New statement from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan's Mawlāwī Hībat Allah Akhūnd Zādah: "Message of Felicitation on the Eve of ‘Īd al-Fiṭr"

In the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate
Praise be to Allah, the One. The only One; the Everlasting Refuge. He begot none, nor was He begotten. There is none equal to Him and not equal to Him in what He creates and plans. None is similar to Him. He alone deserve to be worshipped.
I praise Him, the Almighty and express (my) gratitude. He created us and gave us provision and place of residence and sufficed us and guided us to Islam and favored us with the advent of the Master of Human beings (peace be upon him).
I testify that there is no god but Allah. Alone is He, without any partner. He ordained Islam to be the only way to paradise and I testify that Mohammad (peace be upon him) is His servant and messanger. Those who obeyed him, found guidance and those who disobeyed him, neither harms anyone but himself nor harms Allah in the least.
Allah, the Almighty says:
Alif Lam Mim. Do men think that they will be left to say ‘We believe’ and will not be tried?. We tested those who were before them. Allah will certainty know those who are the true from those who are the liars. Or do the evil-doers think that they will escape ( our punishment)? How ill they judge!. He that hopes to meet his Lord (must know) that Allah’s term (appointed hour) is sure to come. And He (alone) hears all and knows all. He who strives, strives only for himself. Verily, Allah is free of all needs from all creation. (Surah: 29, Verses: 1-6)
To Mujahideen, Refugees and all Muslims!
Asalamu Alikum wa Rahmatullah wa Barakatuh,
First of all, I would like to give you felicitation on the occasion of Eid-ul-fitr. Happy Eid! May Allah, the Almighty accept in His Sight your fasting, Taraveh prayers, worship, charity, jihad and all the good deeds. I pray to Allah (Swt) to salvage our country from the claw of the infidel occupation and mischief and bestow on our miserable people the blessing of formation of an Islamic system and peace. Ameen Oh, Lord of the Universe.
To Muslim Mujahid people!
We celebrate the festivities of the auspicious Eid-ul-fitr in a time that half a month ago, a believing, Mujahid and brave leader and Amir-ul-momineen of the Islamic Emirate Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor (may Allah have mercy on him) was martyred by the invaders. Martyr Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor (may Allah mercy on him) was a true and devoted servant of the religion of Allah (Swt). He had devoted all his life to the service of the religion and to raise the Word of God. He did great services during Jihad against the American invasion in years of trials and tribulations like the years of the tenure of the complete rule of the Islamic Emirate. He ingenuously performed the responsibility of strengthening the Islamic Emirate, maintaining its unity and boosting its Jihadic course after the demise of Mullah Mohammad Omar Mujahid (may Allah have mercy on him), the Founder of the Islamic Emirate – even didn’t spare to sacrifice his very soul in the cause of Jihad. Ultimately, he obtained the stature of martyrdom while traversing this way.
“Among the believers, there are men who have been true to their covenant with Allah. some have fulfilled their vow by death and some are still waiting and they have not changed in the least,” (Surah: 33, Verse: 23)
The constancy, sacrifice and the prideful martyrdom of Martyr Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor ( may Allah have mercy on him) teaches us that our beloved religion and the Lofty Cause needs sacrifices from everyone of us, whether it is Amir or any other member. The blood of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him), the pious caliphs and all great personalities has been shed for the cause of this religion. So we should not spare ourselves from any kind of sacrifice but consider martyrdom in the Cause of Allah (Swt) as a pride for ourselves as it was the case with our believing predecessors.
Though the Founder of the Islamic Emirate has passed away and the esteemed Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor ( May Allah have mercy on them) embraced martyrdom, but praise be to Allah, Islam and the honor-loving nation is still there, the Jihadic ranks and files of the Muslim people, Mujahideen, religious scholars, Taliban and the inheritors of martyrs (the Islamic Emirate) is a reality and remains as firm as ever.
