Speech of Honorable Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund at the Turban-Tying Ceremony of the Graduates of the First Cohort of Al-Jami‘ah Al-Islamiyyah Darul Uloom Kandahar:

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Respected scholars, distinguished graduates, honorable officials of the Emirate’s institutions, esteemed elders, Mujahideen, guests, and all respected attendees!
Peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you all.

It is a great source of joy that today we are participating in the turban-tying ceremony of the graduates of the first cohort of Al-Jami‘ah Al-Islamiyyah Darul Uloom Kandahar, and that we are presenting one thousand graduates to society for the service of religion and homeland.

First and foremost, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the honorable graduates, as well as to their respected families and teachers, on the completion of this blessed program, and I pray that these turbans may become symbols of the honor and dignity of religion and homeland.

Respected graduates!

Fortunately, today you have completed a very important and fundamental stage; however, you must remember that comprehensive study, research, and scholarly discipline in religious knowledge do not end here. Strive to maintain continuity in learning; act upon knowledge; convey it to others; and, within the framework of religious wisdom, treat people with kindness in order to promote Prophetic ethics in society.

Respected attendees!

Islamic centers and madrasas are the enlightened and sacred places of social reform, religious knowledge, jihad, intellectual training, and the Islamic movement, where the foundation of all relations is the pleasure of Allah Almighty and the implementation of the Prophetic Sunnah.

It is known to you all that, alongside the general public, these very madrasas and scholars are those who have inflicted humiliating defeats upon the world’s great empires, liberated Afghanistan from twenty years of occupation, and bestowed upon the brave people of Afghanistan honorable independence and Islamic pride. Today, many children of those martyrs and compatriots whose blood sacrifices made us the beneficiaries of today’s security and tranquility are graduating from this madrasa.

Esteemed scholars of the country!

Turn madrasas and Islamic pulpits into centers of Islamic ethics, social reform, and unity. Using religious wisdom, invite people to the right path with gentle speech; do not reproach anyone or speak harshly; strive to eliminate hostilities among the people of your villages and communities; and, most importantly, alongside acts of worship, educate people in mosques about Islamic transactions, ethics, social life, and manners—unfortunately, insufficient work is observed in this area.

Respected compatriots!

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan believes in political and economic participation within the framework of the country’s conditions. Over the past four years, this participation has not weakened; rather, it has been strengthened in practice. In important foundational documents and decisions, the views and consultations of the country’s scholars, academic figures, and professional staff are sought, and final decisions are made accordingly.

On the one hand, the current political authority in Afghanistan has been maintained in a comparatively stable and balanced manner; parallel political currents, opposing movements, and actions threatening national decisions within the framework of the system and government have been eliminated. On the other hand, administrative participation, administrative transparency, the development of economic infrastructure, the provision of public services, and public satisfaction have increased.

I call upon all countries of the world that, through regional and international active engagement, they should appropriately benefit from the potential capacity and strong resolve of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The region and the world must understand that a secure Afghanistan is considered a major economic and political opportunity for the region and the world; therefore, no one should turn opportunities into threats.

Respected compatriots!

At the helm of the Islamic system of Afghanistan are scholarly individuals who are fully aware of the rights of Allah and the rights of the people. We are hopeful that they will not violate anyone’s rights nor squander entrusted trusts; rather, they will work day and night to serve you. Accordingly, fulfill your own responsibilities by cooperating in the discharge of their duties, and stand alongside your government in ensuring the security, development, reconstruction, and competitiveness of this country. If you give thanks for these blessings by safeguarding and practically supporting them, Allah Almighty will increase them for you manifold in accordance with His promise.

Finally, I express my deep gratitude to the respected administrators and teachers of this madrasa who, with full sincerity, are devoted to their responsibilities. I emphasize that they should properly fulfill their religious duty in safeguarding the madrasa, because this madrasa does not belong to an individual; it will be left as a legacy for generations to come.

Peace, mercy and blessings of Allah be upon you all.