Barra, Habib ur Rehman2026-04-272026-04-272026https://repository.iou.edu.gm/handle/123456789/714All the praise and thanks be to the most merciful, the Lord of the worlds, who rewards the righteous and illuminates the path of good. Peace and blessings be upon the great Prophet of Islam, his pure family, and his faithful companions who, through faith and effort, spread the message of Islam and forged a bright path for all nations. Furthermore, the culture of Afghanistan took on a special hue through its conquests and teachings, and continued with the Sharia laws in a moral and educational framework. May the peace and mercy of Allah be upon all the followers of this luminous path until the Day of Resurrection. This research examines the role of Afghanistan's ancient and current culture and traditions in shaping and interpreting Islamic teachings. The importance of this topic lies in the fact that Islam, as the primary belief of the majority of Afghanistan's people, has always been understood alongside local cultures and has never been separate from this land's historical and social background. Afghanistan, with its thousands-year-old civilization, has preserved a set of customs, beliefs, and values that, over time, have become intertwined with Islam. The fundamental question of this research is how these ancient traditions and customs have influenced the understanding and practice of Islamic rulings, and which aspects of these influences are constructive and which require review and reform. The research method is primarily historical-analytical, and the second part presents direct views from scholars and the public on the topic. In the first step, Afghanistan's cultural background is examined from the pre-Islamic era through the early centuries of the Hijra to clarify the artistic structures of Afghan society before the adoption of Islam. Then, the interaction between social traditions and Islamic teachings necessitates assessing whether cultural aspects have been integrated into Islam, including its customs. This research examines historical and contemporary examples, including positive customs that were consistent with Islamic principles and strengthened society. It also points to misguided traditions such as forced and unlawful marriages, the deprivation of women's fundamental rights, and unsavory customs that have been practiced throughout history in the name of religion, despite having no religious basis. Another part of the research examines modern examples, such as the Taliban's policies on restricting girls' education and women's work. This study shows that such measures are not only incompatible with Islamic principles but also contradict the true history of Islam, as from its inception, Islam has considered learning, justice, and human dignity essential for all members of society. The research findings show that Afghan culture has always played two crucial roles: on one hand, positive cultural values have strengthened society, brought people closer together, and fostered a better understanding of religious teachings; and on the other hand, some incorrect traditions and misconceptions have presented an unrealistic image of the religion and have even caused intellectual and social stagnation. The significance of this research lies in its clarification that indigenous culture can both serve as a foundation for religious growth and pose an obstacle to the realization of authentic Islamic concepts. Therefore, for a better future for Afghan society, a critical re-reading of culture and its connection to religion is essential and unavoidable.Thesis