The Mujahideen have the same complete Jihadic order, comprehensive organizational set-up and rock-hard and unbreakable unity. The same belief on the basis of which we started jihad years ago to implement Islamic Sharia is still vibrant.
“Many a prophet has fought (in God’s way) and side by side with them (fought) a large bands of devoted men. They never lost heart on account of what befell them in the path of Allah; they neither weakened nor give in. Allah loves those who are firm and steadfast.” (Surah: 3, Verse: 146)
I would like to say about the heavy burden of the leadership of the Islamic Emirate that I consider this weighty burden as a great responsibility rather than a privilege and urge all Mujahideen and honest believers to pray for me so that I could carry out the responsibility unwaveringly and steadfastly and help me in all fields that they can.
The Islamic Emirate is our shared home. I will follow the same path that Amir-ul-momineen Mullah Akhtar Mohammad Mansoor (May Allah have mercy on both of them) had been following. I will have confidence in those who enjoyed their confidence. Those who have rendered services in the Islamic Emirate will continue to do so confidently.  There will be no discrimination against anyone and their sacrifices will not be overlooked.
I pray to Allah, the Almighty to give me strength and pledge that I will strictly pay attention to the goals of the Islamic Emirate and will take into account the interests of the Muslim nation; take decisions and carryout all measures with consultation and will never spare any effort in the way of guidance, prosperity, independence and well-being of the oppressed nation. I will try for better reform of courts and efficient conduct of affairs and for:
–release of the prisoners,
–treatment of injured,
–the rights of women as per Sharia,
–to help of orphans and miserable people,
–education and moral training of the emerging generation,
–procurement of equipments for the endeverouring Mujahideen of the strongholds and will make efforts to do good to the people in every sector that can be done. I seek strength from the Almighty Allah in this way.
About the current policy of  the Islamic Emirate, I would like to elucidate that the Islamic Emirate has policy for both military and political fronts. Meanwhile, it believes that Afghanistan is occupied by invaders. Therefore, Jihad is an obligation to drive out the invaders. But, the Islamic Emirate has a clear political policy aimed at ending the occupation, establishing an independent and united country and bringing about a sacred Islamic system. The political office has explained it to the world and the countrymen and it ( the political office) will continue its efforts with a view to resolving the Afghan issue.
Our message to the American invaders and her allies is this: the Afghan Muslim people neither fear from your force nor your stratagem. They consider martyrdom in confrontation with you as a cherished goal of their life. You will not be able to frustrate the determination and our (the Afghans) Jihadic struggle, by your resorting to extending the time of presence of your soldiers or of increasing military rule of engagement in Afghanistan.
Admit the realities instead of useless use of force and muscle show and put an end to the occupation. Our struggle and of our predecessors against you is consciously based on Islamic fundamentals and forges ahead by the power of a freedom-loving spirit. You are facing up not a group or faction but a nation . you are not going to be a winner ( if Allah willing). So it is rationale if you come with a reasonable policy for solution (of the issue) instead of the use of force.
Our message to the supporters of the invaders is that it might have been dawned on you during the past 15 years that you are being used for realization of American goals. Your support and siding with invaders is like the work of those abhorrent faces who in our past history supported the Britons and the Soviets.
The future history and generation will pass similar judgment about you. Abandon your support to the invaders versus (the forces) of liberation of your country. Our doors of forgiveness and tolerance are open on your face. Don’t be carried away by the futile American hopes; the nation is standing against you. The very fact that you are not able to lead a comfortable life despite the foreigners aerial and ground support, makes it clear that you have chosen a stance which is against the will and aspirations of the people. The Afghan do not accept systems installed by foreigners. Our clear message is that, that we do not want monopoly of power. All Afghan tribes and races need each other. Even evolution of Islamic system, independence and strength is entwined with the unity and harmony of the Afghans. Islam teaches us Islamic brotherhood, integrity and to assign responsibilities on the basis of merit. Everyone has the right to benefit from all rights and privileges of life and his/her political and social stature is determined as per his/her qualification and piety. Let’s gird ourselves up for putting an end to the occupation and gain independence and development of the country.
