The Taliban have detained dozens of people in Daikundi province including clerics and local residents for holding Eid al-Adha prayers on Friday, in defiance of the group’s officially designated date.
Local sources told Afghanistan International that the arrests took place in the provincial capital of Daikundi and in the Ashtarlay district.
According to the sources, while some detainees were released after a few hours, around 50 people remain in Taliban custody.
Unlike many Islamic countries, including Saudi Arabia, the Taliban observed Eid al-Adha a day later, on Saturday. In some areas of Afghanistan, including Daikundi province, residents marked the holiday on Friday, prompting a harsh response from Taliban authorities.
In neighbouring Iran, Friday was also recognised as the first day of Eid al-Adha.
Sources told Afghanistan International on Sunday that a number of clerics and local residents who had performed Eid prayers and animal sacrifices on Friday were arrested in central Daikundi and the Ashtarlay district. Although some have since been released, approximately 50 remain detained.
Historically, Eid al-Adha in Afghanistan was celebrated in accordance with Saudi Arabia’s official calendar. In recent years, however, the Taliban have adopted different dates for Eid observance, a move that has caused growing tension among segments of the population.
