The Taliban strictly banned wedding ceremonies in Afghanistan
The supreme leader of the “Taliban” interim government in Afghanistan, Haibatullah Akhundzada, has issued a new decree. This was reported by Zamin.uz.
According to this decree, certain parts of traditional wedding ceremonies have been found to contradict Islamic norms and impose financial burdens, and have been strictly prohibited. Under the new rules, customs such as paying excessively large sums of money at weddings, giving large amounts as bride price, holding pre- and post-wedding feasts, and presenting expensive gifts will be eliminated.
Furthermore, it is not permitted to give gifts more than once within a year after the wedding feast. The main prohibitions in the decree include the following.
Holding wedding and engagement feasts is forbidden. At the handkerchief ceremony, gifts are exchanged only between the bride and groom, and such events are not allowed in hotels.
The bride cannot accept clothing as a gift more than once a year after the wedding feast, and the groom is not allowed to receive any gifts at all. Weddings must be organized according to the groom’s means and without expensive hotels.
Using state-owned vehicles at weddings is prohibited. The groom does not send food to the bride’s family, and the bride’s family does not charge for sweets.
Additionally, the practice of resolving disputes through bride exchange – known as badal – is completely banned. Competitions held as rewards for expensive gifts, firing guns into the air, and dangerous driving have also been prohibited.
Monetary or clothing gifts given after the wedding have been canceled. Bride price and similar payments have also been banned.
The decree also emphasizes that wedding ceremonies must be held shortly after the wedding feast and marriage, without excessive expenses. Experts believe this step is related to the difficult economic situation in Afghanistan.
In conditions of rising unemployment and poverty, many young people are deprived of the opportunity to marry. Additionally, the “Taliban’s” restrictions on women’s education and employment, combined with excessive demands, are increasing dissatisfaction within families.
It is worth noting that after the “Taliban” came to power, live music at weddings, dancing by men and women, alcoholic beverages, and various entertainment contests were also banned. This decree aims to reduce the financial and cultural burdens of wedding ceremonies and ensure social stability.
