Story perspectives

Taliban Bans Afghan Women from Public Prayer, Qur’an Recitation

2/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Taliban, the Islamist group governing Afghanistan, banned Afghan women from praying aloud or reciting the Qur’an in others’ presence.
This follows August decrees requiring women to veil their faces and prohibiting singing or reading aloud in public.
Taliban officials say the measures uphold morality, while human rights activists warn they deepen isolation and curtail freedoms.
The United Nations has expressed concern about enforcement and the climate of fear.

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Story summary

The Taliban, the Islamist group governing Afghanistan, banned Afghan women from praying aloud or reciting the Qur’an in others’ presence.
This follows August decrees requiring women to veil their faces and prohibiting singing or reading aloud in public.
Taliban officials say the measures uphold morality, while human rights activists warn they deepen isolation and curtail freedoms.
The United Nations has expressed concern about enforcement and the climate of fear.