ISLAMABAD – Afghan Taliban chief Mawlawi Hibatullah Akhundzada has issuedunprecedented guidelines to officials of the fighters group, restrictingthem from marrying more than one woman.
Three Taliban officials on condition of anonymity told the Voice of Americaover the week that the decision has been taken to ease financial burden onthe group as some officials have frequently sought money for their multiplemarriages.
“We instruct officials of the Islamic Emirate, in accordance with IslamicSharia (Islamic jurisprudence), to avoid second, third, and fourth marriageif there is no need,” said a written message by the Taliban chief datedJanuary 9.
The message was widely shared by the leadership among their ranks,demanding them to distribute it among their subordinates.
An inside source told the publication that the message also aimed atprotecting the reputation of the groups as Afghan media reported onmarriages of some Taliban leaders, terming them “extravagant affairs.”
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“Families of several officials of the Islamic Emirate do not have a lot ofmoney. Therefore, more marriages could affect their prestige,trustworthiness, and personality,” the message said.
“Taliban officials will not be allowed to use the movement’s money forpersonal gains,” it added.
In the message, the officials have also been directed to hold simplemarriages in line with the Islamic teachings.
