Crucial for the Afghan Taliban and the Muslim Scholars to Refute ISIS Propaganda Magazine ‘Voice of Khurasan’

By Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi, New Age Islam 1 July 2024 Call for a Robust Rebuttal to the Doctrines of ISIS Main Points: 1. The reported move towards a form of moderation in the Taliban’s behaviours has triggered a strong response of condemnation and concern from ISIS, their old extremist counterpart. 2. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, it is of utmost importance for the Taliban leadership to promptly address the serious allegations propagated through the ISIS magazine. 3. By disregarding these accusations, the Taliban risk allowing doubts to be sown among their own ranks, potentially leading to a damaging erosion of loyalty and support within their regime. 4. Failing to address the claims of ISIS decisively could provide space for ISIS to exploit the situation, manipulating the narrative to fuel dissent and discord among Taliban members and sympathizers. 5. The Taliban must present a robust rebuttal to the accusations, thereby safeguarding their reputation and thwarting any attempts by ISIS to sway the beliefs and actions of their followers. ------- In a prominent feature within the ISIS propaganda magazine "Voice of Khurasan," which explicitly positions itself as a loyal supporter of the Islamic State (ISIS), serious allegations are levelled against the Afghan Taliban. The article accuses the Afghan Taliban of wilfully ignoring and condoning a series of purported heinous crimes perpetrated by "Hindu polytheists" against the principles and followers of Islam, while also accusing them of entering into alliances with India, a move viewed with disdain by the ISIS. Additionally, the publication does not shy away from depicting the Taliban in the harshest light, utilizing terms such as "shameless" and "spineless" to underscore the perceived moral and ethical failings of the Afghan Taliban. The meticulous articulation and bold language used within the article are designed to incite strong emotions among its readership and further fuel tensions between the various factions involved. By casting the Afghan Taliban in such a negative light, ISIS aims to sow seeds of doubt and discord within the ranks of those sympathetic to the Taliban's recent cause towards moderation, potentially weakening their support base and bolstering ISIS's own position in the region. The deliberate choice of language and framing of the accusations serve not only to disparage the Taliban but also to position ISIS as a more righteous and morally upright alternative, seeking to draw disaffected individuals towards their extremist ideologies through such rhetoric. According to the article featured in the latest issue of the magazine, it was highlighted that the Taliban has emerged as a significant ally to India in its battle against terrorism, a stance that ISIS condemns as an assault on Islam itself. The extremist faction goes as far as blaming the Taliban for contributing to the oppression of Indian Muslims, alleging that their alliance with the polytheistic forces in India has had detrimental consequences on the Muslim community, both in direct and indirect ways. The Taliban's approach, as outlined in the article, is depicted as one where the safeguarding of India's security takes precedence over the well-being and rights of its own Muslim populace, a strategy that has stirred controversy and scepticism within global security and human rights circles. Overall, the article in question sheds light on the complex dynamics at play between these extremist groups, notably emphasizing the intricate relationships and perceived betrayals that underscore their contentious interactions. Through this nuanced exploration, it becomes evident that the geopolitical landscape in the region is deeply interwoven with religious affiliations and differing interpretations of loyalty and protection, thus underscoring the delicate balance that shapes the ongoing discussions and conflicts between these entities. In the article, ISIS reprimands the Taliban for their perceived shift away from Islam-centric policies towards a focus on economic endeavours. In their critique, they accuse the Taliban of compromising with longstanding adversaries of Islam, which include nations such as India, China, Russia, Iran, America, and Britain. The Taliban, according to ISIS, is purportedly willing to settle for meagre forms of assistance and a handful of development projects in exchange for aligning themselves closely with these supposed foes in combating terrorism. ISIS goes further to insinuate that the Taliban's willingness to collaborate with various nations might someday lead them to form unexpected alliances, suggesting a scenario where the group could potentially find common ground with the Jews in exchange for certain concessions. This notion put forth by ISIS paints a picture of the Taliban's evolving alliances and policies that, in ISIS's view, could potentially veer towards increasingly unconventional partnerships in the future. Such warnings from ISIS regarding the Taliban's flexible allegiances serve as a cautionary tale in the realm of global geopolitics, emphasizing the complexities and intricacies of diplomatic relations and strategic manoeuvres employed by different factions within the Middle East and beyond. The article pointedly observes that despite self-identifying as mujahideen, the Taliban's actual behaviour tells a different story altogether. In practice, they seem to prioritize safeguarding individuals perceived as infidels, leading many to question the authenticity of their proclaimed beliefs. Additionally, their self-professed status as strategic allies with Hindus in the region raises eyebrows and prompts speculation about the sincerity of their alliances. This apparent contradiction in their actions versus their stated affiliations sets the stage for a deeper analysis of the Taliban's motivations and the intricacies of their political strategies. By examining these discrepancies, the article suggests, one can gain valuable insights into the complex web of alliances and interests in the region, shedding light on the true nature of the Taliban's agenda. Ultimately, this scrutiny serves to unravel the layers of complexity surrounding the group and provides a nuanced understanding of their role in the broader geopolitical landscape. ISIS's ideology categorically asserts that the apostate Taliban militias must be perceived in the same light as the Indian polytheists, both groups being denounced for their shared objective of annihilating devout followers of Islam. The extremist