The Taliban banned hairdressers in the Afghan province of Helmand from shaving or trimming their clients’ beards, saying it violates their interpretation of Islamic law. Anyone who breaks the rule will be punished. Some barbers in the capital Kabul said they received similar orders. The BBC reports.
In a notice posted in salons in the southern province of Helmand, the Taliban warned that hairdressers must follow Sharia law for hair and beard cutting. “Nobody has the right to complain”, reads the notice, viewed by the BBC.
“The fighters keep coming and ordering us to stop cutting our beards,” said a Kabul barber. “One of them told me they can send undercover inspectors to catch us.” Another hairdresser, who runs one of the largest salons in the city, said he received a call from someone claiming to be a government official. They ordered him to “stop following American styles” and not to shave or cut anyone’s beard.
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