Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzada, the leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, delivered a resolute speech at the graduation ceremony of the Jihadiyah Madrasa in Kandahar.

He urged the graduates to prioritize the preservation of Islamic values and emphasized the importance of safeguarding the current Islamic system established through decades of struggle.

Addressing the audience, Sheikh Akhundzada dismissed warnings from Western and Eastern nations, reiterating his steadfast belief in divine support and the resilience of Afghanistan. "Whether the East or the West stands against us, they cannot harm us. This is our belief, and we stand firmly upon it. Should we now fear their news? Do we not believe in God's promises but instead believe in them? Never!" he declared.

The leader also reminded attendees that foreign forces did not leave Afghanistan voluntarily but were forced to withdraw. He framed this as a testament to the strength of Afghanistan’s struggle and the will of its people.

Sheikh Akhundzada underscored that the current Islamic system in Afghanistan was not inherited or gifted but achieved through the sacrifices and blood of the Afghan people. "This system that exists today did not come by anyone’s request, nor was it inherited or given to us out of friendship. This system was achieved through our blood; it was established through Jihad in the path of Allah," he stated.

He stressed that preserving this system is the responsibility of all Afghans, particularly the new graduates, and called on them to uphold Islamic values and resist external influences.

While Sheikh Akhundzada maintained a defiant stance, Fazl Rahman Oria, a political affairs analyst, emphasized the need for diplomacy between Afghanistan and Western nations. Oria stated, "Hostility and conflict between Afghanistan and Western countries benefit neither side. The interests of Western nations and Afghanistan's national interests require negotiations and agreements between the two sides so that the existing issues can be resolved."

Sheikh Akhundzada concluded his address by reiterating the need for adherence to Islamic principles and values, urging the madrasa graduates to play a pivotal role in preserving the Islamic identity of Afghanistan. His remarks reflect the Islamic Emirate's commitment to defending its ideological and political framework in the face of international scrutiny and challenges.

The speech comes at a critical time as Afghanistan navigates its complex relationship with the international community while striving to maintain its domestic Islamic governance system. (ILKHA)