The Taliban Leader’s Discourse in Eid Messages (2023–2026)

Review of Afghanistan developments

This article explores the development of Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada’s discourse through eight messages delivered during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha from 2023 to 2026. This note does not aim to evaluate the truthfulness or falsehood of the content within these messages; instead, it concentrates on analyzing significant themes and the evolution of discourse within the official messages. The significance of this study lies in the fact that Eid messages – directed towards the populace, their own forces, and the international community – serve as a comprehensive reflection of the priorities, concerns, and orientations of Taliban governance during pivotal moments.

By comparing Eid messages from 2023 to 2026, we can see how the official discourse has evolved in response to domestic challenges (poverty, discontent, economic pressures) and regional developments (the Gaza war, relations with neighbors). This article examines security, Sharia and religion, governance, foreign relations, the economy, national unity, jihad and resistance, and the international community in the Taliban leader’s discourse across eight Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha messages.

Security in the Taliban leader’s discourse

In his messages for Eid al-Fitr 2023 and Eid al-Adha 2023, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada articulates the notion of security primarily in relation to “the cessation of war and disorder” and “the implementation of the Sharia system.” In his Eid al-Fitr 2023 message, the Taliban leader asserts: “Following significant turmoil, we have achieved security and the Sharia system,” while in his Eid al-Adha message for that year, he characterizes security as “a tremendous blessing from Allah” that warrants expressions of gratitude. The core focus of these messages is on the establishment of law and order security and the mitigation of armed threats. During this time, the Taliban leader urges security forces to “devote their full attention to the comfort, service, and safety of the populace during the Eid celebrations.”

Sharia and religion

Sharia constitutes the essence of all Eid messages delivered by the Taliban leader. In his messages for 2023 and 2024, he regards the enforcement of Sharia as the regime’s most significant accomplishment. During Eid al-Adha 2023, he proclaims: “All praise is due to Allah; under the governance of the Islamic Emirate, the Islamic regime has been reinstated. The revered Islamic Sharia has been declared and put into practice.” He takes pride in the enforcement of divine limits and retribution. The obligation of “enjoining good and forbidding evil” is presented as the “supreme duty.” Furthermore, on Eid al-Fitr 2023, he underscores the importance of the “religious and moral reform of society.”

In the messages of 2025 and 2026, the discussion surrounding Sharia has become increasingly precise and detailed. On Eid al-Fitr 2025, the leader of the Taliban references “Hanafi jurisprudence” for the first time as a foundation for decision-making: “The Islamic Emirate has instructed all courts to apply Sharia in accordance with Hanafi jurisprudence.” Furthermore, on Eid al-Adha 2025, he underscores the necessity to “clarify Sharia rulings without concealment” and, referencing the verse “That He may make them clear to the people,” urges scholars to articulate Sharia clearly. On Eid al-Adha 2026, he reiterates the importance of “living in the religion of Allah” and “strict adherence to Sharia rulings.” The focus during this period is on the “explanation” and “teaching” of Sharia, rather than simply proclaiming it. Additionally, the admonition to officials against “oppressing the people” has persisted and even intensified, invoking the divine assurance of disgrace for the oppressors.

Governance as viewed by the leader of the Taliban

In the messages delivered by the Taliban leader during the holiday season, governance is framed as moral guidance for officials. On Eid al-Fitr 2023, the Taliban leader urges officials to “open their doors to the people, execute their duties efficiently and promptly,” and “never interact with individuals in a manner that makes them feel like strangers.” On Eid al-Adha 2023, he provides specific counsel to the security forces: “Refrain from ethnic, regional, linguistic, and factional rivalries” and “Make appointments based on qualifications.” These suggestions reflect a commitment to governance centered on the satisfaction of the populace.

