The Taliban’s supreme leader has issued a decree stating that “the husband is the ruler of the woman, and the woman is obliged to keep her husband happy”.
It comes as the Taliban mark five years of rule in Afghanistan, during which time they have imposed a slew of draconian restrictions on girls and women’s lives.
The rules on marriage are contained in a six-chapter document endorsed by Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada, which includes instructions on obeying the supreme leader, following religion and participating in jihad.
On marriage, the decree says that a husband is required by religion to provide his wife with “maintenance, clothing, and housing”.
The document, entitled Curriculum for Preachers and published on Aug 16 by the Taliban’s Ministry of Justice, recognises polygamy, stating that a man with multiple wives must treat them equitably.
It says a woman must not be oppressed, her consent is required at the time of marriage, and no one may force a woman into marriage.
The decree states that “a woman is not property, and no one may give her away in baad” – a practice in which a girl or woman is given in marriage to settle a dispute or debt.
It also says men must ensure women under their care observe hijab – or fully cover themselves – when in the presence of unrelated men.
The supreme leader further instructs preachers to inform people about the “virtue of taking part in jihad” and the “virtue of being wounded or martyred” in jihad. Preachers must also speak about “the virtue of guarding Islamic borders and obeying the command of the emir (supreme leader)”.
