Although Islam serves as a common thread among Muslims worldwide, its application and interpretation differ greatly depending on political, cultural, and historical circumstances. Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan have quite different views on Islam, which are a reflection of their respective paths toward conservatism, modernization, and fundamentalism. Under Taliban control, Afghanistan adheres to a strong and backward interpretation of Islamic law, especially concerning how it treats women, whereas Saudi Arabia tries to balance its strict Wahhabi heritage with a contemporary, globalized identity. Wahhabism, a puritanical subset of Sunni Islam, has been closely associated with Saudi Arabia for a significant portion of its contemporary history. This philosophy, which was established in the 18th century as a result of an agreement between the Wahhabi movement and the Al-Saud dynasty, influenced the laws and social mores of the Kingdom. Gender segregation, rigid dress restrictions, and a lack of cultural recreation were distinguishing features.
Afghanistan’s Islamic landscape
Although the 1938 oil discovery made Saudi Arabia a major economic force in the world, it had little effect on the country’s conservative social structure. Until 2018, women were not allowed to drive, live music and movies were prohibited, and religious police patrolled public areas to uphold Islamic standards. Under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reform initiative, which aimed to diversify the economy and present a contemporary, forward-thinking image of Saudi Arabia, this drastically changed. Ten years ago, it would have been unthinkable for the Kingdom to host sporting events, fashion exhibitions, and concerts. Saudi women no longer need male guardianship to drive, work in a variety of occupations, or travel. These reforms are a reflection of a culture that is struggling to balance its multiple identities as a traditional Islamic community and a modern state competing for influence on a global scale. There are several conflicts in this change, though. The Kingdom maintains one of the most severe legal regimes in the world, even as Riyadh shines with events that include international celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Céline Dion. Mass executions highlight the conflict between growth and repression and expose a darker side of its rule, especially when they involve foreign nationals.
Shaping society through religion
Under the Taliban, Afghanistan is still deeply rooted in a fundamentalist, regressive mindset, in contrast to Saudi Arabia’s changing understanding of Islam. The Taliban’s interpretation of Islam, which was greatly impacted by Wahhabi teachings and Deobandi ideals, developed as a result of years of war and outside interference. Saudi Arabia was a major source of finance for madrassas along the Afghan-Pakistan border in the 1980s, where they taught young men fundamentalist Islamic doctrine. Afghan women and minorities had a terrible phase during the Taliban’s ascent to power in the 1990s, which was fueled by these madrassas. The Taliban have reinstituted harsh regulations that routinely bar women from public life since taking back power in 2021. Girls are not allowed to attend colleges or universities, women are not allowed to work for the government or private companies; they are not allowed to appear in the media; and they are not even allowed to walk in parks without a male guardian. In addition to violating fundamental human rights, these practices stand in stark contrast to the relative advancements made in other nations with a majority of Muslims, such as Saudi Arabia.
Cultural and social differences in Islamic practices
Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan can be starkly compared through the condition of women. In recent years, Saudi Arabian women have enjoyed previously unheard-of liberties. They can now engage in public life, work in a variety of businesses, and pursue further education. However, complete equality is still a ways off, and cultural conservatism still places restrictions on it. Afghan women are subject to unprecedented restrictions under Taliban control. They are essentially excluded from public life and denied access to independent mobility, work, and education. This is a stark contrast to Islamic beliefs, which place a strong emphasis on education and women’s rights. The ideology of organizations like the Taliban has been influenced by Wahhabism, which Saudi Arabia propagated in the latter half of the 20th century. However, Afghanistan has intensified its strict fundamentalism, whereas Saudi Arabia has shifted toward moderation and modernity. Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 demonstrates an understanding that a more open society is necessary for both economic expansion and international participation. Afghanistan, on the other hand, is still isolated, and its leaders value ideological purity over advancement.