Afghan FM Muttaqi Visits Deoband: A Blend of Faith and Diplomacy

Afghanistan’s acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, made a significant visit to the prestigious Darul Uloom Deoband seminary in Uttar Pradesh, marking his first trip to India since the Taliban’s ascent to power in 2021. The visit carried immense symbolic weight, highlighting deep spiritual connections and suggesting a potential shift in India-Taliban relations. Upon arrival, the Afghan minister was met with an extensive welcome, including a delegation of prominent Islamic scholars and substantial security measures. The rector of Darul Uloom, Maulana Mufti Abul Qasim Nomani, presided over the ceremony, where students and faculty offered a warm reception. During his time at the seminary’s library, Muttaqi engaged in scholarly pursuits, studying Hadith and subsequently receiving permission to teach it, earning him the prestigious academic title “Qasmi.” This honorific links him directly to the historic institution. Addressing the attendees, Maulana Arshad Madani of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind noted the enduring educational ties between Afghanistan and the seminary, referring to Muttaqi’s visit as a return to his alma mater. Muttaqi expressed his gratitude for the warm reception, stating his hope for the advancement of India-Afghanistan relations and noting the positive reception as a sign of a bright future. The visit is being viewed as a crucial diplomatic outreach, with Muttaqi being the highest-ranking Taliban official to visit India post-2021. He previously met with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, underscoring India’s cautious engagement with the Taliban regime. Muttaqi emphasized Deoband’s global Islamic significance and the shared history with Afghanistan, expressing a desire for continued religious educational exchanges. The historical importance of Darul Uloom Deoband, founded in the late 19th century, as a leading center for Islamic learning in South Asia, further contextualizes the visit. With numerous departments and thousands of students, the seminary also includes modules on Hindu religion to foster cultural understanding. The deep historical ties between Afghanistan and Deoband are evident, with many Taliban leaders holding the institution in high regard. This visit, therefore, serves as a strategic and symbolic gesture, reinforcing cultural diplomacy and maintaining vital communication channels between the two nations.