In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
All praise is due to God, Lord of the Worlds, and peace and greetings be upon our Master, Muhammad, and his untainted, pure, chosen Progeny, particularly the Remnant of God on earth.
A warm welcome to all the dear women here — my sisters, daughters, and children. You are all our children, and you are the builders of tomorrow’s Iran and tomorrow’s world. This meeting has been so profound and useful up until this moment. I would like to express my appreciation to all those who have taken part in the program.
I would like to thank the girls who sang an anthem here today. Both the anthem, that is, the content of the anthem, and the melody were good. And their performance was very good. I would like to thank our honorable reciter of the Quran. I would also like to thank the honorable, eloquent announcer. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to the wives of the martyrs, the mothers of the martyrs, and the children of the martyrs who are present in this gathering. I feel a great deal of esteem for all of them.
I would like to thank Mrs. Zakzaky for speaking here today. She is the mother of six martyrs. Three of her sons were martyred in one tragic event, and her other three sons were martyred in another tragic event. This woman has been as patient as a mountain, and she endured many hardships and imprisonment for a long period of time. I would like to thank the Palestinian woman whose video we watched here today [Asra al-Buhaysi, a reporter for Al-Alam, sent a video of herself reporting from Gaza]. I ask those who are working in this area to express our appreciation and greetings to her and to tell her that I always pray for them [the Palestinians] every single night.
The issues that were raised here were very good. I mean, if I don't say anything now and we just benefit from what these women said here, this meeting will still have been useful. You spoke about sports, as well as legal issues concerning women. You spoke about religious art, your concerns about the dangers of cyberspace and artificial intelligence, and the issue of designing plans for the country’s elites in different sectors. You also spoke about showing gratitude toward mothers and homemakers, the terrible state of the social media, and also about female doctors and using discretion when treating female hospital patients. All of these matters that were spoken about were correct.
We need to hear your criticisms, complaints, and any possible suggestions you may have. It is not my job [to attend to these though]. It is the duty of the government officials. But nevertheless, God willing, I will ask our officials to look into these matters, and I am hopeful that they will do this.
This meeting is held on the occasion of the upcoming birthday of Siddiqah al-Kubra, Lady Fatimah Zahra (pbuh). I will say a few words about her, and if time permits, I will briefly speak about some of the things I have made notes on concerning women’s issues.
Regarding “the Lady of the Worlds” and “the Lady of the Women in Paradise,” which are terms that have been used to describe Fatimah Zahra (pbuh), anything that the Holy Prophet (pbuh), the Commander of the Faithful [Imam Ali (pbuh)], or the rest of the Imams (pbut) have said about this honorable woman are all testaments to the immeasurable greatness of this magnificent woman. In other words, the magnificence of Fatimah Zahra (pbuh) cannot be compared to any human being except the Prophet’s Ahl al-Bayt [the Household of the Prophet], the Messenger of God himself, and his children. Her station is truly magnificent.
I am going to quote a hadith that you have heard many times. It is a hadith that has been narrated by both the Shia and the Sunnis. The hadith is this, “Indeed, God is angered when Fatimah is angered, and God is pleased when Fatimah is pleased” (Sheikh Mufid, Al-Amali 95).
What this means is that if any human being, or any Muslim for that matter, wishes to please God, they must do something to please Fatimah Zahra (pbuh). If the recommendations, the lessons, the orientations, and the emotions of Fatimah Zahra (pbuh) are considered, respected, and observed, Almighty God will be pleased. What virtue greater than this can a person imagine for a human being, regardless of whether they are male or female?
In my opinion, a Muslim woman cannot find a better role model than Lady Fatimah Zahra (pbuh). No woman in the world can find a better role model than her. Her conduct during her childhood, during her adolescence, during her youth, her conduct in the family toward her father, her spouse, her children, toward the worker in her home, and her conduct in society, in politics, and on the issue of the caliphate are all examples that we should follow. And what’s important is that all this magnificence, all these activities, all these examples were seen during her short life, which was 25 years at the most.
