In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
All praise is due to God, Lord of the Worlds, and may peace and greetings be upon our Master and our Prophet, Abul-Qasim al-Mustafa Muhammad, and his untainted, pure, chosen Progeny, particularly the Remnant of God on earth.
I would like to congratulate you on the birth anniversary of Siddiqah Tahirah [Fatimah Zahra] (pbuh). I am happy that, praise God, this meeting is being held again this year. I believe that this is one of the very good, exceptional meetings that are held in this Hussainiyah. A gathering of this size that’s attended by our honorable women and young girls, with such enthusiasm and remarkable speeches delivered by these esteemed ladies and speakers, is truly a memorable gathering.
Some very good topics were raised. I call on the officials of my office — the review department — right here and now to give serious consideration to the points raised by these women. Some of these issues are related to us — either me or my office. Many other, or most issues, are related to government agencies and similar organizations. We must address the issues that concern us and follow up on the matters related to other agencies.
The discussion “the third model of women," which is a Revolutionary Muslim woman, was addressed. The issue of the family in the social media, which was articulated very precisely, was brought up. There was a discussion on solving the population problem by way of the family institution, which this woman spoke of. She emphasized the issues of population, increasing fertility and birth rates, and some other related matters. Of course, she said that she herself has two children, which isn’t enough. There were discussions concerning the field of art, especially the cinema and Iranian plays that one of the women mentioned here, which are important matters. The topic of facilitating marriage is very significant. It truly is one of our current problems. And the points that this young woman here raised were also very good.
These matters need to be addressed. They are important matters. I had seen Ms. A’ida Sorur here before. That was the same day that she received news of her second son’s martyrdom. We had a meeting here in the Hussainiyah, and I saw her here. I congratulate her on her [unwavering] spirit and offer my condolences for the loss of her children.
I have prepared a few topics here that, God willing, I will discuss as time allows. First, I will talk a little about Lady Siddiqah Kubra [Fatimah Zahra (pbuh)]. Then, I will cover two or three points from an Islamic standpoint regarding the issue of women, which is an important human, global issue today. Finally, I will say a few words about what is currently taking place in the region.
Regarding Fatimah Zahra (pbuh), what I can say is that this noble lady, this young woman, is one of the wonders of creation. If one can comprehend and perceive the dimensions of Fatimah Zahra's existence, one will believe with certainty that she is an astonishing phenomenon in the creation of the universe. That’s how she is. She was a young woman who was martyred in her early youthhood. According to one narration, she was martyred at the age of eighteen, while other narrations mention she was around twenty or twenty-two years old, and so on.
In any case, what has been said about this noble lady by the Prophet and others, is about a 17 or 18-year-old lady. She reached a spiritual level and a status possessing a divine identity and majesty such that her anger is the cause of God's anger, and her satisfaction is the cause of God's satisfaction. This narration has been reported by both Shia and Sunni sources. In Shia texts, it is stated, "Indeed, Allah becomes angry when Fatimah is angered and is pleased when Fatimah is pleased" (Al-Amaali, session 61, 384). This phrase is in our books.
In Sunni texts, there is the same narration where the Prophet addresses Fatimah Zahra and says, "O Fatimah! Indeed, Allah becomes angry when you are angered and is pleased when you are pleased" (Usd al-Ghabah, 6: 224). God is pleased when you are pleased, and God becomes angry when you become angry. This is quite extraordinary! We aren’t saying this exalted servant becomes angry whenever God is angry. No, it’s the opposite. Whenever she becomes angry, God becomes angry as well. Look at this greatness!
Fatimah Zahra (pbuh) consoled the Prophet in times of hardship, was the companion of the Commander of the Faithful [Imam Ali (pbuh)] in jihad, was an awe-inspiring worshipper in the eyes of the angels, and was a master orator in politics delivering articulate, eloquent, fiery speeches. Fatimah Zahra’s sermons, both those delivered in the mosque to the Muhajir and the Ansar, and those spoken for the women of Medina, encompasses politics, Islamic understanding, complaints, and praises. They contain everything. They’re extraordinary and are expressed in the finest, most eloquent words, much like the sermons found in the Nahj al-Balaghah.