group, in a propaganda publication, sends out a fervent plea to the Muslim youth residing in India and its neighbouring regions. The call is a direct appeal, urging these young individuals to take a stand against what is perceived as the vehemently anti-Islamic stance espoused by the Indian polytheists, with a particular emphasis on the BJP party and its leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The message is underscored by a stark warning: a failure to act decisively in the face of these anti-Islamic forces will inevitably lead to a future shrouded in humiliation and unrelenting oppression, leaving no room for ambiguity in its portrayal of the stark consequences awaiting those who choose passivity over resistance. In their propaganda, ISIS asserts that the primary goal of jihad is twofold: to safeguard the well-being and safety of the Muslim community and to fulfill their sacred duty of practicing Islam while disseminating its teachings worldwide. According to ISIS, the Taliban has been engaged in a long-standing deception under the guise of jihad. They allege that the recent actions of the Taliban, particularly in the context of opportunities to further implement Shari’ah law, have unmasked their true intentions. By seemingly endorsing democratic initiatives such as those outlined in the Doha Agreement and acquiescing to popular sovereignty, the Taliban, as interpreted by ISIS, is portrayed as prioritizing human governance over the divine word of Allah. This shift, in the eyes of ISIS, reveals a fundamental discrepancy between the professed commitment to Islamic principles and the perceived alignment with secular ideals. ISIS contends that any engagement with democratic projects, particularly when juxtaposed against the backdrop of traditional Islamic tenets, signifies a departure from the path of true jihad. This divergence amplifies ISIS's condemnation of the Taliban's perceived deviation from the pure pursuit of protecting the faith and community in favour of embracing external influences that challenge the primacy of religious authority. In a scathing critique featured under the headline “Allah’s Hudood and Taliban’s Drama,” the ISIS magazine unequivocally denounces the Taliban, accusing them of manipulating the Sharia Hudood laws for their ulterior motives. The 21st edition of the ISIS magazine reads: “In this drama, they [Taliban] think of other people as fools like themselves, and they think all the people eat grass instead of food, like the vertebrates. In this failed attempt, they have tried to convince people that they have implemented the Islamic Shari'ah and their country has become a Dar al-Islam, and that rebellion against it is forbidden, while in reality, they have implemented a secular system in Afghanistan. On one hand, they have been staging the drama of implementing fake Hudood in Afghanistan, and on the other hand, they have been pleading for the international recognition of their regime, accepting the international Kufri laws and befriending all the military infidels like Russia, America, China, India, and so on. Their foreign policy rejects the system of Jizyah, concubine, and slaves, while at the same time, it accepts the Sykes-Picot border and other nationalistic borders made by the infidels, as they have abandoned jihad against the enemies of Allah. And these Murtadd militias have been performing dozens of other Kufri and blasphemous actions. Yet, they have been taking the empty slogans of Islam and Shari'ah.” [End of quote: https://soerenkern.com/pdfs/islam/voiceofkhurasan21.pdf] The recent shifts in the Taliban's behaviour towards a moderate stance have sparked criticism from ISIS, who vehemently denounces this supposed moderation, fearing its consequences. It's essential for the Taliban to address these accusations through an official response to disprove the narratives propagated in the ISIS magazine. Failure to do so could potentially sway the opinions of Taliban members and supporters, influencing their perception of the current regime and its credibility. By clarifying their position and asserting their principles, the Taliban can thwart any attempts by ISIS to disrupt their progress towards a more inclusive and moderate approach. This communication is crucial not only for dispelling doubts among their followers but also for reinforcing the Taliban's commitment to stability, peace, and the betterment of their society. As the two groups clash over ideological differences, it becomes imperative for the Taliban to counter the narrative instigated by ISIS with a transparent and persuasive account that solidifies their position on the path towards a more moderate image. Ultimately, in the realm of extremist ideologies and propaganda, effective communication and clear messaging play a pivotal role in shaping public perception and maintaining the integrity of a movement. The ISIS magazine frequently reiterates various doctrines such as Al-Wala Wal-Baraa, Jihad, Fitna, the eradication of Kufr, and stories of retribution against homosexuality. Additionally, they draw upon numerous examples of desecration of Islamic scriptures and cases of unjust treatment towards Muslim minorities globally to rationalize their acts of terror and entice young individuals to join their organization. Knowledgeable Muslim scholars must take up the responsibility of engaging in thorough responses to counter and disprove the ideological standpoints advocated by ISIS, thereby presenting a more accurate representation of Islamic teachings and principles that foster peace, compassion, and understanding among individuals of all backgrounds and beliefs. ------- A regular Columnist with NewAgeIslam.com, Ghulam Ghaus Siddiqi Dehlvi is a Classical Islamic scholar with a rich Sufi Madrasa background and expertise in English-Arabic-Urdu translation. Throughout his career, he has emerged as a prominent figure in the realm of Islamic scholarship, consistently contributing valuable insights and analysis on a wide range of crucial topics. Through his regular writings, he has delved into multifaceted subjects, including but not limited to deradicalization strategies, the promotion of moderation within Islamic teachings, counter-terrorism efforts, and the vital mission of combatting Islamophobia. Moreover, he extensively addresses the urgent need to challenge radical ideologies through well-reasoned arguments and scholarly discourse. Beyond these critical issues, his work also encompasses in-depth discussions on human rights principles, the significance of safeguarding religious rights, and the profound exploration of Islamic mysticism. 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