Fatimah Zahra’s (pbuh) age [at martyrdom] has been reported as being between 18 to 25 years old. This is a role model. Our girls, our women, and the dear women in our Islamic society should try to follow Fatimah Zahra with the same spirit and the same determination, both in terms of being a housewife, and also when undertaking social and political activities. They should also follow her in terms of her wisdom and knowledge, which, of course, it was divinely inspired in the case of that honorable lady, but it is acquirable in the case of you and me. When you put in your effort, divine inspiration will help you too, of course. Let’s, all of us, set that honorable lady as a role model to follow in all areas. Those were a few words about Fatimah Zahra (pbuh).
Now let’s look at the topic of “women.” Well, praise God, you are all knowledgeable, educated, and well aware of the various issues that are raised in Islam regarding the topic of “women.” There is no need for me to say much on this matter. Nonetheless, I will share a few words with you.
Regarding the issue of “women,” the questions of feminine identity and women’s identity, women’s values, rights, duties, freedoms, and limitations are each crucial and pivotal matters. Today, if we take an overall look at the world, [we will see] there are two distinct orientations or approaches in all of these areas. The first one is the prevalent Western approach, which has gained popularity in non-Western countries as well in all the areas that I mentioned. The second approach is the Islamic approach, and these two approaches are in opposition to each other. Each approach has its own perspective and opinions regarding the issues and questions at hand. It is possible to engage in discussions and find answers in all of these areas. However, there is one issue here which I believe deserves our attention, and that is that the West’s system of culture and civilization is not willing to discuss these matters. It escapes from entering these discussions and research [on women’s issues].
The Western culture and the Western system — the West’s system of civilization and culture — does not come forward to discuss many questions in these areas. Instead, it promotes its viewpoint and approach through controversial means, rowdyism, using the arts, movies, coercion, cyberspace, and such things. Not having logical reasoning, it promotes its own opinions and approaches using the various tools at its disposal. It is not willing to take part in discussions, nor is it prepared to answer questions. The reason for this is that the West has no logical reasoning. There is no logic behind the worsening, ever-increasing ridiculous approach to women’s issues prevalent in the West today as well as in many other countries that follow the West. Therefore, it refuses to discuss this matter and is unwilling to provide any reasoning for its actions.
Why is it that a disregard for maintaining the dignity and femininity of women in Western societies is increasing on a daily basis? Why is it that women are disrespected more and more every day? Why is it that a scantily clad woman can attend the official gatherings that are held in Europe and the US, even their official meetings, but a man must be fully clothed. He must even wear a tie or a bow tie in order to participate? Why?
Why can a woman show up like that, but if a man wears shorts in formal gatherings, for example, this is considered to be bad etiquette? What is the reason for this? Why is there no problem with a woman wearing a miniskirt, but if a man is slightly underdressed, this is considered to be a problem? Why are promiscuity and prostitution being promoted more and more in Western environments? This is happening. Why is homosexuality regarded to be a sophisticated, progressive practice? And why is it that if someone opposes this practice, they are considered to be a backward individual, a backward ideology, or a backward nation? Why?
This is promoted in both political environments and in social environments. The presidents and officials of some countries promote this, and some are even proud of it! Why? What is the logic behind this? Why is it that, according to the statistics that the West reports itself and based on the information that is at our disposal, which is not hidden information, three-sided or four-sided sexual relations are increasing by the day in the West’s reckless environment?
Everything that destroys families is increasing day by day in the West. All of these things destroy the family foundation. Sexual freedom and provoking sexual assault destroy families. A few years ago, I quoted some words from a book written by a former US president (Jimmy Carter’s book A Call to Action). The statistics regarding sexual assault and promiscuity were truly horrific. And there is no punishment for sexual assault, but [wearing] the hijab is punished!
