Khalid Hanafi, the Taliban’s Minister for the Promotion of Virtue, stated that adult women are prohibited from even saying phrases from Quran to one another during prayer, let alone singing songs.

He asserted, “When women are not permitted to call the Takbir or Azan, they certainly cannot sing songs or music.” This statement was released in an audio recording by the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue on Saturday, 27th October, emphasising that these restrictions would be implemented progressively.

Addressing international and domestic criticism of the Taliban’s restrictions on women, including the prohibition of women’s singing, Hanafi commented on recent reports from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), which have closely examined the ministry’s activities.

Hanafi defended the ministry’s directives, stating that “the scarf was placed on our sisters to safeguard their dignity, while foreign influences seek to dishonour them.” He added that this rationale has led to the issuance of a six-point directive specifically governing women’s conduct.

The Taliban’s “virtue law” classifies women’s voices as “awrah” (something that should remain concealed) and mandates that women cannot leave their homes without a “mahram” (a male guardian).

The law, which also requires women to wear full coverage, has drawn widespread condemnation both nationally and internationally.