She was the educator of Imam Hasan, Hussain ibn Ali, and Zainab (pbut). You see, when these qualities are placed side by side, they truly reveal a magnificent wonder of the universe to us. Her childhood serves as a model, her youthhood is a model, her marriage is a model, and her entire life serves as a model. All of these aspects are the highest models that show the pinnacle of a Muslim woman. She is a peak, and Islam invites women to aspire to this peak. It’s true that not everyone can reach that peak, but they can strive toward it.
Furthermore, this is the most beautiful, eloquent, expressive statements about the model of a Muslim woman, which these women have now termed “the third model." Fatimah Zahra is a role model. These were a few words about Hazrat Siddiqah Tahirah (pbuh).
As for the topic of women, well this is an issue that various aspects of it are addressed throughout the world today. Every organization in every part of the world engages in discussions about women based on their own motives and biases. Global capitalists and global politicians, who depend on those capitalists, intervene in the topic of women just as they do in all aspects of people’s lifestyle.
Both today and in the past, politicians and capitalists around the world — the very ones who were the source of colonialism in the world — interfere in every issue concerning human beings’ lifestyle. They have the media at their disposal. [That is,] the most influential media in the world are in their hands and they know the language of the media.
The motive and reason for the involvement of capitalists and colonizers in the issue of women isn’t due to a theoretical or philosophical view. It’s not that they have a philosophical theory about women they want to promote. No, that’s not the case. It’s not a humanitarian concern either. It’s not that they feel women are vulnerable in certain matters in the world and so they want to support them due to their stirring human emotions. That’s not the case either.
Nor is it about carrying out a social or civic duty. These aren’t the motivations behind the interference of politicians and capitalists. What is their goal? Their true goal is political and colonial intrusion. They intervene to lay the groundwork and provide cover for further encroachment, greater interference, and the expansion of their sphere of influence. This motive, which is actually a criminal, corrupt motive, is hidden behind a philosophical guise, a theoretical guise, and a humanitarian appearance. This is the dishonesty of the West. It’s the dishonesty of the Western capitalists who dominate the world today. This dishonesty has been observed in various matters. We have seen this dishonesty, this lying, and this hypocrisy in the actions of Western political and economic figures.
An example of this is how about a century ago, they raised the issue of women's freedom and financial independence proclaiming that women should have financial independence and freedom. The idea looked good on the surface, but what was the underlying reality? The reality was that their factories needed workers. Since there weren't enough male workers, they wanted to hire women to be their laborers and pay them less than men. This was the underlying reality.
This was something that mainly took place in Europe and in Western societies. It wasn’t exclusive to America. They concealed it under the guise and cover of it being a humanitarian move and proclaimed that women should have financial independence, freedom, the ability to leave the house, and the opportunity to work. In other words, people also witnessed this dishonesty there as well.
Another example — which isn’t related to the issue of women, though — is the matter of freeing slaves in the US. Around the year 1860 in the late nineteenth century, Americans were led by Abraham Lincoln, who was the US President back then and a member of the Republican Party, in advocating the freedom of slaves. In appearances they were saying that the slaves should be freed. They even helped smuggle slaves from the South to the North of the US, because the North and the South were at war. However, this wasn’t the underlying reality of the issue.
The underlying reality was that the Southerners were very good at agriculture. There were farmlands there, and slaves worked on those lands for free. They were slaves who were given only enough to just survive. The people in the North had just started up industries and were in need of laborers. There weren't enough workers available, so they wanted to use these slaves as laborers in their factories. The way to do this was by telling them, "You’re free! Come here work in our factories!" In reality, they were pulled from being slaves in agriculture to being slaves in the factories. This was the underlying reality. This is the West’s dishonesty.
It’s the same today. In the current global turmoil surrounding women, the issues of feminism, and women's rights, women's freedom and women's rights are merely something they advocate in appearances. Behind these issues are policies and unhealthy motives. Now, regarding what those motives are, we know some of them today but others will be revealed and discovered later.
Nonetheless, their motivation is not a human or humanitarian goal. This dishonesty exists even today. The motivations are purely political and colonial in nature and are a means for gaining influence. However, further discussion on this topic is not related to our current meeting.
