Religious Influences – Summary

In this lesson on religion in Afghanistan, you learned how Afghans express religious devotion, the difference between major denominations and how religion influences daily activities.  Major points from this lesson to remember are:

• Islam is the religion of virtually all Afghans (Sunni 85%, Shi'a 15%) with other religions making up less than 1%.
• Religious devotion is expressed by Afghans through commitment to defend their country and people.
• Islamic beliefs, rites and rituals influence daily activities.
• Religious credentials are highly respected and often determine leadership.
• Local religious leaders are called Mullahs.
• Mosque etiquette should be observed.
• Religious debate should be avoided.
• The Taliban are recruited mainly from madrasahs and use "pay for protection methods" in the opium trade to finance their war.
• The Taliban's form of Islam is the most extreme in the world.