Afghanistan's National Anthem

 

Ok well since I wrote about Afghanistan on Monday I will post about their national anthem.

The country has had a number of different national anthems throughout its history as the country has changed governments numerous times mostly resulting from political instability.

In 2004, the new Afghan constitution stated that a new national anthem for the country, requested by the post-Taliban government to signal a new era for Afghanistan, must be written in Pashto and contain the phrase “Allahu Akbar” (God is Great), and mention the names of the ethnic groups in Afghanistan. The winning composition was created by two Afghans living outside the country due to the war.

There has been some criticism of the anthem due to the above stated conditions of composition, that the Pashto requirement places less importance on the other languages spoken in the country; that the phrase “Allahu Akbar” should not be used in the anthem, as it is a sacred phrase in Islam and should not be set to music; and the ethnic groups mentioned in the anthem still do not represent the entire spectrum of nationalities in the country.

On August 15, 2021, the Afghan government fell to the extremist Islamic forces of the Taliban, who effectively controlled the country following that date. The government and its supporters continue to use this anthem in exile.

Here is the English translation

1. This land is Afghanistan
It is pride of every Afghan
The land of peace, the land of sword
Its sons are all braves

2. This is the country of every tribe
Land of Baloochs, and Uzbeks
Pashtoons, and Hazaras
Turkman and Tajiks

3. With them, Arabs and Gojars
Pamirian, Nooristanian
Barahawi, and Qizilbash
Also Aimaq, and Pashaye

4. This Land will shine for ever
Like the sun in the blue sky
In the chest of Asia
It will remain as heart for ever

5. We will follow the one God
We all say, Allah is great,
we all say, Allah is great,
we all say, Allah is great