Not Seen or Heard

The Taliban’s moral code is now the law in Afghanistan.

The 35-article “vice and virtue” laws—strict interpretations of Islamic Sharia Law—were formally ratified this week. Under them, women are banned from showing their faces or letting their voices be heard in public, and men cannot shave their beards or wear Western clothes. It’s also illegal to miss prayers, publicize images of living beings, play music in cars, and for unrelated men and women to interact.

The rules, which have been less formally enforced since 2022, carry a wide range of penalties, including verbal threats, confiscation of property, jail time, or “any other punishment deemed appropriate.”

The Taliban ruled with similarly oppressive laws from 1996-2001 and regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021 after U.S. forces were withdrawn.

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ABOVE ALL, LOVE
It's easy to become angry and indignant over world events, but much more difficult to live with the tension of desiring change while simultaneously loving everyone involved. Followers of Christ are called to live in that tension, retaining love for the very people they work against.

"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5:44 (CSB) (read full passage)