Hello friends, my name is Ex-Muslim Bharat (or as I like to call myself, a former Muslim who now criticizes Islam). I’ve been writing about the truths of Islam that were taught to me in childhood but which I later rejected. After reading the books and history of Islam, I saw how these ideologies go against humanity—especially in their treatment of women, children, and minorities. Today, I want to talk about the new ‘Criminal Procedure Code’ introduced by the Taliban in Afghanistan, issued on January 4, 2026. This is not a law—it’s a weapon of extremism that divides society, legitimizes slavery, and crushes dissent with death. As a former Muslim, I feel rage seeing how ‘Hanafi Islam’ is being used to trample humanity. Let’s understand it in detail.

 

 Same Crime, Different Punishment Based on Status

First of all, this code divides society into four categories: ulema (religious scholars), ashraf (wealthy/elite class), middle class, and the lower class. In other words, the same crime will receive different punishments depending on your ‘social ranking.’ If a religious scholar commits a wrongdoing, he’ll just get a gentle scolding—like explaining something lovingly to a child. The second category includes tribal elders, military commanders, or influential rich people; they might get a warning or summons, but no jail or corporal punishment. Middle-class people could face imprisonment. But the common man at the bottom? Death, flogging, or even harsher punishments.

This reminds me of the system described in the Quran and Hadiths, where there was a clear distinction between ‘master’ and ‘slave.’ In Islamic history, slaves received different punishments, and today the Taliban is simply repackaging that as modern law. Is this justice? No, this is discrimination—the very discrimination rooted in Islam, which I rejected because it goes against humanity. It violates international human rights, but more than that, it shows how extremist Islam protects the rich and the clergy while crushing the poor.

 

A Conspiracy of Oppression Against Religious Minorities

The code recognizes only ‘Hanafi Islam’ as true Islam. Article 2, Clause 8 clearly states that only those who follow Hanafi are true Muslims; others—like Shia, Ismaili, or Ahl-e-Hadith—are labeled kafir (infidels). And if someone changes their religion? Two years in prison! In Afghanistan, where Shia, Sikhs, Hindus, and other religious minorities are already suppressed, this law will crush them even further. Anyone can be punished by labeling their beliefs as ‘bid’ah’ (innovation).

As a former Muslim, I know that in Islam, the punishment for apostasy (leaving the faith) is death—it has been this way since the time of the Prophet, as mentioned in the Hadiths. The Taliban is simply codifying that. But is this right? No, it’s oppression. Flogging for blasphemy, two years in jail for ‘mocking Islamic decisions’—and what counts as ‘mocking’ will be decided by the judge. Article 14 allows killing in the name of ‘public interest’! All of this reminds me of the days when I sat in the mosque wondering why there is no room for criticism in Islam. Today I say: this is extremism that will erase minorities.

 

Ban on Dance, Music, and Culture – The End of Local Traditions

Article 59 declares dancing or even watching dance a crime, with punishment prescribed. Traditional Afghan dance and music—banned. Article 13 talks about eliminating places of ‘moral corruption,’ which will be used to attack beauty parlors or women’s gatherings. Simply being ‘corrupt’ is a crime—but who decides what ‘corruption’ means? The Taliban!

This reminds me of those Hadiths in Islam that declare music and dance haram. But is this humanity? No, this is the destruction of culture. Afghanistan’s local traditions, which have survived for centuries, will now die. As a critic, I say: extremist interpretations of Islam have always suppressed creativity.

 

Legal Recognition of Slavery – Shredding International Law

The most shameful part: the repeated use of the word ‘slave’ in the code. Article 15 says punishment depends on whether the person is ‘free’ or ‘slave.’ Article 4 gives the ‘master’ the right to punish! International law completely rejects slavery in all forms, but the Taliban is legitimizing it. This reminds me of the slave trade in Islamic history—the Quran mentions slaves, and slavery was normal in the Prophet’s time. But in the 21st century? This is going backward.

 

Open License for Oppression of Women and Children

For women: strict dress code, mandatory male guardian (mahram), punishment even for a woman’s voice being heard in public. Beauty parlors shut down. For children: beating is not considered a crime unless bones break or skin tears. Sexual abuse? Not even mentioned. Article 48 allows a father to punish his 10-year-old son for not praying.

All of this comes from Islam’s patriarchal interpretation—where women and children are treated like property. As a former Muslim, I’ve seen how these ideologies create oppression in homes. The Taliban is turning it into law, imprisoning women within four walls.

 

 Death for Dissent – The Final Weapon of Oppression

Article 4, Clause 6 says: if someone is caught committing a ‘sin,’ any Muslim can punish them. Failing to report opponents’ meetings gets two years in jail. ‘Rebels’ get death. This is not law—it’s tyranny. In Islam, suppressing ‘fitna’ (sedition) is encouraged, and the Taliban is implementing exactly that. No lawyers, no compensation, no independent investigation—just confession or testimony (often extracted through torture). Torture is permitted!

 

In the End: Is This the Truth of Islam?

Friends, this code is not just the Taliban’s—it’s an example of extremist Islam. I left Islam because I saw how these ideologies reject equality, freedom, and humanity. The people of Afghanistan—especially women, children, and minorities—are living under this tyranny. The world cannot remain silent. If you think like me, let me know in the comments. Is this justice, or extremism? I think the answer is clear.

 

(Note: This information is drawn from various sources like Rawadari and Afghanistan International. But my criticism comes from my own experience.)