Hanifi asks muhtasibs not to violate people’s privacy

KABUL (Pajhwok): Acting Minister of Vice and Virtue Maulvi Mohammad Khalid Hanifi says Islam does not allow violation of individuals’ privacy and it is not permissible to search a person’s mobile phone, pockets or home without their consent.

Speaking at a seminar on implementing Hisbah (accountability) during Eid al-Adha period, Hanifi addressed officials of the Ministry, emphasising that moral inspectors (muhtasibs) were chosen to implement the Islamic system and must fulfill their responsibilities with sincerity.

The Ministry of Vice and Virtue and Complaints (MoVVC) wrote on its X handle that Hanifi advised muhatsibs to lead by example and guide society through their conduct.

He said: “The noble religion of Islam does not allow the violation of a person’s privacy. Therefore, it is not permissible to access someone’s mobile phone, pockets, or home without their permission.”

Hanifi added: “The implementation of Islamic Sharia is our primary goal. We must strive to represent and interpret the Islamic system in a way that pleases Allah the Almighty.”

He urged the moral inspectors to prioritise enforcing Sharia within the framework of Islamic principles.

Additionally, Hanifi strongly warned against corruption, saying: “Taking bribes is worse than consuming pork. Choose sincerity, and make divine pleasure and societal reform your main objectives.”

kk/ma