Taliban Spokesman Claims Women's Value Diminishes When Faces Are Uncovered in Public

In recent news, a spokesman for the Taliban government in Afghanistan has stated that women lose value if men can see their uncovered faces in public. The spokesman, Molvi Mohammad Sadiq Akif, who represents the Taliban's Ministry of Vice and Virtue, explained that religious scholars in the country agree that women must keep their faces covered when outside the home.

The Taliban has used the failure of women to observe the proper way of wearing the hijab, or Islamic headscarf, as a reason for barring them from most public spaces, including parks, jobs, and universities. Akif argued that if women's faces are visible in public, there is a possibility of fitna, or falling into sin.

He emphasized that it is not a matter of a woman's face being harmed or damaged, but rather that her value decreases when men look at her. Akif stated that Allah gives respect to women in hijab, and therefore, there is value in adhering to this practice.

However, Dr. Tim Winter, a scholar in Islamic Studies at Cambridge University, noted that there is no scriptural mandate in Islam for face coverings. He mentioned that the Taliban's interpretation of hijab rules may not find backing in Islamic scripture, and the group may lack the expertise of senior religious scholars.

The Taliban's restrictions on girls and women have sparked global outrage, even within some Muslim-majority countries. UN special envoy Gordon Brown recently called for the International Criminal Court to prosecute Taliban leaders for crimes against humanity, specifically for denying education and employment to Afghan girls and women.

When asked about the possibility of lifting bans on women's activities if there was universal adherence to hijab rules, Akif did not provide a direct answer, stating that other departments handle such matters. He claimed that the ministry faced no obstacles in its work, and people supported its measures.

Akif also pointed out that under the current administration, men no longer harass or stare at women as they did during the previous government's time. The Taliban government asserts that it has eradicated the "evils of drinking alcohol and bacha bazi," a practice involving the exploitation of boys for entertainment purposes.

The Ministry of Vice and Virtue operates from a fortified compound near Darul Aman Palace in Kabul. Women are forbidden from entering ministry premises, although a female-only security screening hut is available. The ministry heavily relies on officials and informants to ensure compliance with regulations.

Slogans on concrete barricades in the compound emphasize the importance of promoting virtues and prohibiting vices for an orderly society. According to Akif, the ministry's ombudsmen visit various public spaces, including markets, universities, and mosques, to monitor and educate people on adherence to Islamic principles.

Regarding the ban on women in parks, Akif suggested that they could be allowed if certain conditions are met. Specifically, women could go to parks if there are no men present, as Sharia does not permit mixing with men. However, Akif clarified that women could still engage in sports, visit parks, and run but not in the same way as some women desire – to be semi-naked and among men.

The Taliban's strict enforcement of their interpretation of hijab rules continues to face criticism at both national and international levels. While the group claims to operate according to Islamic law, opinions vary among scholars regarding the legitimacy of their practices and understanding of religious texts. The impact of these measures on Afghan women's freedoms and rights remains a significant concern.