Music's Uncertain Future In Afghanistan: A Cultural Ban?

Music is banned in Afghanistan. The Taliban, who seized power in Afghanistan in 2021, have outlawed music and regularly beat and humiliate musicians. The Taliban's morality police have been searching vehicles and homes and confiscating musical instruments and equipment, which are then burned. This ban has been widely condemned, and hundreds of musicians have fled the country since the Taliban takeover.

The Taliban's Vice and Virtue Ministry has stated that music causes moral corruption and is unlawful and un-Islamic. However, Islamic scholars reject the Taliban's reasoning, arguing that there is no definitive ruling about music in the Koran. Despite the ban, Afghan musicians are determined to protect their country's musical traditions.

Music censorship in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has a rich musical history, with music being integral to many rites of passage, including celebrations of birth, circumcision, and marriage. However, since the Taliban's return to power, music censorship in Afghanistan has intensified, with the militant group clamping down on Afghans playing and listening to music, which it considers "un-Islamic" and "idolatrous".

History of Music Censorship in Afghanistan

The censorship of music in Afghanistan is not new. Since 1978, when the communist government of Noor Mohammad Taraki came to power, music has been heavily controlled and, at times, prohibited. During the 14 years of communist rule, music was heavily controlled by the Ministry for Information and Culture. In the refugee camps in Pakistan and Iran, all music was banned to maintain a continual state of mourning, and this influenced the Taliban's approach to music when they came into power.

Current Music Censorship in Afghanistan

The Taliban has outlawed music and publicly beaten and humiliated musicians. They have also intensified their crackdown, with the morality police searching vehicles and homes, confiscating and destroying musical instruments, and enforcing strict bans on music in wedding halls and other events. TV and radio stations have been banned from broadcasting music, with songs replaced by sermons or readings of the Koran.

Impact of Music Censorship

The censorship of music in Afghanistan has had a profound impact on the country and its people. Musicians have had to flee the country, abandon their careers, or play in secret. The economic livelihoods of musicians have been disrupted, and the rich musical traditions of Afghanistan are under threat. Afghans are also being deprived of the comfort, inspiration, and delight that music brings to their lives.

Criticism of Music Censorship

Critics argue that the Taliban's ban on music is an attack on Afghan culture and is contributing to a "sick and violent society". Islamic scholars also reject the Taliban's reasoning, stating that there is no definitive ruling about music in the Koran.

Resistance to Music Censorship

Despite the intense censorship, Afghan musicians are determined to protect their country's musical traditions. Some musicians play in secret, and those who have fled the country continue to produce music abroad, hoping to preserve Afghanistan's musical heritage.

Taliban's morality police

The Taliban morality police, officially known as the Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice, is responsible for enforcing the Taliban's morality laws, including its strict dress code and gender segregation in society. The morality police have a history of infringing on the rights of women, implementing strict dress codes, and limiting their participation in public life.

The morality police force was first established during the Taliban's first stint in power from 1996 to 2001. During this time, the force was notorious for publicly beating offenders, including women, and enforcing strict rules on women's dress and behaviour. The Taliban's current regime has seen a revival of these strict measures, with morality police patrolling the streets and alleyways of cities at night in search of violators.

The morality police have been known to search vehicles and homes as they seek to enforce the ban on music, with Afghans caught contravening the ban being beaten, jailed, or forced to pay a fine. They have also been responsible for burning confiscated musical instruments and equipment, as well as enforcing the ban on soap operas, Afghan production shows, foreign films, and even demanding that women cover their faces while appearing on TV.

The Taliban's religious police have a history of curtailing the rights of women in Afghanistan. In 2022, they displayed posters around Kabul mandating that women wear their preferred version of covering, including being fully covered from head to toe, alongside the image of a woman wearing a burqa. The morality police have also been known to harass and threaten women for not wearing the hijab or for improperly wearing it.

The Taliban justifies its strict rules and enforcement measures as necessary for serving Islam and defending religion. However, human rights groups and Islamic scholars have criticised the Taliban's interpretation of Islamic law, arguing that there is no definitive ruling about music in the Koran and that it is wrong to force people to follow a particular view.

Musicians' exile

Afghanistan's musicians have been forced into exile following the Taliban's ban on music. The ban has been enforced by the Taliban's religious police, who have been raiding weddings, events, and homes where music can be heard. Musicians have been harassed, beaten, and jailed for playing music, and their instruments have been confiscated and burned. As a result, many musicians have fled the country, and those who remain have been forced to abandon their careers.

The Afghan National Institute of Music (ANIM), a music school in Kabul, has been at the forefront of helping musicians escape the country. ANIM has evacuated students and teachers to Qatar and Portugal, where they strive to resume their activities. In addition to ANIM, other organizations such as the International Campaign for Afghanistan's Musicians (ICAM) and Sound Central have been working to facilitate the relocation of musicians and provide economic support to those remaining in Afghanistan.