Some reprobate, some villain, harasses a woman who is wearing hijab. He is taken to court. In court he stabs and kills the woman, and that is perfectly fine [for them]! Now, they might give that reprobate some time in prison for a while, but this attack on hijab and this confrontation with hijab does not get condemned as an atrocious act. Why? These are questions that haven’t been answered. It [the West] won’t answer them, because there is no logic behind it.
An Iranian, for example, an Iranian official who participates in some big European or American conference, is asked if he agrees with homosexuality. If he says no, they boo him! What is the reason for this? What is the logical reasoning behind it? There are no answers. In other words, there is no logic behind the West's conduct with regard to issues that are related to “women” and its behavior toward the women community. That is why it strongly avoids debates, talks, and discussions in these areas.
As I said, they use various tools to advance their own viewpoint, and they are very good at doing these things. They make movies; write books and articles; pay money; make artistic, cultural, and political figures to say the things they want; make international centers — centers for women’s issues. These so-called international centers score, judge, and place any country that disagrees with their outlook at the bottom of their list.
Now, there is much more to discuss regarding these matters, and I have already addressed them extensively. Yesterday, I was given a book, which I had not seen before, containing my own speeches. I examined it and saw that many of the topics that I had prepared to talk about here today were in that book. I have already mentioned these matters several times before. I have talked about these topics very much.
In one word, I would like to summarize the outcome and basis of Western civilization’s policy and outlook with regard to the very important, vital issue of women. Their outlook can be summarized in the two factors of “seeking profit” and “seeking pleasure.” And each has its own definition. I have previously discussed this idea of seeking profit, and time does not permit me to elaborate on this now. So, that is the West’s behavior with regard to the issue of “women.”
Islam’s outlook is the exact opposite of the Western outlook. It is based on logic and reasoning, and explicit, clear statements have been made in this regard. Let me tell you this, the issue of “women” is one of the strong areas of Islam. Some shouldn’t imagine that we must just sit around and answer for women’s issues. No, Islam has a strong logic and rationale for all matters relating to women. Whether in areas where it negates the idea that something is related to gender or in areas where it highlights that something depends on gender, there is logic in all these matters.
In some cases, Islam completely disregards a person’s gender. [That is,] the discussion is not about males and females. It is about honoring human beings, “We have honored the Children of Adam” (Quran 17:70). Gender does not matter in this case. Human values are the same for men and women. Gender is not an issue at all when talking about the value of a woman compared to a man: “But the faithful, men and women, are comrades of one another; they bid what is right and forbid what is wrong …” (Quran 9:71). [Or consider,] “Indeed, the Muslim men and the Muslim women, the faithful men and the faithful women, the obedient men and the obedient women” (Quran 33:35) until the end of the verse in Surah Al-Ahzab. All of these people [both men and women] are equal before the Almighty God in terms of their levels of spiritual ascension. So, neither is a man favored over a woman, nor is a woman favored over a man. Both genders have been placed on this path with similar capacities. It depends on their effort. There are women whom no man can match. Therefore, gender is not an issue.
Of course, in these spiritual areas, in some places in particular and for a specific reason, the Almighty God has favored the female gender, as in this verse that was recited, “Allah cites an example of the faithful: the wife of Pharaoh” (Quran 66:11). In the story of Prophet Moses, there are people who are specifically mentioned in relation to Moses. There is Harun (Aaron), there is Hazrat Khidr, and there is the friend and companion of Moses. There are several people who are specifically mentioned in the Quran, but none of them are referred to as role models. “An example” [as mentioned in this verse] refers to someone who is a role model. The Almighty God has set two women as role models for all believing people. One is Pharaoh's wife [Asiyah], and the other is Maryam [the mother of Jesus (pbuh)], “And Maryam, the daughter of Imran, who guarded her chastity …” (Quran 66:12).