In the messages of 2025 and 2026, the discussion surrounding governance has taken on a more defined and cautionary tone. On Eid al-Adha 2025, the leader of the Taliban explicitly declares: “Obey the emir’s orders and decrees, for they are necessary and obligatory,” and, referencing the words of the first caliph, he asserts, “There is no Islam except through unity and agreement… There is no emirate except through obedience,” thereby underscoring the importance of organizational discipline. He further cautions: “Whoever oppresses in the world, regardless of their power, Allah Almighty will humiliate and defeat them.” On Eid al-Adha 2026, this admonition is reiterated, with officials being urged to “not close their doors to the needs of the people.” Moreover, for the first time, the topics of “returning refugees” and land distribution are introduced, signifying a shift towards addressing administrative and welfare matters. Nevertheless, a transparent framework and independent institutions have yet to be established.

The Economic Situation of Afghanistan as Addressed by Taliban Leader Haibatullah Akhundzada

The economy has a relatively prominent yet general presence in the messages of 2023. On Eid al-Adha 2023, the leader of the Taliban stated that “for the first time, the country has achieved economic self-sufficiency” and highlighted advancements in agriculture, irrigation, road construction, and mining. He urges businessmen and investors to contribute and assures them of support. Similarly, on Eid al-Fitr 2023, he reiterated that “the Afghans themselves bear the responsibility for the resolution of Afghanistan’s issues.” Nevertheless, these messages do not address the issues of unemployment, inflation, or sanctions.

Starting in 2025, the economic dialogue has evolved to be more accurate and pragmatic. On Eid al-Adha 2025, he states: “The enhancement of the economy is associated with the expansion of trade and industry” and urges economic institutions to “offer greater assistance to their merchants and manufacturers.” On Eid al-Fitr 2025, referencing the hadith “The best of people is that which benefits people” and “If the Day of Judgment arrives and you possess a sapling, plant it,” he regards the endeavor to foster a community as an obligation, even on the brink of the Day of Judgment. He further advises individuals not to “fall for the propaganda of biased factions and intelligence agencies that propagate the fear of poverty and economic difficulties.” On Eid al-Adha 2026, the focus on “a tranquil existence under the Sharia system” and “safeguarding the rights of orphans, widows, the disabled, and the impoverished” has become increasingly emphasized, and he implores capitalists to remember them. This shift indicates that the Afghan economy has transitioned from a peripheral concern to a central theme in the Taliban leader’s speeches, yet it remains intertwined with the perspective of “anticipating divine favor and domestic endeavor.”

The foreign relations of Afghanistan as viewed by the Taliban leader

In the messages from 2023 and 2024, foreign relations are characterized by the principles of “non-interference” and fostering “good relations based on Islamic values.” During Eid al-Adha 2023, Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada remarked: “If we refrain from interfering in the internal matters of other nations, we will not permit others to meddle in our internal affairs under any guise or designation.” This same sentiment was echoed during Eid al-Fitr 2023. Furthermore, on Eid al-Adha 2022 (which falls outside the parameters of this analysis), he specifically referred to “American inclusion” and advocated for “positive diplomatic, economic, and political relations.”

In the messages from 2025 and 2026, the discussion surrounding foreign relations has evolved to become more nuanced and detailed. On Eid al-Adha 2025, he states: “The Islamic Emirate seeks to establish political and economic relations with the entire world, particularly with Islamic nations, grounded in the principles of Sharia.” On Eid al-Fitr 2025, he further asserts: “Let us cultivate positive and mutually beneficial relations with other countries based on principles.” A notable addition in the Eid al-Adha 1405 message is the mention of “having fulfilled its obligation in this regard,” which reflects the Taliban’s commitment to international engagement. Nevertheless, the primary stipulations of “respect for the beliefs and values of the Afghan people” and “non-interference in internal affairs” persist. The previously harsh anti-Western stances has softened, yet the denunciation of the Israeli regime and the endorsement of Palestine are prominently reiterated in all communications, highlighting the anti-Zionist stance within the Taliban leader’s narrative.

Taliban Leader's Discourse — In the Taliban Leader’s Discourse, the two main conditions “respect for the beliefs and values of the Afghan people” and “non-interference in internal affairs” form the basis of Afghanistan’s foreign relations.

