Taliban authorities burn musical instruments, citing ‘immorality’

Over the weekend, in the western province of Herat, Afghanistan, the Taliban authorities conducted a public burning of musical instruments and equipment, maintaining the stance that music encourages immorality.

Aziz al-Rahman al-Muhajir, who heads the Ministry for Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice in the province, voiced his concern that music fosters moral corruption and misguides youth.

This event was a vivid example of the strict interpretation of Islam that the Taliban has been imposing since reclaiming power in August 2021, a perspective that encompasses the prohibition of playing music in public spaces.

Among the instruments consumed by the fire were a guitar, a harmonium, two other stringed instruments, and a tabla (drums).

Many of these musical items were confiscated from the city’s wedding halls, which traditionally hosted musical performances.

The regulatory impact of the Taliban’s rule extends beyond music, with women being significantly affected by the new laws.

They have been excluded from most secondary education centers, universities, and public administration, hindering their societal participation.

Women are also forbidden to work for international organizations, enter public parks, gardens, gyms, or bathrooms, or travel unless accompanied by a male relative.

Additionally, they are required to be fully covered when outside their homes.

A significant number of beauty salons, often owned by women and serving as their primary source of income, closed down on Tuesday following the enforcement of a new decree.

This development represents another step in the erosion of women’s rights and livelihood under the current regime.