Well, we are now faced with this situation in the world where some people discuss the important issue of "women," but they lack sincerity in their dialogue. As Muslims, we want to talk about the issue of "women," discuss it, present our logic, establish that logic among ourselves, and act in accordance with that logic. This is our duty, and this must be done today. Of course, it should have been done from the very beginning of the Revolution. Much work has already been done, but we need to complete the work and perfect it. I will discuss a few points on this topic.
If we wish to create a charter based on the Islamic viewpoint regarding women, I believe the first topic that should be addressed in this charter is the issue of "marriage." What do I mean? I mean that women and men together are a couple. They complete each other and were created for one another. This is clearly stated in the Quran, " Allah has made mates for you from among yourselves" (16:72). When it’s said, "… made for you," this isn’t directed solely toward men. It’s addressing humanity as a whole both women and men. " Allah has made mates for you from among yourselves." [This is saying,] “O people! God has provided you with partners from your own kind.”
Now, the term "mate" is not just used to refer to a man. In the Quran, the word "mate” is used for both men and women. I have also made a note of the verse where "mate" is used to refer to a woman, "O Adam, dwell with your mate in Paradise" (2:35). The word "mate" here refers to his wife, the female partner. In another place, the Quran says, " Allah has certainly heard the speech of her who pleads with you about her mate" (58:1). Here, "mate" is used to refer to a man. Therefore, it’s saying, “We created a mate for you of your own kind.” Of course, I should also mention as a side note that this is not exclusive to human beings either. This is a discussion that should be pursued by those who are qualified to do so.
In Islam, according to Islam’s viewpoint, the foundation of creation, human history, and the history of the world are based on harmony, marriage, and union. It’s precisely the opposite of what exists in the dialectics of Hegel, Marx, and others like them who consider the foundation of the world to be based on opposites. They say that one entity comes into existence, and its opposite comes into existence. From this conflict, a third entity arises, which in turn has an opposite that comes into existence, and so on. They believe this is how history unfolds.
Islam, contrary to them, says that an object comes into existence, and then another object is created to accompany and be in union with it. From this accompanying, union, and partnership a third object emerges and history unfolds in this manner. Of course, I mentioned that this should be pondered over by experts in the field. They need to delve into this, look at the information, and follow it up to see where it goes. It’s an important matter.
So regarding human beings, Almighty God created men and women in pairs. That is, they complete each other. The meaning of being a pair and the necessity of being a pair is to form a unit. Otherwise, it isn’t truly a pair. If two units come together, unite, and form a union, a third unit is created, which is the family. In other words, the issue of family has this kind of Islamic intellectual basis. The family is a divine tradition, a tradition of creation.
If a man and a woman simply greet one another or just pass by each other, this doesn’t mean they are a couple. Being a couple means forming a third unit, a family. That’s what being a couple means. Of course, both Islam and Iranian culture emphasize the importance of the family. Fortunately, in Iran, the traditional Iranian family is one of the most important signs of the strength and depth of the Iranian nation’s culture. Therefore, the first principle of the Islamic charter is about the formation of a family, the issue of couples, and the issue of men and women completing each other. They complete each other.
The second point is that this couple, these two individuals, have no difference in their ability to achieve hayat tayyibah (good life), which is the goal of human creation. Neither the woman nor the man has superiority over the other. Of course, people are not all the same. Among women and among men, some have greater abilities and others have less abilities. But between women and men, there is no difference in achieving a good life based on their gender. This is also mentioned in the Quran, "Whoever acts righteously, [whether] male or female, and is a believer, to him We will give a good life" (16:97). If women and men perform righteous deeds and have faith, they are equal. This is stated in Surah Al-Nahl.
Or in a noble verse in Surah Al-Ahzab, which I have recited many times in meetings with women, [it states], "Indeed the Muslim men and the Muslim women, the faithful men and the faithful women, the obedient men and the obedient women, the truthful men and the truthful women, the patient men and the patient women, the humble men and the humble women, the charitable men and the charitable women, the men who fast and the women who fast, the men who guard their private parts and the women who do so, the men who remember Allah much and the women who do so …" (33:35). There are ten qualities attributed to both women and men in the spiritual movement toward God, a good life, and human excellence in the divine realms and the high worlds of spirituality and monotheism. There is absolutely no difference [between women and men] in this. This is another principle that should be included in this charter.
