Pashtun In The Kite Runner

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Afghanistan is divided into different ethnicities like the Hazara, the Pashtun, and many others. In The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, the two main characters Amir and Hassan are from Afghanistan and from two very different ethnic groups. Amir is a Pashtun while Hassan is a Hazara causing some strains to their relationship. In Afghanistan, it is more commonly viewed that the Pashtun is the more superior group while the Hazaras are usually looked down upon and given jobs of servitude. The Pashtun are all commonly Sunni Muslim and follow the non-written ethical code of Pashtunwali. Even though Amir is a Pashtun, it is shown more throughout the book that Hassan shows to be a better representation of the ideal Pashtun through his religious devotion and moral deeds. One of the principles of Pashtunwali is Sabat, which translates to loyalty to one’s family, friends and tribe members. One of the most highlighted qualities of Hassan shown throughout the book is his loyalty for Amir. When Amir was being confronted by Assef, Hassan showed no hesitance in holding a sling shot to Assef’s face. Per Amir’s observations, “to an outsider, he didn’t look scared. But…I saw that he was scared. He was scared plenty” …show more content…
This goes against the principle of Pashtunwali, Groh, and being Sunni Muslim. Groh means to trust completely in God in all His decisions. This applies to Hassan as he is shown to be extremely religious in all the practices of Islam. When Amir went looking for Hassan looking for the fallen kite, he mentions how “Hassan never missed any of the five daily prayers. Even when we were out playing, he’d excuse himself, draw water from the well in the yard, wash up, and disappear into the hut” (Hosseini 73). While Amir continues to play, Hassan would dedicate himself to the practices of Islam as per the principles of

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