Council of Shia Scholars issues statement to Afghans, calling for piety and solidarity

Council of Shia Scholars issues statement to Afghans, calling for piety and solidarity
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The Council of Shia Scholars in Afghanistan has issued a statement ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, urging Afghans to uphold piety, strengthen social solidarity, and support those in need during the sacred period.

In its message marking the start of Ramadan, the council congratulated the Afghan people on the arrival of what it described as a month of mercy, blessings, and forgiveness. The statement emphasized the importance of engaging with the Holy Quran, observing the Nights of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr), assisting the poor and vulnerable, preventing hoarding, and ensuring public security throughout the month.

The council highlighted Ramadan as the month in which the Quran was revealed, often referred to as the “spring of the Quran,” and encouraged believers to deepen their connection with the scripture and perform recommended acts of worship during Laylat al-Qadr. It also underscored the religious merit of providing iftar meals for fasting people, describing it as a highly rewarded charitable act.

Addressing Afghanistan’s worsening economic conditions, the statement called on the public to extend support to impoverished families and those in need, particularly migrants. It urged traders, shop owners, and relevant oversight bodies to monitor prices, ensure the availability of essential goods at reasonable costs, and avoid hoarding and profiteering, warning that such practices are religiously prohibited.

The council further stressed the role of charitable institutions, including departments affiliated with offices of senior religious authorities, in delivering timely and effective assistance during Ramadan. It also encouraged preachers and religious educators to keep mosques active, promote the virtues of the holy month, and emphasize ethical self-discipline, especially among young people.

Additionally, the statement called on mosque leaders and trustees to be considerate in the use of loudspeakers to avoid disturbing patients and the elderly, and to coordinate with security authorities to maintain safety during Laylat al-Qadr and the Eid period.

The council concluded by calling for prayers for peace and stability worldwide, particularly across Muslim countries and Afghanistan during the holy month.