Khorasan Ghag Magazine Issue 38 – Caliphate on Prophetic Methodology

Source: Khorasan Ghag Issue 38

Executive Summary

The 99-page Pashto-language issue 38 of ISKP's "Khorasan Ghag" magazine heavily promotes the re-establishment of a true Islamic Caliphate governed by the Prophetic methodology, contrasting it sharply with the Taliban's rule. It features a mix of religious justifications, political critiques, sectarian polemics against Shia Muslims and other "apostates," and likely calls for jihad and support for ISKP operations in the Khorasan region. The cover symbolism of IS flags over an urban landscape reinforces territorial aspirations and ideological purity.

Analysis

The magazine's central theme revolves around "Khilafah on the Prophetic Methodology" (خلافت على منهاج النبوة), a foundational ISKP slogan emphasizing strict adherence to early Islamic governance as modeled by Prophet Muhammad, which ISKP uses to delegitimize the Taliban’s Islamic Emirate as nationalist, compromised, or insufficiently sharia-compliant. This issue, like prior editions of Khorasan Ghag, is structured into recurring sections typical of the series: religious (theological defenses of ISKP's path, interpretations of faith, and attacks on "polytheists" including Shia and Taliban), political (critiques of regional governments, alliances, and the Taliban’s governance failures), literary (poetry or ideological writings), historical (references to early Islamic examples to justify current jihad), and news/updates (possibly claims of attacks, operational reports, or regional developments). The content sustains ISKP's narrative of being the sole legitimate force reviving the Caliphate in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Central Asia, while portraying rivals as collaborators with "Crusaders," Jews, or apostates.

Sectarian rhetoric is prominent, with articles likely accusing Shia communities (termed "Rawafidh") of betrayal, aiding invasions of Sunni lands, and forming defensive walls for external enemies—echoing patterns in previous issues where Shia are depicted as apostates allied with the Taliban or foreign powers. Anti-Taliban messaging is equally intense, framing their rule as deviant, supportive of shirk (idolatry), or politically expedient rather than religiously pure. The Pashto focus targets Pashtun audiences in Afghanistan and Pakistan to mobilize support, recruit, and inspire actions against the Taliban and sectarian targets, while reinforcing ISKP's resilience amid pressure. As part of Al-Azaim Foundation's output, it fits into broader multilingual propaganda (including English "Voice of Khorasan") to project vitality, counter Taliban dominance, and encourage replication of tactics.

Sources

• Al-Azaim Foundation