National unity in the Taliban leader’s Eid messages

The 2023 messages highlight national unity, focusing on the concepts of “Islamic brotherhood” and “the eradication of ethnic and linguistic biases.” During Eid al-Adha 2023, the Taliban leader proclaimed: “All forms of prejudice associated with ethnicity, language, and status have been eradicated.” Similarly, on Eid al-Fitr 2023, he reiterated the themes of “Islamic brotherhood and unity.” Nevertheless, there is an absence of explicit mention regarding the rights of ethnic and religious minorities, such as the Hazaras, Tajiks, and Uzbeks, or their involvement in governance. In this context, unity appears to signify “compliance with the Islamic Emirate” and “the avoidance of discord.”

In the messages of 2025 and 2026, the focus on unity persists, albeit at a broader level. On Eid al-Fitr 2025, he urges Muslims to “avoid conflict” and “further strengthen our unity and solidarity, which is the key to our success and dignity,” referencing the verse “And do not quarrel, lest you fail.” Similarly, on Eid al-Adha 2025, he highlights the importance of “unity and agreement” as well as “coordination among officials.” In his address on Eid al-Adha 2026, the Taliban leader speaks to “all the faithful and fighting people of Afghanistan and all Muslims worldwide,” encouraging them to “continue to stand together like brothers.” During this time, references to “eliminating ethnic prejudices” have diminished, suggesting that this issue is presumed to be resolved. Instead, there is a stronger focus on “unity to defend the Sharia system.” However, national unity has yet to be put into practice and is lacking in participatory institutions.

The international community in the Taliban leader’s discourse

In the messages of 2023, the international community is approached with a broad and defensive tone. The leader of the Taliban refrains from using the term “the international community” and instead refers to “the entire world and Islamic countries.” On Eid al-Adha 2023, he states: “The Islamic Emirate urges the entire world, particularly Islamic nations, to foster positive and constructive political and economic relations.” There is an absence of any direct mention of the United Nations, human rights organizations, or sanctions.

In the messages of 2025 and 2026, the approach towards the global community has become somewhat more concrete. On Eid al-Fitr 2025, there is a call for “other countries” to “respect the beliefs and values of the Afghan people and refrain from interfering in our internal affairs.” This statement suggests that the international community is still perceived as “intervening.” On Eid al-Adha 1405, Akhundzada clearly articulates: “The Islamic Emirate seeks political and economic relations with the entire world, particularly with Islamic nations, grounded in the principles of Sharia, and has met its obligations in this regard.” This assertion implies that the Taliban views itself as having fulfilled its responsibilities and anticipates a reciprocal reaction from the international community. Nevertheless, there has been no favorable mention of constructive engagement with Western nations. A significant concern regarding the international community is the denunciation of Israel and the endorsement of Palestine, a theme that recurs in all communications and was notably emphasized on Eid al-Adha 2026.

Jihad and resistance in the Taliban leader’s discourse

In the messages of 2023 and 2024, jihad is predominantly depicted as a success. On Eid al-Adha 2023, he states: “The significant aim of our jihad and struggle was to elevate the word of God, to implement Islamic law…,” and this objective has now been realized. Henceforth, the primary responsibilities are to “defend the Islamic system” and “safeguard the accomplishments of jihad.” On Eid al-Fitr 2023, he urges the security forces to “take decisive action against the adversaries of religion and the nation, the disruptors of security….” It is important to highlight that the interpretation of these messages indicates that jihad, in the context of armed conflict against foreign adversaries, is no longer a matter of debate.

In the messages from 2025 and 2026, the narrative surrounding jihad has evolved significantly. During Eid al-Adha 2025, the Taliban leader refers to “our jihads” in the past tense, while simultaneously asserting the need to “stand up to any threat.” On Eid al-Fitr 2025, he quotes the verse “And you do not fight in the way of Allah and the oppressed,” stating: “The cause of Palestine is the cause of the entire Islamic world,” and denounces the actions of the Zionist regime, yet refrains from calling for armed jihad against Israel. By Eid al-Adha 2026, there is a noticeable absence of direct mentions of “jihad”; the focus shifts instead to “resisting the evil will of the enemies” through “unity and perseverance.” The central theme in this context is the defense of the “Islamic system,” rather than aggressive jihad. The references to “jihad against the infidels” and “armed resistance” have diminished, while there is a stronger emphasis on “cultural and moral jihad” that promotes virtue and “resistance against corruption.”