The Taliban’s Ulema council in Balkh has introduced new restrictions on funeral rites as part of a decree issued by the group’s leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, limiting wedding, mourning and pilgrimage ceremonies.
The clerics have banned funeral gatherings in places other than the deceased’s home and prohibited the participation of women except for immediate relatives.
At a recent meeting with community elders, hotel owners and government representatives, the clerics said preparing food by the deceased’s family during the first three days of mourning is “discouraged” and ordered that neighbours should provide meals for mourners instead.
The council also banned traditional almsgiving on the third day, Fridays, the 40th day and death anniversaries. It instructed that donations for the poor should instead be distributed before funeral prayers.
According to the decision, distributing Qurans, household items or other goods at mourning ceremonies is prohibited. Placing cloths inscribed with Quranic verses on coffins has also been banned.
Akhundzada issued his decree in March, ordering an end to what he called “extravagance” and “un-Islamic expenses” in weddings, funerals and post-pilgrimage ceremonies.
The Balkh clerics warned hoteliers, local elders and officials that violations of the order will be prosecuted.
The ban on funeral gatherings in venues other than private homes comes after some citizens, lacking space, had used hotels or city funeral halls to host services.
The Taliban has already shut down women’s mourning halls across the country as part of its broader restrictions on women.
Despite the new limitations, Taliban leaders have themselves attended high-profile funerals, including those of former refugees minister Khalil Haqqani and Pashto poet Mutiullah Turab in Nangarhar, where senior officials made prominent appearances.
