Religion, Politics and Education in Afghanistan, 1950s -1980s: The Case of Habibia High School

Abstract

Religion and politics have always been entangled in Afghanistan, and both have played an important role in the development of modernised schooling since its inception in the early 1900s. This thesis investigates this entanglement through Pan-Islamism as a theoretical framework. The case selected for this purpose is the all-boys Habibia High School located in Kabul. A large number of Afghan intellectuals, political activists and leaders, including several past presidents, and many high-ranking members of the government, graduated from Habibia. The focus of the study was narrowed down to span across 1950s to 1980s because this phase is considered the golden period for education in Afghanistan with relative peace and stability in the country before the invasion by the former Soviet Union. This thesis followed a historical case study design, which included in-depth oral history interviews with 38 former Habibia students and teachers. As a theoretical framework, Pan-Islamism can be conceptualised as a political theory, at the core of which lies the revival of unity in the Muslim world through education. The theory is structured around three main interconnected aspects, 1) a need for the Muslim world to borrow modern education and scientific advancements from non-Muslim countries to engage in the contemporary world, 2) advocating for Muslim unity against Western imperialism and the need for a unique Muslim identity, 3) advocating free thinking without the fear of tyrannical governments and despotic leaders in Muslim countries. These three aspects of Pan-Islamism form the main approach in this study. The results illuminated a complex environment at Habibia where young students were actively involved in religious and sectarian politics both inside and outside of school, and whose lives and education were deeply affected by the arising unrest and political situation in the country.