Pashtunwali - Part 1

پښتونوالي

Pashtunwali, or the code of conduct of the Pashtuns, is something Pashtuns take very seriously, even ahead of Islam, in many cases.

One part involves matters concerning their property, women, and land.  According to the Pashtun proverb, there are three sources of trouble in the world: “zar, zan, zameen.”  (Does anyone know the proverb in Pashto?)

- Gold (i.e., wealth) زر (zar):  Pashtuns must lead an independent life; therefore, they must have earthly possessions to live and to care for their extended families.

- Women ﺯﻦ (zan): Pashtuns must protect their women from shame and bodily harm.  Contrary to popular beliefs, Pashtun women are treated with respect.  (This may not apply in areas controlled by the Taleban). 

- Land  زمين (Zameen): Pashtuns must defend their tribal land; as a result, many disputes arise from fighting over land rights. Disputes over inheritance of land are also common.

Violations or any causes that lead to the loss of any three worldly belongings could have deadly consequences.  In other words, mess with a Pashtun's money, land or women, and a Pashtun is liable to mess you up.

*Note that the words used here are poetic words.  The common way of saying women and land are as follows:
Women: ښځي  (shazi) (the singular form is shaza  ښځه)
Land: ځمکه  (Zmaka)