Taliban Declares Shaving Beards a Crime, Comparing It to Resembling Women

Kokcha News Agency:The Taliban’s Department of Guidance under the Public Health Directorate in Farah province has sent a letter to the provincial hospital, declaring shaving beards as “haram, sinful, and a crime.” The letter, a copy of which was obtained by Afghanistan International, states that the prohibition on shaving beards is aimed at preventing men from resembling women.

The letter emphasizes that “the beard is the tradition of the prophets” and that shaving or opposing this tradition brings divine punishment.

The Taliban’s Ministry of Vice and Virtue has long prohibited shaving or trimming beards. Over the past four years, the Taliban has enforced this rule on government employees, and there have been reports of citizens being detained for shaving their beards.

In 2021, the Ministry of Vice and Virtue sent a directive to its provincial offices in all 34 provinces, stating that growing a beard is a tradition of the Prophet Muhammad and that provincial offices must remind men of this. The letter stated, “Trimming a beard to less than a fistful is haram.”

Recently, the ministry reiterated its emphasis on growing beards and wearing hats in universities. In a written directive, it warned that professors and students who violate these rules will face punishment and expulsion.