Well, for some reason, Almighty God does not describe Moses himself as a role model for the believers here. [Rather], He refers to Pharaoh's wife, who was Prophet Moses’ stepmother [as a role model]. He does not refer to Jesus himself. [Rather], He cites his mother [as a role model]. This shows that women are being favored [over men] in a way for some reason, and I believe the reason for this is obvious. It is because there is already a sense of superiority in men due to the circumstances of their physical and bodily makeup and their features. That’s how it was, especially at the time when the Quran was revealed. The Almighty God wants to reject this. [As if God is telling them,] “What are you talking about? Just because your voice, for example, is deeper, just because you’re taller, just because you have broader shoulders, you think you’re better? No, you need to follow these women [Asiyah and Maryam (pbut)] and look to her as your role models.”
There is a hadith which says that a man came to the Prophet (pbuh) and asked, “Who should I be good to?” The Prophet replied, “Your mother.” The man asked, “Who next?” The Prophet replied, “Your mother again.” The man asked a third time, “So who after that?” Once again, the Prophet replied, “Your mother.” So all three times, the Prophet said, “Your mother.” The man then asked, “Who next?” The Prophet replied, “Your father” (Al-Kafi, 2: 159). So, a person’s mother is three times ahead of their father. This shows the high status of women in the family. This was stated [by the Prophet] to emphasize this point.
So, what I want to say is that with regard to spiritual journeying, spiritual ascension, and true human values gender is not important at all, except in certain cases where one gender is preferred over the other, and that is a preference for women over men, as far as I have seen and I have not seen anything besides this. These are the places where a person’s gender does not matter.
It is the same with regard to the principle of social responsibilities. Imam Khomeini (ra) said somewhere that it is a woman's duty to be involved in politics and to address the fundamental issues of the country. They have a right and a duty to be involved (Sahifeh-ye Imam, 6: 301). So, he made it obligatory for women to actively participate in shaping the country's destiny and to address the country’s fundamental issues. And this itself has a long chapter continuing it, meaning there is no difference between men and women in these areas.
Regarding being involved in the affairs of the society, [it is said,] “Whoever wakes up in the morning without caring about the affairs of the Muslim (community) is not a Muslim” (Al-Kafi, 2: 165). “Is not a Muslim” addresses both men and women. When you wake up in the morning — whether you are a housewife, an office worker, an employee, or a craftswoman, whatever it is that you do — you must have the society in mind. You should care about the state of the society. Now, how much you can help and play a role may vary. Each person can play a role, and this effort is required for everyone. This action, effort, and caring is required for everyone.
Gender does not matter here either. Another example may be seen in the hadith, “Whoever hears someone cry out, ‘Oh Muslims!’…” (Al-Kafi, 2: 164). The woman who just spoke here said, “The way is closed regarding the matter of Palestine and Gaza. Otherwise, we would have gone if we could have.” For example, imagine this woman who is a doctor could have gone there and attended to the sick, the injured, the women, and the children. Everyone has their own role to play, but the important thing is that everyone must make an effort, has a duty, and should have a sense of responsibility regardless of whether they are male or female. Islam has stated these things clearly. These are the things that are clearly stated in Islam.
As for duties within the family, men and women have different obligations. Each gender is assigned a different set of responsibilities according to the resources that are available to them as well as their physical and mental abilities. This is where gender plays a role. Crying out for “gender equality” in an absolute form is wrong. Gender equality does not apply everywhere. In some places, yes, there is equality. But in other places, it is not possible or applicable.
What is correct is to say “gender justice.” “Gender justice” is applicable everywhere. “Justice” means ensuring that everything is in its own place. The spiritual, physical, and emotional framework of a woman allows her to do certain things. Having children, taking care of them, and raising them is a responsibility specifically entrusted to women as men are not capable of fulfilling this role. Almighty God has not created men for this task. Men have been designed for other tasks, such as the work outside the home and addressing any problems that may arise at home.