The next issue is that although there are physical differences between men and women in their appearance — one is taller and has a deeper voice — they both possess infinite potential in terms of their intellectual and spiritual capabilities and aren’t different from each other in this. In other words, both men and women can compete in the field of science. It isn’t the case that men are more knowledgeable than women. No, there have been noble, distinguished women throughout history who have held prominent positions in the field of science.
Of course, this is hundreds of times more now in both universities and in Islamic seminaries. In terms of science; art; intellectual and practical innovations; social, intellectual, and political impact; and economic activities; these capabilities exist in both genders. Therefore, women can and must enter these fields in some cases. They can enter these fields, and, in certain areas, it is necessary and obligatory for them to do so. This includes politics, economics, international issues, scientific matters, as well as cultural and artistic fields — everywhere. This is also a topic that is definitely present in the Islamic charter on women.
The next topic is about the fact that women and men have different roles in the family environment. However, this doesn’t imply superiority. For example, the man is responsible for the family’s expenses. This doesn’t indicate superiority. Childbearing is the responsibility of the woman. This doesn’t indicate superiority either. Each of these is a merit; merits that both women and men possess. The rights of women and men aren’t determined based on these roles. They have equal rights.
This is also mentioned in the Quran, "Wives have rights similar to the obligations that are upon them" (2:228). The rights of men and women in a family are equal. So, if we look at the family from a legal standpoint, there are two individuals living together who are equal in terms of the law and who complete each other. Of course, women possess certain emotional characteristics. Regarding women, the Prophet (pbuh) said, "A woman is a fragrant flower and not a maidservant" (Al-Kafi, 5: 510).
A woman should be treated like a flower in the home. A flower needs to be cared for. It needs to be taken care of in order to stay fresh. Its freshness and sweet scent should be benefited from and used to perfume the air. This is in terms of her emotions. [But] in terms of the law, they are equal. This is another point in the charter.
Another point in this charter is that men and women have certain restrictions in their social interactions. This is a point that Islam emphasizes. Of course, the kind of unrestrained behavior that exists in the West today has not always existed. It's a recent phenomenon, starting perhaps two or three centuries ago.
When one reads certain books, especially some novels about the 18th and 19th centuries, and reads the descriptions of European women in them, one sees that there were many considerations that no longer exist in the West today. Islam emphasizes these considerations, including matters such as hijab, modesty, and where a person looks. This is another point that should be included in this charter.
One very important issue is the spiritual value of motherhood. Motherhood is an honor. Today, I see some people, following the policies I previously mentioned — namely the policies of capitalists, colonialists, and the ill-wishers of independent societies, especially our society — portray motherhood in a negative light. If someone says that it’s necessary for families to have children, they’re ridiculed and told, “You just want women for children and childbearing.”
Motherhood is an honor. The effort it takes to nurture a human being, whether inside you or outside, in their early life, enduring the hardships, and raising them as a human being — isn’t that something to be proud of? It’s immensely important and valuable. This is why Islam emphasizes the role of mothers.
Someone asked the Prophet, "Who is it preferable for me to be good to them?" The Prophet answered, "Your mother." The person asked, "And then who?" The Prophet replied, "Your mother." For the third time, he asked, “And then who?” The Prophet replied, "Your mother." He [the Prophet] said this three times! The man asked, "Then who?" and the Prophet said, "Your father” (Al-Kafi, 2: 159). This indicates that the father comes in the fourth place.
In another instance, a man wanted to go to [the battlefield for] jihad. In this particular story and situation, there were sufficient forces available. He said his mother didn’t approve of him going. The Prophet told him to serve his mother and stated that the reward for serving her is greater than that of participating in jihad (Al-Kafi, 2: 160). Of course, I repeat that this is for situations where there are sufficient forces available. This is the importance of motherhood.
There is a narration that states, "Paradise lies beneath the feet of mothers" (Mustadrak al-Wasa’il, 15: 180). The phrase "beneath the feet" is a metaphor and a figurative expression. "Paradise lies beneath the feet of mothers" means that it is easily accessible through her. If you want paradise, go to your mother. She will give paradise to you. Show your love to your mother, be kind to her, serve her, obey her, and respect her. She will give you paradise. This is another point [in this charter].
Now, these are a few points regarding the issue of women and the Islamic viewpoint on women. Of course, if someone were to prepare this charter, it may include thirty or forty important articles, some of which I have mentioned.
