Pakhtunwali
Pashtunwali (Pashto: ?????????) or Pakhtunwali is a concept of living or philosophy for the Pashtun people and is regarded as an honour code and a non-written law for the people.[1][2] Though Pashtunwali dates back to the pre-Islamic era of Bactria, its practice by the pashtuns does not not necessarily contravene Islamic principles.[3] It is practiced by Pashtuns in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and by members of the Pashtun diaspora around the world.[4]
Overview
Pashtunwali is an ancient "code of honor" that belongs to Pashtuns of Afghanistan and Pakistan, including the Pashtun communities around the world. It is a set of rules guiding both individual and communal conduct. Pashtunwali is socially practiced by the majority.
Pashtuns embrace an ancient traditional, spiritual, and communal identity tied to a set of moral codes and rules of behavior, as well as to a linear record of history spanning over five thousand years[citation needed].
Flexible and dynamic, containing modern and ancient principles, Pashtunwali promotes self-respect, independence, justice, hospitality, love, forgiveness, revenge and tolerance toward all (especially to strangers or guests). All these codes of conduct are helpful in maintaining social and moral checks and balances within Pashtun Society. Aside from its tenets that are rooted in Islam,[5] it is considered a personal responsibility of every Pashtun to discover and rediscover Pashtunwali's essence and meaning.
