The news report about the 118 couples marrying in collective ceremonies in Nimroz and Ghazni is more than a simple feel-good story; it is a window into a significant social movement addressing acute economic and cultural challenges in contemporary Afghanistan.
1. The Deep-Rooted Problem: The Crisis of Marriage Affordability
The article highlights poverty and unemployment as the primary reasons these couples could not afford individual weddings. This can be expanded upon:
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Economic Collapse: Following the political transition in 2021, Afghanistan’s economy contracted severely, leading to widespread unemployment, the collapse of the banking sector, and a humanitarian crisis. In this context, the traditional, expensive Afghan wedding has become an impossible dream for many.
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The “Dower” (Mahr): Beyond the ceremony cost, Islam requires a groom to give a Mahr (a mandatory gift of money or property) to the bride. While often symbolic, in difficult economic times, even a modest Mahr can be a barrier.
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Cultural and Social Pressures: Afghan weddings are typically large, lavish multi-day affairs involving hundreds of guests, expensive banquets, costly clothing, and gifts. The social pressure to meet these expectations is immense, often forcing families into deep debt. The groom, Sharif, explicitly mentions avoiding these “unnecessary expenses.”
2. The Strategic Response: Charities as Social Safety Nets
The role of the charities—Habibyar in Nimroz and Saadat in Ghazni—is crucial. Their intervention is highly organized and strategic:
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Systematic Aid: This isn’t a one-off event. Habibyar Charity has held 14 nationwide and 7 in Nimroz alone, indicating a sustained, institutionalized program. Similarly, Saadat Charity’s 5th event in four years in Ghazni shows a long-term commitment.
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Comprehensive Support: The aid provided is not just cash. It is carefully curated to help a new household function. The dowry of 100,000 AFN (approximately $1,400 USD, a significant sum in the current economy) in the form of carpets, appliances, kitchenware, and clothes is practical and essential for starting a married life with dignity.
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Building Partnerships: The funding model is also noteworthy. In Ghazni, the cost was covered by “the foundation and local traders.” This shows an effort to mobilize local resources and build community partnerships, ensuring the initiative’s sustainability.
3. Broader Social and Political Objectives
The quotes from the charity heads reveal that their goals extend far beyond the wedding day itself:
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Social Engineering: Maulvi Tajuddin explicitly states the aim is to “promote positive culture” and “fight harmful customs.” This represents a direct challenge to deeply ingrained social practices seen as economically destructive. They are actively trying to reshape social norms towards simplicity.
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Stabilizing Society: The goal to “prevent youth migration due to poverty” is a critical point. When young men see no path to marriage, family, or economic stability in their home regions, they are more likely to migrate internally or undertake dangerous journeys abroad. These group weddings act as a stabilizing force, giving youth a stake in their community’s future.
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Alignment with Official Stance: The promotion of simple, affordable weddings is a key policy of the de facto authorities. Extravagant weddings have been actively discouraged through official directives. These charities, while independent, are operating in an environment that implicitly supports their mission, potentially easing logistical and regulatory hurdles.
4. The Human Impact: Voices from the Ceremony
Including quotes from the grooms, Ahmad Shakeb and Sharif, personalizes the structural issues:
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Dignity and Hope: For Ahmad Shakeb, the event isn’t just about saving money; it’s about gaining access to a fundamental life milestone—marriage—that was otherwise out of reach. It restores a sense of hope and dignity.
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Community Solidarity: Sharif’s gratitude highlights a sense of collective relief. These events reduce the sense of isolation and failure that impoverished grooms might feel, instead fostering a sense of shared experience and community support.
Conclusion
The group weddings in Nimroz and Ghazni are a microcosm of a larger struggle for survival and normalcy in Afghanistan. They are a pragmatic, community-based response to a perfect storm of economic crisis and burdensome social traditions. Far from being merely ceremonial, these events function as a vital socio-economic safety net, a tool for social change, and a mechanism for preserving the social fabric by enabling the nation’s youth to build families and futures within their own communities. The repeated nature of these ceremonies underscores both the severity of the ongoing crisis and the determined resilience of civil society organizations striving to mitigate it.
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If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our journalism and sustains our future. Support the Dawat Media Center from as little as $/€10 – it only takes a minute. If you can, please consider supporting us with a regular amount each month. Thank you
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