This week marks four years since the victory of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, when the mujahideen, relying solely on the help of Allah, defeated the most powerful coalition of nations in modern history and raised the banner of Islam over Kabul on August 15, 2021.

In a statement commemorating the anniversary, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzada announced the end of the government’s caretaker status, declaring the Islamic system in Afghanistan permanent, established, and blessed by Allah. He reminded the nation that the struggle and sacrifices of decades were not in vain: Afghanistan now lives under the shade of Shariah, liberated from corruption, usury, drugs, theft, and the oppression of foreign occupiers.

For nearly half a century, the Afghan people endured invasions, occupations, and puppet regimes imposed by foreign powers. From the Soviet Union to the United States, arrogant superpowers came with their weapons and armies, yet all were driven out by the steadfastness of the Afghan mujahideen.

“August 15 is a proud day in Afghanistan’s history,” Sheikh Hibatullah said. “On this day, the mujahideen of truth triumphed over the world’s superpowers and laid the foundations of an independent Islamic system.”

This victory was not merely a political change—it was a divine blessing. It came after rivers of blood were shed by martyrs, years of imprisonment endured by captives, and countless wounds carried by the fighters of jihad.

In his message, the Emirate’s leader announced that the era of “acting” ministers and deputies is over, affirming the permanence of the Islamic government. Officials are now instructed to serve fully in their positions as representatives of a sovereign Islamic system.

The leadership stressed that service to the people must always be guided by Islam: caring for widows and orphans of martyrs, supporting the families of the wounded, and ensuring justice and fairness in all matters.

By declaring the government’s legitimacy permanent, Sheikh Hibatullah has sent a clear message: the Islamic Emirate is here to stay, and Afghanistan will remain a land governed by Shariah.

One of the Emirate’s most important achievements, as highlighted in the statement, is the restoration of unity among Afghans. For decades, divisions of ethnicity, language, tribe, and politics were exploited by occupiers and their puppets to weaken the nation.

But under the Islamic system, Afghans have been united as Muslims first and foremost. The Emirate emphasizes that loyalty is not to tribe or party, but to Allah, His Messenger, and the Ummah.

This unity has brought stability unseen in decades. For the first time in generations, Afghans live without foreign bombs raining down on their villages, without criminal warlords extorting them, and without the humiliation of occupation.

Beyond Afghanistan’s borders, the victory of the Islamic Emirate stands as a source of hope for oppressed Muslims worldwide. The image of a poorly armed mujahideen force defeating the mightiest armies of NATO has inspired believers from Palestine to Kashmir, from Africa to the Levant.

Sheikh Hibatullah ended his statement with a heartfelt prayer for the Muslims of Palestine, asking Allah to grant them clear victory against the Zionist occupiers. By linking Afghanistan’s triumph with Palestine’s ongoing resistance, the Emirate reaffirmed its role as part of the global Ummah’s struggle against oppression.

The Supreme Leader reminded Afghans to show constant gratitude for these blessings, quoting Allah’s words from the Qur’an: “If you are grateful, I will surely increase My favors upon you. But if you are ungrateful, indeed, My punishment is severe.” (Surah Ibrahim: 7).

He warned that neglecting gratitude could endanger these blessings, urging the people to remember the sacrifices of the martyrs and the debt owed to those who gave their lives for Islam.

For the Islamic Emirate, August 15 is not just a holiday—it is a living reminder of Allah’s promise to the believers: that steadfastness and sacrifice on the path of truth bring victory, no matter the strength of the enemy.

It recalls how the mujahideen outlasted the Soviets, how they resisted NATO’s twenty-year occupation, and how, against all odds, they restored an independent Islamic order.

Today, Afghanistan stands as a testimony that when Muslims unite under Shariah, they cannot be defeated.

As Afghans celebrate four years of liberation, the message from Kabul is clear: the Islamic Emirate is stronger, more united, and more permanent than ever before. It stands not only as a government for Afghanistan, but as a symbol of victory for the entire Ummah.

“May Almighty Allah grant unity and harmony to the Muslim Ummah and bestow a clear victory upon the Muslims of Palestine,” Sheikh Hibatullah prayed.

For Muslims worldwide, Afghanistan’s story is more than history—it is proof that jihad and patience can defeat superpowers, establish Shariah, and restore dignity to a nation. (ILKHA)