However, in terms of their rights within the family, [both genders] are equal, “And women have rights similar to the obligations upon them, in accordance with honorable norms” (Quran 2:228). In other words, women have the same number of rights in the family that men have in the family. This is a verse from the Quran. Thus, they are equal when it comes to family rights, but they are not equal in their responsibilities. Of course, there are some things that should be paid more attention to about women, and some of these were also mentioned in these women’s talks. I have also made a note of them.
[An example is] the issue of women’s safety, and their safety within the family. A woman should feel secure and safe when she is with her husband. Their home should be a place where they can feel safe and comfortable. If the man of the house behaves in a way that deprives the woman of a sense of security, if he causes the woman to feel unsafe, if he uses foul language, or far worse than these, if he is physically abusive, these actions are absolutely unacceptable. What is the solution to this problem? The answer is to impose strict laws. I have said this many times before. Strict laws must be imposed. They made a reference to a law that is in the Majlis. These must be definitely followed up. I will discuss this matter [with the relevant authorities], but make sure you follow up on it yourselves as well. A man who creates an unsafe environment for his wife, both within and outside the confines of their home, should be severely punished. This is one issue.
One of the issues is about working in society and managerial positions, which some women have asked me about. Gender does not matter in this case either. There are no limits to the presence of women in various managerial positions, or in various positions in society and the government. Consider, for example, that the US had required one of our neighboring countries to fill 25 percent of their offices with female employees. They made it mandatory, by force. That’s wrong. Why 25 percent? Why not 35 percent or 20 percent? Determining a number or a percentage here makes no sense. The criteria in this case should be the meritocracy. There may be a place where an educated, experienced, capable woman is better suited for a ministry than a man who is a candidate for the same position there, for example. [In this case,] the woman should become the minister.
It is the same in the case of the representatives in the Majlis. Suppose that one or two representatives to the Majlis are needed in a certain city, and one or two women and one or two men have signed up as candidates. Which one is more suitable? Their merits need to be assessed. Neither gender is preferred over the other. There are no limits or any restrictions in these areas either. This is what Islam tells us. People’s merits need to be taken into consideration.
Of course, a woman can be employed in these jobs, but these jobs should not deprive her from the important, essential job of looking after her household and having children. In some occupations, such as medicine, the presence of women is wajib kifai [a religious obligation that addresses no specific person and if it is performed by some duty-bound (mukallaf) Muslims, the others will no longer held accountable]. It is wajib [religiously obligatory] to have female doctors, so it is important for women to pursue medical training until there is an adequate number of female physicians. Teaching is also another example of wajib kifai for women [it is obligatory to have an adequate number of women teachers]. Now sometimes this obligation may clash with managing a household, having children, or the resting periods and breaks that a housewife needs. Similarly, a woman's work hours may interfere with her ability to attend to the work at home.
If there is a conflict in these cases, it is the duty of the country’s officials to think about this. The number of these professionals should increase to the point where if a teacher is required to go to school five days a week, for instance, she should be able to go only four days without there being any lacks. Another teacher should be readily available to substitute for her. It should be the same for medical practitioners. Therefore, in professions, managerial positions, fundamental jobs, and jobs that are wajib kifai for women [the presence of an adequate number of women is obligatory], there should be no limitations. If a conflict arises between a woman's work at home and her professional duties, this should be managed in a way that ensures both areas are taken care of.
Although, in my opinion, these two do not conflict with each other. I know women who have successfully balanced demanding social roles — whether it be academic or non-academic jobs — while also raising several children, and they managed to do both very well. Hence, these two tasks do not conflict with each other.
