The Taliban’s Ministry of the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice announced Friday that it had arrested Sufi leader Ibrahim Gailani, a senior figure in the Qadiri order, along with several of his followers.

Saif Khyber, a ministry spokesperson, accused Gailani of “misusing Sufism” and said the group was carrying out “practices contrary to Sharia under the cover of religion.”

The ministry said it was responsible for the “intellectual and ideological reform of society” to prevent the spread of “false ideas and misguided beliefs.” In a statement, it added: “Every faithful Muslim is obliged to protect society from practices that contradict the principles of Sharia and the Hanafi school of jurisprudence.” The statement also claimed that Afghanistan is an Islamic country where all citizens are Muslims and followers of the Hanafi school.

That assertion does not reflect the country’s religious diversity. Afghanistan is also home to Shia Muslims, Ismailis, and Hindu and Sikh minorities. Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban has revoked official recognition of other faiths and sects.

Khyber published a letter on his social media account on X, bearing Gailani’s signature, in which he pledged not to engage in “acts of vice” and to align his conduct with Sharia. The letter stated Gilani would “have no right to complain” if he violated the pledge. It is unclear whether he was released after signing the letter.

The ministry warned it would not allow the “misuse of religion or Sufism” for acts deemed contrary to Islamic law.

Over the past four years, the Taliban has cracked down on individuals accused of following Salafism or holding beliefs that contradict its ideology. In some regions, residents have reported being forced to convert.

Who is Ibrahim Gilani?

Sayed Mohammad Ibrahim Gailani, known as Pir Ibrahim Baba, is the nephew of Pir Sayed Ahmad Gailani, former head of the Qadiri Sufi order. His lineage traces back to the prominent Sufi Abdul Qadir Gailani, founder of the Qadiri order.

Sayed Ahmad Gailani, a former jihadist leader, served as head of the High Peace Council during Afghanistan’s National Unity Government before his death in January 2017.

The Taliban previously detained Ibrahim Gailani in July 2022 in Paktia province.