republic?
Addressing the collapse of Ashraf Ghani’s government, Sayyaf blamed it on the exclusion of key defenders of the nation, arguing that only the Mujahideen could have defended Afghanistan.
He claimed that Mujahideen commanders were sidelined in recent years, forced into menial jobs rather than being allowed to contribute to national security.
Sayyaf further revealed that he had personally requested Ashraf Ghani to entrust him with Kabul’s security, but Ghani refused due to political differences with the Mujahideen.
“The Dark Night Will End”
Concluding his interview, Sayyaf delivered a message to the Afghan people: “The dark night will end, and morning lies ahead.”
During his visit to Iran, Sayyaf also met with Iranian officials. In recent months, Iran has intensified its engagement with Afghan political figures and opposition groups against the Taliban. Recently, several IRGC commanders met with leaders of the National Resistance Council for the Salvation of Afghanistan in Ankara.
