“When Afghan people are given instruction based on their religious values, they will listen and accept,” explained Maulawi Amanudin, an official in Afghanistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs. Using religious values is essential when trying to change behavior in a devout society like Afghanistan. “The Afghan people believe in resolving issues from a religious perspective,” said Mawlawi Saddiq, a senior Supreme Court official. Religious teachings can serve as a tremendous lever for societal change, particularly for convincing men to promote women and children’s health. “Having a healthy mother and a healthy family is what it means to have a healthy marriage in Islam,” Saddiq noted. “Our religion clearly states that there should be 30 months between births to protect the health of children and mothers. When our religious leaders and communities understand that this is what the prophet Muhammad says, then all the misconceptions that exist within families can be resolved and dealt with.”
Ismailimail 