His Highness The Amir al-Mu’minin (may Allah protect him) participated in and delivered a speech at the two-day training seminar held in Kandahar for the heads, members, and scholars of the Fiqh Councils from all provinces of Afghanistan. The seminar was also attended by the General Head of the Fiqh Councils, the Grand Mufti of the Central Dar al-Ifta, the Head of Jihadi Madrasas, and a number of other officials and respected scholars.
His Highness The Amir al-Mu’minin (may Allah protect him) offered necessary guidance and important advice to the seminar participants. He praised the services of all the scholars who had gathered, and delivered a detailed speech—based on the Qur’an and the Sunnah, regarding the significance and value of the Fiqh Councils. He stated that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “When Allah intends good for a person, He grants him deep understanding of the religion.” Among all branches of knowledge, the best is the knowledge of fiqh, for fiqh is the essence of the Book of Allah and the Sunnah of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), through which the lawful and unlawful are distinguished.
Regarding the jurist-scholar (faqih), His Highness The Amir al-Mu’minin (may Allah protect him) said: A faqih is one who possesses knowledge of subsidiary rulings; who knows the lawful and the unlawful, the obligatory and the necessary duties, the disliked matters and the mildly disliked, and the doctrinal rulings. The scholars of fiqh hold a distinguished rank before Allah Almighty and His Messenger (peace be upon him) compared to other people, and the people recognize them as the people of goodness. Allah Almighty has elevated their status and has chosen the jurists for the well-being of the Muslims because they know the lawful and unlawful, the good and the bad, benefit the people, and solve their problems.
He further stated regarding the Fiqh Councils: To travel for the purpose of imparting and benefiting from knowledge is jihad fi sabilillah; the scholars of fiqh travel for the sake of elevating the religion of Allah Almighty and hold gatherings. In the Fiqh Councils, truth is expressed, issues are clarified, research is conducted, and both teaching and learning take place, creating love and affection among scholars. Allah Almighty has entrusted the scholars with the heritage of the Prophets (peace be upon them), meaning they will acquire knowledge and guide people in manners, knowledge, and conduct. Today, the guidance and leadership of the people rests on the shoulders of the scholars. It is their responsibility to show people the path in the light of Sharia, for Allah Almighty has declared them responsible for guiding the people. Now the scholars have the opportunity to serve well; they can declare as lawful what is lawful and as unlawful what is unlawful. Therefore, acquire knowledge, convey it to the people, and spread it among them. The responsibility for the success of the religion today rests on the scholars, and it is their duty to make the people understand the religion.
At the end of his remarks, His Highness The Amir al-Mu’minin (may Allah protect him) said: Do not oppose one another. Strive to end disputes among the people. Do not be greedy for worldly gain. Do not conceal the truth. Enjoin what is right and forbid what is wrong. You, the scholars of the Fiqh Councils, are the representatives of the common people, you must work for the reform of both the people and the officials. The people have hope in you. Practice the Sharia upon yourselves so that people may see you and follow your example. Scholars and officials must first implement the decrees issued by the Islamic Emirate upon themselves, and then explain them to the people. Convey the decrees and laws to the people, make them understand them, and explain their significance and value.
In conclusion, all the respected scholars once again renewed their allegiance to His Highness The Amir al-Mu’minin (may Allah protect him) and pledged that they firmly support their Sharia-based governance and will continue to do so.
Afterwards, the gathering concluded with a supplication for the Sharia law-based government and the people, recited by His Highness The Amir al-Mu’minin (may Allah protect him).
28/5/1447 AH
