The current supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Amir al-Mominin Sheikh al-Hadith Hibatullah Akhundzada Sahib, is recognized as a distinguished figure among Afghanistan’s scholarly, jihadist, and political elites. It is vital for both international audiences and the Afghan people to gain insight into his life and accomplishments. Accordingly, we present a factual biography with the hope that it will serve as a valuable resource.
Sheikh-ul Hadith Mullah Hibatullah Akhundzada son of the esteemed Sheikh Mullah Muhammad Khan and grandson of the venerable Maulana Khuda-e Rahim Sahib, Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzadah Akhundzadah was born into an erudite and devout family on the 15th of Rajabul Murajab, 1387 AH (equivalent to the 28th of Mizan, 1346 SH). His birthplace was the village of Nakhony in Panjwayi District, Kandahar Province. His early years were dedicated to rigorous intellectual training under the scholarly mentorship of his father.
Family Background
Sheikh al-Hadith Mawlavi Hibatullah Akhundzada, son of Sheikh Mawlavi Muhammad Khan and grandson of Mawlana Khudai Rahim Sahib, was born into a scholarly and religious family on the 15th of Rajab, 1387 AH (equivalent to October 20, 1966 CE), in the village of Nakhony, Panjwayi District, Kandahar Province. He spent his formative years under the scholarly supervision of his father.
For centuries, his family had been renowned for their scholarly pursuits, virtue, and piety. Originally from Takht-e-Pol District in Kandahar, they relocated to Nakhony, where Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzadah was born. His father, Sheikh Mawlavi Muhammad Khan, was distinguished among his contemporaries for his scholarly and jurisprudential acumen, holding a prominent status within the community.
A religious scholar by nature, he made significant contributions to the education and reform of the people in his region, conducting teaching, preaching, and reform missions. He trained many students who would later serve and protect Islam. Following the 1978 communist coup led by Noor Mohammad Taraki, Sheikh Mawlavi Muhammad Khan Sahib became one of the first jihadist scholars to resist the atheist communist regime, rallying local Muslims who had been influenced by his teachings.
The communist regime deemed him a threat to their new rule, prompting security forces to pursue his arrest. Allah Almighty safeguarded him, enabling his escape to the Rig area in Kandahar, where he joined forces with other mujahedeen in resisting the communists.
With the jihadist momentum in Kandahar gaining ground, Sheikh Mawlavi Muhammad Khan returned to civilian life and continued his jihadist and scholarly activities until his passing.
Upon his father’s death, Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzadah, alongside countless compatriots, was compelled to leave his village due to the brutal Soviet occupation. He migrated to Pakistan, settling in the Zangal-Pir-Alizi refugee camp in Baluchistan. Here, he, like many, endured the hardships of exile for the sake of his country’s liberation and the establishment of Islamic rule.
Religious Education
Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzadah, the second son of his father, began his religious studies under his father’s tutelage, learning Quranic recitation, basic Islamic jurisprudence, Arabic grammar, and other subjects. He then attended various prominent schools and universities in the region to pursue advanced Islamic studies, completing all contemporary Islamic sciences. In 1411 AH, he completed the final stage of hadith studies under the renowned scholars Sheikh al-Hadith Mawlavi Muhammad Jan Agha and Sheikh al-Hadith Mawlavi Habibullah Sahib, earning a certificate of excellence.
Jihad and Political Struggle
During his religious studies, Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzadah witnessed the intensifying armed resistance against the Soviet occupiers. Many young Afghans, especially those from scholarly circles, were eager to join the jihad, and Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzadah, coming from a scholarly and jihadist family, was no exception. During his school breaks, he joined the frontline of jihadist commander Mullah Haji Muhammad Akhund in Kandahar. This front, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Movement under Mawlavi Muhammad Nabi (Muhammadi) and later with the Islamic Party led by Mawlavi Muhammad Yunus (Khalis), was known for its prominent members, including Mullah Akhtar Muhammad (Mansour) and Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund.
Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzadah became an integral figure within this jihadist front, gaining recognition for his scholarly and jihadist status. He fought alongside both leaders of the Islamic Emirate, Mullah Muhammad Omar (Mujahid) and Mullah Akhtar Muhammad (Mansour), even sustaining injuries. Throughout his involvement, he emphasized the intellectual training of the mujahedeen to counter atheism and ideological threats, often prioritizing intellectual confrontation over military action.
Scholarly Superiority in Islamic Studies
Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzadah is distinguished in Islamic sciences, especially in fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), usul al-fiqh (principles of Islamic jurisprudence), tafsir (Quranic exegesis), and hadith (Prophetic traditions). From his graduation in 1411 AH until his appointment as the leader of the Islamic Emirate, he continued to teach these sciences, training numerous students. His title of “Sheikh” reflects his expertise in teaching the Sahih-Sitta (six canonical books of hadith) and principles of hadith, which he is certified to teach through an unbroken chain of transmission from his teachers, directly linked to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Foundational Role in the Taliban’s Islamic Movement
Following the Soviet withdrawal and the communist regime’s collapse, factional strife erupted across Afghanistan. Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzadah refrained from participating in the internal conflict, dedicating himself to scholarly and reformative pursuits. When the Taliban, under Mullah Muhammad Omar Mujahid, launched their Islamic movement, Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzadah joined him. He was subsequently appointed to the military court established in Kandahar due to his scholarly and jurisprudential reputation.
Head of the Military Court
In 1996, after the Islamic Emirate took over Kabul, Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzadah Akhundzadah was appointed head of the military court in Kabul by Mullah Muhammad Omar Mujahid. Following reforms, he was assigned responsibility for the military court in Nangarhar Province and later returned to Kabul to continue his work.
Significant Role in Relaunching Jihad Against the Occupiers
After the U.S. invasion in 2001, Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzadah played a pivotal role in reorganizing jihadist activities. Despite intense surveillance by the American occupiers, he and other jihadist scholars worked to mobilize resistance, reviving the Afghan people’s commitment to jihad through scholarly speeches and Quranic teachings.
Deputy of the Islamic Emirate
In 2016, following Mullah Muhammad Omar Mujahid’s passing, Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzadah Akhundzadah was appointed deputy by Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Mansour, who valued his scholarly, administrative, and social standing. His appointment fostered unity within the Emirate’s ranks during a time of heightened threats from the U.S. and its allies.
Supreme Leader and Amir Al-Mominin of the Islamic Emirate
On 14th Sha’ban, 1437 AH (May 25, 2016), following Mullah Akhtar Muhammad Mansour’s death in a U.S. drone strike, Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzadah was elected leader and Amir Al-Mominin. His appointment is viewed as instrumental for achieving jihadist goals, continuing resistance against American forces, and preserving the Emirate’s unity.
Some Aspects of His Daily Life
Sheikh Hibatullah Akhundzadah is widely regarded as a respected and comprehensive leader, embodying simplicity and humility. His scholarly lectures, particularly in hadith and Quranic interpretation, have influenced countless students who now serve as scholars. Known for his eloquence and persuasive reasoning, his leadership decisions are characterized by determination and clarity. His lifestyle, devoid of luxury, reflects his deep Islamic values.
In his role as the leader of the Islamic Emirate and Amir Al-Mominin of Afghanistan, he continues to fulfill his responsibilities with integrity. We pray that Allah Almighty grants him protection and guidance in his endeavors.