The exile of Afghan musicians has had a significant impact on the country's music industry and cultural heritage. Music has disappeared from the streets, TV channels, radios, cars, and wedding halls. Afghan music, which reflects the diversity of the country's people and landscape, is now at risk of being lost forever. The ban has also affected the livelihoods of musicians, many of whom have been forced to find alternative sources of income or face economic hardship.

Despite the challenges, Afghan musicians in exile have continued to create and perform music. Compilation albums such as "Afghan Music in Exile: Mashhad 2022" showcase the talent of classical and folk musicians living in exile. In addition, musicians have collaborated with foreign institutions and scholars to preserve and promote Afghan music. For example, Dr. Cayenna Ponchione-Bailey of the University of Sheffield has been working with exiled musicians to create new platforms for their work.

The future of Afghan music remains uncertain. While some younger musicians remain optimistic that the Taliban will not be able to silence music completely, others believe that the ban will persist. The lack of options and economic constraints faced by musicians in exile could lead to a fragmented and confused musical landscape. Nonetheless, Afghan musicians, both at home and abroad, remain committed to preserving and promoting their country's musical traditions.

Music as a source of income

Music has been a source of income for many Afghans, especially those in the music industry. However, the Taliban's ban on music has severely impacted this source of income.

The ban on music in Afghanistan has led to the loss of livelihoods for many musicians and artists. They have been forced to abandon their careers and find alternative sources of income, such as becoming a rickshaw driver or working in car repair garages. The ban has also affected related industries, such as music production, recording, and sales of musical instruments. This has disrupted the entire music ecosystem and resulted in significant economic losses for the country.

Before the Taliban's return to power, Afghanistan's music industry was already facing challenges due to the country's political and economic situation. The country's GDP fell significantly, and the unemployment rate was over 23%. However, the music industry provided income and supported the livelihoods of many Afghans.

Music students and young musicians have been particularly affected by the ban. They have had to stop performing publicly and seek hidden locations to practice their art. Many have turned to underground networks to share their music or found alternative forms of self-expression, such as poetry and storytelling.

Despite the challenges, some musicians have shown resilience and continued to create and perform music secretly. They have used makeshift instruments and recording studios to pursue their passion for music. However, they face severe risks, including fines, flogging, imprisonment, or even execution if identified by the Taliban.

The ban on music has also impacted the mental health of young music students. Music is a form of self-expression and coping mechanism for stress and anxiety, and its absence has left many students anxious and depressed.

Overall, the Taliban's ban on music has disrupted the music industry and affected the income of many Afghans who relied on it for their livelihoods. It has also had negative consequences for the mental health and well-being of young music students in the country.

Music as a source of comfort

Music has been a source of comfort and healing for people throughout history, providing an outlet for emotional expression and connection with others. It has the power to evoke strong emotions and memories, allowing people to connect with their innermost thoughts and feelings. It can also serve as a creative outlet for self-expression, helping individuals explore their emotions and make sense of complex feelings.

Music can be particularly comforting during difficult or stressful times. It can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation by fostering a sense of connection and community. When people listen to or perform music together, they form social bonds that transcend differences in backgrounds, cultures, and lifestyles. It can also enhance feelings of intimacy and connection, making it easier for people to open up and express themselves.

Additionally, music can be a valuable tool for stress reduction and relaxation. Listening to calming music can promote feelings of relaxation and calmness, improve sleep quality, and enhance productivity. It can also increase motivation and improve performance in tasks requiring focus and attention. For individuals experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, music therapy can be an effective form of treatment, promoting emotional expression and enhancing communication skills.

Different genres of music can have varying effects on mood and emotions. Upbeat and inspiring music can boost motivation and energy levels, while calming and relaxing music can reduce stress and anxiety. Classical music, in particular, is known for its ability to soothe and promote emotional well-being. It can eliminate depression, stress, and irritability while bringing inspiration and spiritual richness. Jazz, with its unique and relaxing sound, can also help individuals relax and enjoy the music.

Music has a special significance for people of all ages, from infants to adults. Singing familiar songs to babies, for example, can bring comfort and reduce distress. It plays an essential role in creating and strengthening the parent-child bond. For teenagers, music can be a companion during times of emotional turmoil and a source of inspiration and comfort. As people get older, music can evoke feelings of nostalgia and remind them of important life events and memories.

In conclusion, music is a powerful source of comfort and inspiration. It has the ability to connect people, evoke emotions, and provide an outlet for self-expression. It can reduce stress and promote relaxation, enhance productivity, and inspire creativity. Music can be a valuable tool for improving mental and emotional well-being, offering comfort and support during difficult times.

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