Full Breakdown
Taliban Moves to Evict Khatam al-Nabieen Shia Seminary in Kabul
9/8/2026, 9:26:01 AM
Core Event
On Saturday, September 5, Taliban forces entered the Khatam al-Nabieen complex—one of Kabul’s largest Shia seminaries—and ordered teachers and students to vacate. The Ministry of Justice set a deadline of around 10 a.m. on Monday, September 7, after which the seminary was to be cleared. Simultaneous operations detained dozens of teachers, students and Shia community figures, and the Taliban took control of the premises.
Background & Context
The Taliban’s Ministry of Justice says properties on “government-owned” land must be placed under state control. Officials cited the era of 19th-century ruler Abdul Rahman Khan to warn seminary leaders. Seminary officials counter that they hold legal title documents and that the ownership dispute is pending before a Taliban court. Similar claims have led to forced closures of shops in Herat’s Jebrail district and other institutions.
Timeline
- September 5: Taliban entered the seminary, ordered evacuation, and detained 28 teachers and students; four were later released, leaving 24 in custody.
- Later September 5: Additional arrests of Shia scholars Sufi Gardizi, Sayed Hassan Sharifi Balkhabi and Mohammad Hossein Sangardoost, who had planned a meeting on the detentions.
- September 7 (scheduled): Taliban forces are slated to complete the eviction of remaining students and staff.
Data & Statistics
- Detentions on September 5: 28 seized; 4 released, 24 remain at the Third Security District.
- Separate report: 12 instructors from the seminary were reported detained, showing a discrepancy.
- Public-relations office: 5 individuals (including a cook and two guards) were transferred to the Ministry of Justice; their phones were reportedly inaccessible.
- Planned meeting: About 50–60 Shia scholars and community representatives were expected before the arrests.
Official Statements & Responses
- Ministry of Justice: The complex sits on state land and must be brought under Taliban control.
- Taliban governor of Kabul: Warned seminary officials by referencing Abdul Rahman Khan’s era.
- Seminary officials: Rejected the claim, presenting legal documents affirming their title and noting the case remains unresolved in a Taliban court.
On-the-Ground Reports
Local media showed video of students carrying belongings out of the compound and chanting “Allahu Akbar” as residents gathered outside. Social-media clips displayed Taliban vehicles entering the site and confrontations with students, some of whom were reported beaten.
Criticism & Opposition
Shia community leaders and seminary representatives expressed alarm over the use of force and the lack of transparent legal proceedings, arguing the eviction and arrests fit a broader pattern of targeting Hazara and Shia institutions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Detention numbers: One source cites 28 detained (with 4 released), another reports 12 instructors detained.
- Official commentary: The Taliban has not issued a public statement specifically addressing the arrests or the scheduled eviction.
- Legal outcome: The ownership case is still before a Taliban court, with no final ruling announced.
