The history of Islam in Kabul, Afghanistan dates back to the 7th century when the Islamic Prophet Muhammad sent a letter to the ruler of Kabul inviting him to convert to Islam. The letter was ignored, but over time, Islam gradually spread throughout the region, eventually becoming the dominant religion in Afghanistan.
One of the most significant periods in the history of Islam in Kabul was during the rule of the Ghaznavid Empire in the 11th century. Under this empire, Kabul became a center of Islamic learning and scholarship, with many prominent scholars and thinkers studying and teaching in the city. The Ghaznavids also built many important Islamic landmarks in Kabul, including the famous Masjid-i Jami mosque, which was one of the largest mosques in the world at the time.
In the centuries that followed, Kabul continued to be an important center of Islamic culture and scholarship. During the Mughal Empire, which ruled much of modern-day India and Pakistan in the 16th and 17th centuries, Kabul served as a key outpost for the empire’s expansion into Central Asia.
In the 19th century, Kabul became the capital of Afghanistan under the rule of Emir Dost Mohammad Khan. During this time, the city saw the construction of many important Islamic buildings, including the Sherpur Mosque, which was built in the 1870s and features intricate tile work and calligraphy.
In the 20th century, Kabul experienced significant political upheaval, with various groups vying for power and influence. Despite this instability, Islam remained a central aspect of life in Kabul, with many residents continuing to practice their faith and attend mosques and other religious institutions.
In the 1990s, Afghanistan came under the control of the Taliban, an extremist Islamic group that implemented a strict interpretation of Islamic law in the country. This period was marked by widespread human rights abuses and the destruction of many important cultural and religious landmarks in Kabul and throughout Afghanistan.
Today, Islam remains the dominant religion in Kabul, with the majority of the city’s residents practicing Sunni Islam. While the city continues to face challenges and struggles, its rich Islamic history and culture remain an important part of its identity and heritage.