The Taliban’s supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada, declared on Sunday that Afghanistan has “no need” for Western laws, asserting that Sharia law supersedes democracy.

Akhundzada delivered this message during an Eid al-Fitr sermon at the Eidgah Mosque in Kandahar.

According to audio shared by Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid on X, Akhundzada stressed the primacy of Islamic law, stating, “There is no need for laws that originate from the West. We will create our own laws.”

The Taliban’s interpretation of Sharia law has led to significant restrictions on Afghan women and girls, including barring them from education, many professions, and most public spaces.

These policies have resulted in international isolation for the Taliban, though they have established diplomatic relations with some nations, including China and the UAE.

Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021 amid the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces, Akhundzada has implemented stricter policies, despite initial promises from some officials of a more moderate approach.

In his Sunday address, the leader accused non-believers of uniting against Muslims and alleged that the U.S. and other countries share hostility towards Islam, referencing the conflict in Gaza.

Akhundzada proclaimed the end of democracy in Afghanistan and the implementation of Sharia law, further claiming that democracy’s advocates are trying to separate the population from the Taliban government.

The Taliban face no significant internal or external opposition, although some within the government have voiced concerns about the leadership’s decision-making and the concentration of power around Akhundzada.

Some Taliban members are pushing for greater international engagement and a relaxation of strict policies to gain more external support.

Recent months have seen increased engagement between the Taliban and the U.S. under President Biden, primarily involving prisoner exchanges and releases.

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