Khaama Press, September 21, 2015
Extremism on the rise in unofficial religious Madrasas in Afghanistan
Expressing concerns regarding the adoption of Salafism and Wahhabism ideology, Mohammadi said the majority of these students and educators are based in eastern Nangarhar and Kunar provinces
The Afghan government could face new challenges from the unofficial religious Madrasas – seminaries, according to a new survey report which suggests extremists thoughts have been adopted and are widely spreading among the students and teachers of these Madrasas.
The report has been prepared by Afghanistan Institute for Strategic Studies which covers 50 unofficial Madrasas in ten different provinces of the country.
At least 306 educators and students have been interviewed by the researchers of the report which covers Madrasas operating in southern, northern, eastern and central parts of the country.
Around 13 percent of the survey participants have opposed equal rights of men and women but in eastern Kunar 97 percent have said the rights of men and women are not equal.
Up to 15 percent of the Madrasas are under the impression of extremism and 8 percent of those who have been interviewed believes in Salafism and Wahhabism, an author of the report Abdul Ahmad Mohammadi said.
He said the footprints of radicalism could be found in these Madrasas and a large number of eductors and students believe that Salafism and Wahhabism truly reflects Islam.
Expressing concerns regarding the adoption of Salafism and Wahhabism ideology, Mohammadi said the majority of these students and educators are based in eastern Nangarhar and Kunar provinces.
According to Mohammadi Salafism and Wahhabism was one of the indicators of the survey while the other indicator included support to suicide attacks where 17 percent of those interviewed endorsed suicide attacks in specific conditions but majority of them (80%) have opposed suicide attack against the Afghan forces.
He said the newly emerging phenomenon could create a major challenge for the Afghan government in security, political and social affairs.
In the meantime, 60 percent of those interviewed have suggested that the women should remain in their houses rather than focusing on education while 33 percent others have said that women should not have political activities.
Around 13 percent of the survey participants have opposed equal rights of men and women but in eastern Kunar 97 percent have said the rights of men and women are not equal.
The report also reveals frustration of the survey participants regarding the Taliban group activities where only 3 percent of them have endorsed their activities and 60 others have said that the group is fighting for the interests of the foreigners.
75 percent of the survey participants have said that the Afghan government is legitimate and Islamic and 80 percent of them have said they support role in the Afghan government affairs.
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