Afghanistan is a multiethnic, tribal society with a predominantly rural population. Islam as the foundation of the value system is the common denominator that binds together diverse ethnic groups. About 85 percent of Afghans are Sunnī Muslims and adhere to Ḥanafī law; the rest are Shīʿīs. Small populations of Hindus and Sikhs live in urban centers.

The Pashtun, Tajik, Hazara, Uzbek, Turkmen, Baluchi, and Nuristani ethnic groups ( qawm ) vary in patrilineal kinship, language, and regional custom…