In our country, based on this perspective, we have fortunately witnessed a growth in pious, knowledgeable, active women from the beginning of the Revolution until today. Even in the last stages of the battle, in those final months or final year, women’s participation was a crucial factor. Thus, Imam Khomeini (may God be pleased with him) didn’t back down whatsoever.
There were some who opposed the presence of women in the rallies, but Imam firmly rejected such a way of thinking, that viewpoint, and that opinion. The presence of women was effective; it was truly effective. When women came to the streets, men felt compelled to come out too, even those who were indifferent. When women got involved, their husbands and children felt they had a duty to participate. In a sense, women were the cause of the victory of the Revolution.
After the victory of the Revolution and the establishment of the Islamic Republic, women have entered various fields. Now, these women raised some points here, which were very dignified and precise reflecting profound, mature thought. Among the people gathered here, there are certainly hundreds or more of other such intellectuals present. [Likewise,] there is definitely a large population of women in the country who excel in scientific, intellectual, innovative, scholarly pursuits. This shows that work has been done. Iranian women have been able to protect the identity and culture of the country. They have been able to preserve the historical, authentic traditions of the nation with their dignity, modesty, and decorum.
Women entered universities, were active in politics, and participated in international activities, but they weren’t corrupted. This is very significant. They were not affected by the afflictions that we see today in many Western countries, where women are facing such problems. Iranian women have moved forward in this way until today, and, God willing, they will continue to do so in the future. Our women have shone in major events. They shone in the war, they shone in the Defense of the Shrine, they shone in political struggles, they shone in research centers, and also in universities and Islamic seminaries.
Those days when I was in the Islamic seminary, I don’t remember any woman reaching the level of ijtihad [jurisprudential reasoning based on Islamic laws]. But today, there are fortunately many women who are mujtahids and have attained the level of jurisprudential reasoning. I even believe that in many issues concerning women, which men don’t accurately understand, women should follow female mujtahids. Therefore, the progress made by the women in our country since the Revolution has been remarkable. We’ve never had this many female scientists, university professors, poets, authors, or artists. These women are religious too. Fortunately, we have all of this today.
But we need to note that the enemy isn’t sitting idly either. The enemy is also busy devising plots. The enemies of the Islamic Republic quickly realized that they couldn’t defeat the Revolution using hard power. [So], they turned to using methods of soft power. They realized that through war, bombings, using troublemakers, inciting ethnic divisions, and other such actions, they cannot bring Islamic Iran to its knees. So, they turned to using methods of soft warfare.
Soft warfare includes using propaganda, temptations, and the dishonesty that one sees exists in their slogans. They label their actions as being defense of women, the female community, a particular group of women, or as defending one woman. They create riots in a country under the guise of defending a woman. They use methods of soft warfare. Our daughters, women, professors, students, and all the women in our society must realize they have a duty in this regard.
One woman just said here that [the hadith saying] "Whoever wakes in the morning without being concerned about the affairs of Muslims isn’t a Muslim" (Ilal al-Shara’i, 131) isn’t only about men and it applies to women too. It’s completely correct. One of the affairs of the Muslims that we must be concerned about includes these temptations, insidious tactics, and the enemy's soft methods and soft warfare to cause deviation from values, particularly in issues related to women. You need to be aware of this. These were a few things about women.
I would like to share a few words with you about the region. In the region, considering what’s happened in Syria, the crimes being committed by the Zionist regime, the crimes being committed by the US, and the assistance that some others are giving, they thought the Resistance is over. They are gravely mistaken. The spirit of Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah is alive. The spirit of Sinwar is alive.
The martyrdom of these people doesn’t mean they no longer exist. Their bodies have departed, but their spirits remain, their ideas endure, and their path continues. You can see that Gaza is being attacked daily, and people are being martyred every day! Yet, they are standing firmly, and they continue to resist. Lebanon is resisting. Of course, the Zionist regime imagines it’s preparing itself by way of Syria to surround and eliminate Hezbollah forces. However, the one that will be uprooted is Israel.
We stand with the Palestinian fighters and the Hezbollah mujahideen who fight on the path of God. We support them and will help them in any way we can. We are hopeful that, God willing, they will see the day when the malevolent Zionist enemy is trampled under their feet.
May God’s greetings, mercy, and blessings be upon you.
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