Taliban Calls Afghanistan Earthquake a ‘Divine Punishment,’ Calls on Imams

A devastating earthquake in eastern Afghanistan has caused significant damage and claimed the lives of over 1,400 people. The Taliban’s Ministry of Hajj and Religious Affairs has labeled the earthquake as a ‘divine punishment’ and urged mosque imams to lead prayers for disaster relief and for forgiveness during Friday (Juma) prayers. The ministry issued a notice on Thursday, calling on people to pray for rain and to donate and assist those affected by the earthquake.