// August 14th, 2007 // No Comments » // Blog
http://www.avaaz.org/en/honour_the_afghan_code/c.php/?cl=15699976
The Afghanistan hostage situation involving the South Korean aid workers being held by the Taliban, is spiralling out of control. If any more are killed, it could force aid agencies to pull out of Afghanistan — denying millions of Afghanis the help they need after years of war.
The Taliban are guided by the Afghan Pashtunwali code, a principle that requires “hospitality to all, especially guests and strangers” – and this kidnapping is a clear violation of the code, offending the weary people of Afghanistan on whom they depend. So it's time for the global community to stand with Afghanis and South Koreans, demand that the Taliban to honour their code and release the rest of the hostages.
Sign the petition NOW!
The Pashtunwali code sounds a lot like the Islamic code of conduct, which includes not harming innocent men and women, not harming those who have been given a promise of protection by the Muslims and their leaders (these people entered Afghanistan with permission, and with seemingly noble intentions), not harming those who you have a treaty of peace with (i assume Afghanistan in not at war with South Korea), and a whole bunch of other rules, which basically make this whole kidnapping wrong. But common sense will tell you that much.
It's a little sad that these kidnappers are being appealed to on the basis of culture. Does that mean they are more likely to be swayed by their tribal code (even if it is Islamic in nature), rather than the moral code set down by the deity they profess to worship?
Put another way, what words will cause them to release the hostages: “Fear for your reputation!”, or “Fear Allāh!”?
That is actually something we all need to think about, when it comes to our day-to-day actions. How often do we avoid sins, so as not be thought badly of, rather than because we know that Allāh sees all, hears all, and knows all? Would we even sin half as much, if we really understood this concept; that is, if we had true Ihsaan: to worship Allāh as if you see Him, or at least to know for certain that He sees you. So, although it is easy to criticize these people for their actions, we have to wonder, how different are we really to them? Sure, most of us aren't in the business of kidnapping, but going by our present behaviour in lesser matters, would we be so principled if we were in their shoes? Food for thought, most definitely.
May Allāh grant freedom to all those who have been unjustly imprisoned, and grant us true Ihsaan. Āmīn.