There are two important points according to Islam’s view. Women are free to be active in all fields, such as being active in society and politics, etc. However, this should take place while remembering two important points, which Islam is sensitive about. The first is the issue of the family, which I mentioned. The second is the potential dangers associated with sexual attraction. The danger of sexual attraction! Islam is sensitive about this. Islam forbids us from preparing the environment and atmosphere in such a way that it will be a place for going astray due to sexual attraction — which is one of the most dangerous areas where one may go astray. Because this can lead to problems for both women and men. We need to be vigilant about this, and this is where hijab comes into play.
The issue of hijab is one of the things that can limit the danger of sexual attraction. That is why Islam emphasizes the issue of hijab. The issue of hijab is mentioned in two places in Surah Al-Ahzab, “When you ask [his] womenfolk for something, do so from behind a curtain” (Quran 33:53). Those who went to the Prophet's house, for example, let's say they were guests and they wanted to receive some food, it wasn’t right for them to come face to face with the Prophet's wife. Rather, [they were to take the food] from behind a curtain. That is, this has been taken into consideration. This same meaning is also seen in another verse of Surah Al-Ahzab.
Therefore, these two concerns need to be taken into account: The issue of hijab should be observed in the true sense of the word, and the issue of the family, a woman’s presence in her home, and her role as a mother, which is the most important role, should be taken into account. Perhaps I can say that “motherhood” is the most important role in the world of creation. This is because without motherhood, without the birth of children, and without pregnancies and breastfeeding, the human race would cease to exist. Therefore, “motherhood” is the most important role in the world of creation and in the realm of human’s material existence. Islam places importance on this. I also encourage you to give importance to this matter and to pursue it. And the same applies to the point I mentioned earlier about sexual attraction.
Many of the tasks at home should be performed based on a mutual understanding. Some people think that working in the home is a woman's duty. No, working in the home is definitely not a woman's duty. It is not a woman's duty to cook food, wash clothes, or clean. Men and women must come to an understanding with each other. Now, fortunately, some men do these things. They work in the home and help their wives. They take care of some of the household chores. In any case, everyone should know that this is not a woman's duty.
Islamic sources emphasize that the age for getting married should not go up very much and that young people should marry earlier to prevent the dangers posed by sexual attraction. However, this does not mean the marriage of children, which is now being talked about. Rather, Islam promotes marriage at the appropriate time for adolescents, young people, men, women, girls, and boys as it is beneficial not only for themselves but also for society. Therefore, when considering the issue of hijab, it should not be viewed as a means for restricting women. It is not a means for deprivation. On the contrary, hijab is actually a blessing that brings security, safety, and protection.
Now in the Islamic Republic, although we have not yet been able to become “Islamic” in the true sense of the word — I have said this many times that it is only partially Islamic — at the same time, you see that women’s accomplishments in the Islamic Republic are incomparable to before. They have made progress in science, in research, in social activities, in the arts, and in sports, among other things. We have so many female scientists, university professors, scholars, and authors in different kinds of writing, including practical writing, artistic writing, fiction writing, poetry writing, and the like.
Before the Revolution, we did not have even a tenth of what we have today. I was present in the environment of the society and am aware of what it was like. Praise God, thanks to Islam, the country is rich in these fields today. This is despite the fact that the Islamic Republic is still a partially Islamic country, as I mentioned earlier, and we have not yet been able to implement Islam completely. If we succeed in implementing it [in its complete form], these achievements that we have today will be multiplied many times and our situation will greatly improve.
At the end of our session today, I would like to touch on the matter of the elections. With regard to the elections, and I emphasized this matter a few days ago, you ladies and dear women can play a role in the elections. The most important role you can play is inside the home. Mothers can play a role by encouraging their children and their spouses to be active in the elections and to do their research correctly. Women look at issues and find some points more accurately and meticulously than men in some matters that involve recognizing individuals, their strategies, and their ideologies. [Therefore,] you can play a role both inside and outside the home by learning about the election candidates and going to the polling stations.
I am very happy to see you all here today. The meeting took a while, and it is now passed noon. God willing, you will all be successful.
May God’s greetings, mercy, and blessings be upon you.
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