The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Sheikh Mawlavi Hebatullah Akhundzadeh, has delivered a powerful address to education officials and scholars during a three-day reform seminar in Kandahar.

The seminar, organized by the Ministry of Education, was attended by senior officials, the Minister of Education, and a large number of esteemed scholars. The discussions revolved around reforming the education system in accordance with Islamic principles, ensuring that Afghan students are nurtured to become God-conscious, disciplined, and productive members of society.

In his address, Akhundzadeh emphasized that knowledge is among the greatest blessings Allah Almighty has bestowed upon humanity. He reminded participants of the Quranic verse: “Are those who know equal to those who do not know?” (Surah Az-Zumar, 39:9), pointing out that true scholars are a source of goodness and reform within the Ummah.

“The scholars should guide the people in the same way that the prophets guided their communities,” he said, highlighting that teachers and scholars must embody noble character, sincerity, and ethics so that the people naturally follow their example.

He further reminded that the prophets (peace be upon them) were not only conveyors of divine revelation but also practical guides who educated, nurtured, and reformed societies. Likewise, today’s scholars and teachers carry the sacred duty of being heirs to the prophets.

Akhundzadeh strongly cautioned officials and educators against negligence, describing it as a “very deadly disease” that weakens societies from within. He explained that when responsibilities are neglected, corruption, disorder, and decline set in. For this reason, vigilance, sincerity, and dedication must remain at the heart of all work carried out in the Islamic system.

He stressed that both officials and the public must remain alert in their duties, for negligence in education means negligence towards the future of the nation.

The Supreme Leader also called for compassion and mercy in the field of education, urging teachers to be gentle and kind with students. He reminded that the path of Islamic teaching is not one of harshness but of wisdom, patience, and sincerity.

“Teachers and officials must show compassion towards students, preventing distractions that hinder their education,” he instructed. He also urged administrators to treat their responsibilities not as mere jobs but as a sacred trust from Allah, which must be fulfilled with integrity.

This seminar comes as the Islamic Emirate continues its efforts to reform and strengthen Afghanistan’s education sector in line with Islamic values. Over the past years, the Emirate has repeatedly emphasized the need for an educational system that safeguards Islamic identity, prevents Western moral corruption, and nurtures a new generation rooted in faith, discipline, and knowledge.

The choice of Kandahar as the host city carries deep symbolism, as it is both the historical birthplace of the Islamic Emirate and the heart of its leadership. By issuing these instructions from Kandahar, Akhundzadeh reaffirmed the Emirate’s vision of building a strong Islamic society from its very foundations.

Throughout Islamic history, leaders and scholars have worked hand in hand to guide nations. From the golden age of Islamic scholarship to the modern challenges faced by Muslim societies, knowledge has always been seen as the light that dispels ignorance and strengthens faith.

By aligning Afghanistan’s education system with Quranic guidance and prophetic traditions, the Islamic Emirate seeks to revive this noble legacy. As Akhundzadeh reminded, the mission of scholars and teachers today is to walk in the footsteps of the prophets, leading people towards goodness and righteousness.

At the conclusion of the seminar, Ministry of Education officials pledged to implement the guidance of the Supreme Leader across all educational institutions. They reaffirmed their commitment to shaping a generation that is not only knowledgeable but also firmly grounded in Islamic morals and discipline.

The event ended with prayers for the success of the Islamic Emirate, the protection of its leadership, and the prosperity of Afghanistan through knowledge, faith, and unity. (ILKHA)