Following the collapse of the Taliban a six-month interim administration under the leadership of Hamid Karzai was formed. A new Constitution was adopted by the National Assembly and signed into law by the President in January 2004. The new constitution confirms Islam as the state religion, says no laws can violate Islamic principles and stipulates that the Hanafi version of sharia law will prevail in cases where there are no provisions in the constitution or civil laws.
Afghanistan is still in a period of transition following the deposition of the Taliban government by the US-led coalition of forces in 2001and the status of religious freedom in the country remains unclear. There are some tensions between the Sunni majority and the Shiite minority. While Hindus and Sikhs report that they are much more free to practice their religion than previously, it remains to be seen whether or not proselytizing will be allowed and how religious conversion by Muslims to other faiths will be treated. The role and status of women in the post-Taliban state also remains to be seen.
Taliban and al-Qaida networks still exist in parts of the country
and have engaged in attacks on religious leaders loyal to the present
government.
2003 U.S. State Department International Religious Freedom Report on Afghanistan
International Christian Concern Report on Afghanistan
Afghan Envoy Defends New Constitution on Rights WorldWide Religious News 1/08/04
Afghanistan adopts new constitution Afghan News Network 1/04/04
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