By: Rukhshana Media
A number of Shia female students planned to hold a vigil in the mosque of the female hostel at Kabul University in the evening of Ashura.
But they were ordered to leave the mosque, and threatened by the Taliban officials to be expelled from the university if they move forward with their plan.
Malala Mohammadi, the administrator of the female hostel, and her colleagues told the Shia mourners that the holding vigil was “polytheism,” and called them “fire-worshippers.” Malala then apologized for her inflammatory comments.
Ashura is the day that Imam Hussian, a Shia Imam and grandson of prophet Mohammad, was killed 14 centuries ago. This year’s Ashura was commemorated on Monday, August 8.
The students held the vigil in the hallway of the hostel after being expelled from the mosque.
Armed Taliban fighters got involved when the dispute peaked at the hostel. Sources alleged the fighters fired warning shots to disperse the crowd. They also seized the smartphones of a number of students who took photos and videos.
Before the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, Shia students held their religious events without any disturbance at the university hostels.