I urge the Muslim of the world to support the Mujahid brothers in the cause of liberation of our country and help them in every possible sector. Pray for them and support them in the current Jihad.
We remind the regional and neighboring countries that the occupation of Afghanistan at the hands of the Americans and the American presence harm our mutual interests. They flare up fire of mischief and destabilize the whole region through their intelligence and military activities. You are expected to join your voice with that of the Afghans to end the occupation or at least do not take steps which contribute to prolongation of presence of the Americans.
We say to those who attribute the Jihadic valor of the Islamic Emirate to Pakistan and Iran and to others that the Mujahideen and the conscious people could not be derailed from their course of actions as a result of such distorted interpretations. Our Mujahid people have deep knowledge of their responsibilities versus their religion and conscious. They behold with their own eyes that the American and NATO army have invaded their home land and the flags of non-believing armies are fluttering in their soils. That is why they have chosen the path of Jihad. The legitimacy, reality and independence of Jihadic stand of the Islamic Emirate is as clear as the broad day light. The future history will record it with golden sentences.
We say to religious scholars, spiritual leaders, teachers of religious and modern education, to students of schools and universities, tribal elders, national businessmen and men of letters and pens to perform your religious and national obligation in this critical phase and view the issue of ” Jihadic obligation” from an angle of Islam and know your responsibilities. You should not shun the committed Mujhaideen of the stronghold of truth. Rather help them with your pen, tongue and any other means.
God forbid, if any one comes under the influence of the propaganda of the enemy and turns his back to Mujahideen by seeking one justification or another and incline to the friends of the non-believers, they will surely face this Divine warning of punishment in this world and the world to come. The Almighty Allah says:
“And incline not toward the wrongdoers, lest you get touched by the Fire. You have no protectors besides Allah, nor you would then be helped.” (Surah: 11, Verse: 113)
I assure the Mujahid people, particularly, the Mujahid brothers of the strongholds that praise be to Allah, the Almighty that the ranks and files of the Islamic Emirate are ready for the struggle as in the past, with a spirit of high determination, strong faith, unity and brotherhood. I give you the good news that if we remain as true believers, the final victory  is ours. No power in the world will block our way of success. Allah, the Almighty says:
“So do not become weak and do not despair. You shall be the upper ones if you are believers” (Surah: 3, Verse: 139)
My advice to the Mujahideen brothers is that: make your intentions pure and selfless; have your envision not to gain material wealth, high slots, war spoils and fame but to obtain the pleasure of Allah. Jihad is a religious worship and an obligation. Do not consider yourself above any other Muslim because of your Jihad, nor pester them that you are doing them a favor. Know that the main aim of our Jihad is establishment of an Islamic system. Protection of the religion, life property, mind and honor of Muslims is among responsibilities of the Islamic system. Don’t perpetrate anything in terms of actions and words that pose threat to the said values of the Muslims. Try not to harass Muslims during your Jihad; implement your Jihadic activities with utmost care; don’t cause harm to places of public benefits like hospitals, seminaries, schools, bridges, water and other public benefits installations but, conversely, protect them; pave the way for religious and modern education of the emerging generation in all areas, particularly, in areas under your control; strictly desist from harassment of the countrymen and remember this saying of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) that “whoever straitens a place of residence of a believer or commits robbery or harass him, his Jihad is futile”
To end, I urge the wealthy and well-to-do individuals not to forget your poor and miserable Muslim brothers and sisters in these days and nights of Eid and help orphans, widows and handicapped, prisoners and poor families according to your capacity.
I entrust you to the custody of Allah, the Almighty and pray that next Eids have us in an atmosphere of Islamic sovereignty and complete independence.
peace be on you all.
Sheikh-ul-Hadith,  Maulawi Habatullah Akhundzada
Leader and Amir-ul-momineen of the Islamic Emirate
2016/7/2
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