PASHTOON

PASHTOON

Pukhtoon also spelled Pashtun or Pathan, Pashto speaking people of Southeastern Afghanistan and North Western Pakistan. They constitute the majority of the population of Afghanistan and bore the exclusive name of Afghan before that came to denote any native of the present land area of Afghanistan. Pashtoon tradition asserts that they are descended from Afghana, grandson of King Saul of Israel, though most scholars believe it more likely that they arose from an intermingling of ancient Aryans from the north or west with subsequent invaders. Several Pukhtoon tribes are known to have moved from Afghanistan between the 13the and 16th century.

Pukhtoon history, culture and traditions are very old. Pukhto language is as old as 5000 years. This is language but their constitution, culture, traditions and customs. All Pukhtoons spend their life within the circle of Pukhto. They spend their life in this discussion as "this is Pukhto and this is not". They move around within this circle of Pukhto, and going out of it is disobeying Pukhto constitution and the law

There are estimated to be about 7,500,000 Pukhtoon in Afghanistan and 14,000,000 in Pakistan. They comprise about 60 tribes of varying size and importance, each of which occupies a particular territory. In Afghanistan, where Pukhtoon are the predominated ethnic group, the main tribes are the Durrani South of Kabul and the Ghilzy east of Kabul. In Pakistan, Pukhtoon predominate north of Quetta between the Suleman range and the Indus River. In the hill areas the main tribes are, from South to North, the Kakar, Sherani, and Ustarana South of the Gomal River, the Mahsud, Derwesh Khel, Dotani,Waziri and Bitani between the Gomal River and Thal.

Most Pukhtoons speak dialects of Northeastern Pukhto, with the rest speaking dialects of southwestern Pukhto. Every nation has its own distinctive qualities, which it has developed with the passage of time and due to which it can be recognized. The Pukhtoons too, have their typical qualities, which distinguish them from others and from their identity.

Pukhto is not only the language of the Pukhtoons but it's a circle in which they spend their life in. The "Pukhtoonwali" circle Traditions and customs of Pukhtoons are embodied in "Pushtunwali", the way of Pukhtoon.

A Pukhtoons love is unfathomable. His anger has no limits. His hatred is as strong as his attachment to a friend and son. A typical Pukhtoon leads a rough life but is equally tender at heart. With it, is attached an admirable quality of his natural innocence. This innocence breeds beautiful qualities such as truthfulness, sincerity and affection.

Ego is the strongest characteristic of this man. once he attaches his ego to something, he will perish with it but not relinguish it. Glimpses of his ego can be seen in the social code of Pukhto.

1 . : Melmastia (hospitality) :

Showing hospitality and profound respect to all   visitors, regardless of race, religion, national affiliation or economic status and doing so without any hope of remuneration or favour. Pashtuns will go to great lengths to show their hospitality.

2 . : Nanawatai (asylum) : 

Derived from the verb meaning to go in, this refers to the protection given to a person against his or her enemies. People are protected at all costs; even those running from the law must be given refuge until the situation can be clarified. Nanawatai can also be used when the vanquished party in a dispute is prepared to go in to the house of the victors and ask for their forgiveness.

3 . : Badal (justice) :

To seek justice or take revenge against the wrongdoer.  There is considered to be no time limit to the period in which revenge can be taken. Justice in Pashtoon lore needs elaborating: even a mere taunt.(or “Paighor”) is regarded as an insult which usually can only be redressed by shedding the taunter’s blood. If he is out of reach, his closest male relation must suffer the penalty instead. Badal may lead to a blood feud that can last generations and involve whole tribes with the loss of hundreds of lives.

4 . : Zarrawrtub (bravery) :

 A Pashtun must defend his land, property, family and women from incursions. He should always stand bravely against tyranny and be able to defend the honour of his name. Death can follow if anyone offends this principle.

5 . : Sabat (loyalty) :

 Loyalty must be paid to one’s family, friends and tribe members. Pashtuns can never become disloyal as  this would be a matter of shame for their families and themselves.

6 . : Imandari (righteousness) :

A Pashtun must always strive for good in thought, word and deed. Pashtuns must behave respectfully to people, animals and the environment around them. Pollution of the environment or its destruction is against the Pashtunwali.

7 . : Isteqamat :

Trust in God (known as “Allah” in Arabic and “Khudai” in Pashto).The notion of trusting in the one Creator generally comports to Islamic idea of belief in only one God.

8 . : Ghayrat (courage) :

Pashtuns must demonstrate courage. Their honour, or pride, has great importance in Pashtun society
and must be preserved. They must respect themselves and others in order to be able to do so, especially those they do not know. three  Respect begins at home, among family members and relatives.

9 . : Namus (protection of women) :

 A Pashtun must defend the honour of women at all costs and must protect them from
vocal and physical harm.

10 . : Nang (Honour) :

a Pashtun must defend the weak around him.

By: Muhammad Hassan Dotani