Introduction
Since the Taliban's return to power, religious scholars have assumed a central role in governance, with their authority further solidified under the group's rule, where religious legitimacy plays a crucial role. The Taliban's interpretation of Islamic law is largely shaped by Deobandi traditions, emphasising rigid legal and social codes, particularly on gender roles and public behavior (Bokhari & Senzai, 2013). This interpretation often contrasts with more moderate and diverse Islamic perspectives found in other Muslim-majority societies (Ibrahim, 2021). While previous Afghan governments attempted to marginalise religious scholars by introducing Western-inspired governance models (Sharma, 2009), many communities, especially in rural areas, continued to rely on tribal leaders, and to some extent, on religious scholars, for justice, mediation, and conflict resolution (Krasheninnikova, 2019). Many parts of the country demonstrate how tribal customs and religious authority remain deeply entrenched in governance and dispute resolution.
In fragile and conflict-affected societies, tribal and religious leaders often step in where state institutions are weak, providing social stability, advocacy, and mediation (Borchgrevink, 2018). Their influence extends beyond theological matters to negotiating disputes between communities, engaging with political leaders, and influencing public perception. In Afghanistan, the absence of strong state institutions has led to increased reliance on tribal leaders and, to some extent, religious networks for governance, security, dispute resolution, and the maintenance of social stability. Religious scholars and tribal leaders serve as intermediaries between communities and external actors such as the government, aid organisations, and NGOs, often acting as de facto policymakers in rural areas (Bramble et al., 2023). It is important to note that while religious scholars have exercised a degree of influence in Afghan society, tribal leaders have traditionally and historically played a more dominant role in maintaining social and political stability. However, under the Taliban's rule, the role of religious leaders has evolved considerably, as control over religious discourse has become highly centralised within the movement. Differently from past periods where multiple religious and political factions played a role in governance, today's Taliban leadership selectively engages with scholars who align with its political vision, sidelining independent voices. This raises key questions about how religious scholars interact with the Taliban's political structure and whether there is space for independent or moderate religious scholars to shape policy decisions.
This study examines the evolving role of religious scholars in Afghanistan, analysing their influence on political decision making under the Taliban rule, the internal power dynamics between hardliners and moderates, and the potential avenues for leveraging religious leadership to foster stability. While existing studies focus on Taliban governance, this briefing uniquely explores how religious scholars, both within and outside Taliban circles, can be leveraged to promote stability and gradual reform through indirect engagement strategies.
Based on a desk review of academic literature, reports, and policy documents, combined with first-hand observations from a field visit to Kabul in June 2024, this briefing offers practical recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders. It highlights the challenges and opportunities in engaging religious scholars to promote more inclusive governance, political and social stability, and social development in Afghanistan.
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For citation:
Alsousi, M., & Alarabeed, W. (2025). Religious Scholars and Political Influence in Afghanistan After 2021: Between Legitimacy and Control. Journal of Peacebuilding & Development, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/15423166251356634