Taliban call collective Shia prayers in Ghazni an "innovation"

Taliban call collective Shia prayers in Ghazni an "innovation"

Local sources in Ghazni province say that Taliban officials have banned Shia in the Nawababad town of the province from holding Maghrib and Isha prayers collectively and in accordance with Jafari jurisprudence.

According to the sources, Taliban officials have been present in some Shia mosques and religious gatherings in recent days, describing the collective Maghrib and Isha prayers as an "innovation" and warning that worshippers should perform these two prayers separately and in accordance with Sunni jurisprudence.

The sources added that the Taliban have threatened to deal with the organizers and worshippers if this worship practice continues. No further details have been released yet about the type of possible action or the number of people threatened.

The Taliban have not yet officially commented on the matter.

This comes as concerns have grown about religious restrictions and increased pressure on religious and sectarian minorities, particularly Shiites, following the Taliban's return to power.