Source: Mohammad Enam Wak
WAK Foundation
Email: abdaliwak[at]yahoo.com

Mohammad Enam Wak is the author of the "History of Pashto" section. Hence all credit goes to him and if you have any question he will be pleased to answer them through his email.
 

پښتونولي Pakhtunwali (Pakhtun waala)

This is an unwritten code controlling, guiding and balancing, to large extent, the form, character and discipline of the Pathan way of life. It is the name of the traditional customary law, which has been adopted by Pathans from times immemorial. It is framed on the principle of equality and retaliation and has deeply ingrained in the social structure of a Pathan's life and is highly esteemed and held sacrosanct by all persons irrespective of their financial or social status. The more one adheres to it s maxims, the more high esteem he enjoys in his brotherhood and community. It embodies in it self, all the customs, traditions, heritage, customary Law, usage and all social relations. It is a concept conveying the meaning of tribal socio-economic, political and cultural system in totality---courage, hospitality, kinship, loyalty, love for friends, hostility, with enemy, chastity, morality, respecting rights, etc etc are different decrees of Pakhtunwali. This code requires as Afghan to defend his motherland, to grand asylum to fugitives irrespective of their creed or caste to take revenge, mostly more and harsher than mere Qisas, to offer protection, even to his deadly enemy, and wipe out insult with insult. And above all, death to anyone who molests his woman. These values are embodied in Pakhtunwali, which literally means Nang-i-Pakhtun, the way of the Pakhtun. At the same time these traits are true reflections of Islam but since Pathans claim their origin well before the advent of Islam, it can safely be surmised that the Pathan is a Muslim by virtue of his very blood. He is Muslim first and Muslim last. Pakhto to a Pathan is not only his language, but is also the embodiment of all human virtues. That is why h always boasts of his Pakhto and is highly proud of it. His ego is satisfied only when he kills his wife or sister charged with tor (illicit sexual relations) for, in this way, he considers himself relieved of disgrace and shame amongst his fellow-beings.

The following remarks of Mr. Ghani khan, the well-known Pashto philosopher poet are not void of interest when he says in his book"The Pathans" that the British made laws on which the country's judicial system is based, is not at all in keeping with the aspirations of Pathan's Ghairat and Pakhtunwali.

"Let us take one of his most violent custom, which prescribes death for elopement or adultery. This ancient principle is active and living in the blood of the Pathan even today. It reacts violently when it clashes with the loose and generous ethics of the British-made law. The Pathan will shoot the seducer of his sister and walk proudly to the British-made gallows for it. The law is made for the cold English sister and the detached English brother. The Pathan is short of girls and generous of emotions. he must breed well if he is to breed fighters. The potential mother of the man of tomorrow is the greatest treasure of the tribe and is guarded jealously. This primitive custom is also useful for wedding out the over sexed. It is a subtle system of selective breeting, but does the Pathan realise any of these things when he lifts his rifle to shoot the culprit? He does not. He is made with anger. He must shoot, there is no alternative. If he dose not, his neighbors will look down upon him, his father will sneer at him, his sister will avoid his eyes, his wife will be insolent and his friends cut him dead. It is easier to be misunderstood by a judge who does not speak his language and be hanged by a law that does not understand his life. he does his duty by his people. he will play true to his blood even if he breaks his heart or neck in the bargain. he will walk to the gallow with the proud steps wit his hands covered with the blood of his wife or sister. And the admiring eyes of his people will follow him as they always do those who play with their life for a principle. "Hero", shout the Pathans. "Murderer" says the judge. And I have not been able to find out who is right. "

To know exactly the meaning of Pakhtunwali, one has to know something of its components, which are as follows:

i. Melmasthia
ii. Nanawati
iii. Badal
iv. Nang
v. Pakhto
vi. Ghairat
vii. MeRana