Hibatullah Akhundzada

Hibatullah Akhundzada (هبت الله اخندزاده) is an Afghan Islamic scholar, cleric, and jurist who is the supreme leader of Afghanistan. He has led the Taliban since 2016, and came to power with its victory over Western-backed forces in the 2001–2021 war. He is a highly reclusive figure who has never been photographed in public. His quotes come from Taliban statements or audio recordings attributed to him.

Quotes

• A woman is not property, but a noble and free human being. No one can give her to anyone in exchange for a peace deal and/or to end animosity.
  • Hibatullah Akhundzada (2021) cited in: "Taliban leader issues decree saying women are not property" in United News of India, 3 December 2021.
• We ask God to save our poor people from trials and harms.
  • Amir al-Mu'minin's message of condolence to the victims of an earthquake in Paktika and Khost, 22 June 2022
• I am not here to fulfill your [foreigners'] wishes, nor are they acceptable to me. I cannot compromise on Sharia to work with you or even move a step forward.
• The success of the Afghan jihad is not only a source of pride for Afghans but also for Muslims all over the world.
• You [the United States] have used the mother of all bombs and you are welcome to use even the atomic bomb against us because nothing can scare us into taking any step that is against Islam or Sharia.
  • Quotes from speech to Kabul Ulema gathering, 1 July 2022
• For those cases that have met the Sharia conditions of Hudud and Qisas, you are obliged to implement Hudud and Qisas. This is the order of the Sharia and my order and it is obligatory.
  • Instructions issued to judges (original text), 13 November 2022