In Afghanistan, the supreme leader of the Taliban’s interim government, Haibatullah Akhundzada, has issued a new decree. According to it, part of traditional wedding ceremonies deemed “un-Islamic” and “financially burdensome” is prohibited. This was reported by “Amu.tv.”
Under the new rules, practices such as excessively high bride prices, large payments as “toyona,” lavish pre- and post-wedding banquets, and the giving of expensive gifts are abolished. In addition, after the engagement, gifts may be given no more than once a year.
The main prohibitions specified in the decree:
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Engagement and “paivaziy” banquets are banned.
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At the “dastmol khuri” ceremony, gift exchange is allowed only between the bride and groom; holding such events in hotels is prohibited.
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After the engagement, the bride may not receive clothing as a gift more than once a year, and the groom is not to be given gifts at all.
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Weddings must be organized according to the groom’s financial means, without expensive hotels.
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The use of state vehicles for weddings is prohibited.
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The groom cannot send food to the bride’s home, and the bride’s family is forbidden from demanding payment for sweets.
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The practice of “badal” (exchanging daughters to settle disputes) is completely banned.
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Competitions awarding expensive gifts, celebratory gunfire, and reckless driving are also prohibited.
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After weddings, the exchange of gifts in the form of money or clothing (“ronamoy”) is abolished.
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“Valvar” and similar monetary demands from the groom’s side are also abolished.
The decree also states that wedding ceremonies must take place soon after the engagement and marriage contract, without excessive expenses.
Experts note that this step is linked to Afghanistan’s severe economic situation. Rising unemployment and poverty have deprived many young people of the opportunity to marry. Excessive wedding requirements, combined with the Taliban’s restrictions on women in education and employment, are further fueling public discontent.
It should be noted that right after coming to power, the Taliban had already banned live music, men and women dancing together, alcohol consumption, and various entertainment contests at weddings.
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