Khamenei.ir

Hijab provides security for men and women

In order to prevent the mingling of the sexes and preserve ethical boundaries, Islam has obligated women to observe modest dressing (hijab). Hijab is a means of providing security: by observing hijab, Muslim women provide security both for themselves and for Muslim men. Wherever hijab is taken away from women, wherever they push women towards bareness and nudity, security is taken away primarily from women and secondarily from men and the youth. To preserve a healthy and secure environment wherein women can pursue their tasks and men can carry out their responsibilities, Islam has set hijab as an obligation: hijab is an outstanding obligation by Islam and its advantages are as I described.

Is observing hijab and chastity only obligatory for women?

Islam has set certain limits [in the arena of social activities] which do not pertain to women needing permission to take part in activities. Rather, it is pertains to the mingling of men and women—which is a sensitive issue in Islam. Islam believes that men and women—wherever they are, on the streets, at office, or business places—must observe certain limits between themselves. There is a limit, and a buffer defined between Muslim men and women. Relationships between men and women, are not like relationships among men, or among women [in unisex settings]. This has to be respected, by both men and women. If this sensitivity demanded by Islam regarding the relationships between men and women is properly observed, women can do any type of activities that men can do in the society, if they are physically able, have the time, and want to do them... In order to provide them with a safe and healthy environment, where women can perform their activities in the society, and men can fulfill their responsibilities, Islam has defined Hijab, and it is one of the remarkable laws of Islam.

Excerpt from statements made during the Friday prayer sermon in Tehran

Statements made during a meeting with the officials of the Ministry of Health and deans of universities of Medical Sciencies

Islam does not prevent women from economic and social activities

It is wrong to assume, we should prevent women from partaking in economic and social activities with reference to Islam. Islam has not prescribed such a thing. However, Islam has not recommended imposing hard works, tough businesses, social and political tasks on women, either. Islam has adopted a moderate viewpoint; that is to say, if women have the opportunity and the time, and if it does not prevent them from bringing up their children, if they are enthusiastic and eager and have the physical strength and energy and if they are willing to take part in social, political and economic activities, they should not be prevented. But if they are forced to take a job and work certain hours per day so that they can have a share in covering the household expenses, this is not what Islam has asked women. Islam considers this as a form of imposition on women.

What are the features of the Abrahamic Hajj?

Leader's Hajj Message

Who is Imam Ali? The ruler whose kindness and generosity are acknowledged by Muslims and non-Muslims

Who was the one who coupled politics and morals? Which ruler never used even the slightest portion of state property for himself and would secretly give food for poor families at nights?

Imam of the time is present among the people

Believing in Imam of the time [Imam Mahdi (a.s.)] helps the people not to succumb [to evil]; provided that they fully comprehend this belief. When this belief is truly placed in hearts, his presence is felt among the people. The sacred, beloved and infallible Imam-- the hub of the universe, the refuge for the entire creation-- is present; even though he is in occultation and has not reappeared. How is it possible to think he is not present? The devout believers will feel his presence in their hearts, via all their emotions and senses. Those individuals who pray and supplicate to God, read the Nodbeh supplication with attention, and recite the Ziarat of Aale-Yassin understand what they say. They feel the presence of this great person; even if he has not yet reappeared. His absence does not affect the feeling that he is present. He has not reappeared; but he is present in the hearts and among the people. How is it possible to believe he is not present? A true Shia is someone who feels this presence, and feels himself before him. This gives vitality and enthusiasm to a person. This great nation—above all— needs this hope. The nation-- who fights in the path of God and for the sake of magnificence of Islam, and has become a pride for the whole of history and history of Islam, in particular, and has raised the flag of Islam in our era—needs this bright hope, more than anything else. This belief provides the hope for them.

Two effects among the great effects of believing in Mahdawiyyah

On the matter of the birth anniversary of his excellency [Imam Mahdi], and the belief in this truth, if one investigates and searches in two directions or areas, they will notice great results: Firstly, in the spiritual and mental aspect with regard to closeness to God and individual development of humans. The person who believes in this cause-since they build spiritual relation with the center of divine blessings, the pivotal point and core of God's mercy, will have a better opportunity for enjoying the means of spiritual development and closeness to God. That is why, the people of wisdom, in their spiritual supplication, constantly consider him and give special attention to his excellency. Spiritual bond, remembrance, and attention to the manifestation of God’s mercy, power and justice will itself lead humans to growth and elevation, and provides them with the means of progress in spirituality and wisdom. The second aspect is in the social and public life and what relates to the collective fate of nations and humanity. In this arena, believing in Imam Mahdi (a.s.) and his reappearance represents a great resource from which nations can benefit a lot. Imagine a ship in a stormy sea. If the people aboard the ship believe that there is no land around their ship within thousands of miles, and they have limited food and water reserves and limited means for movement, what would they do? Can you imagine that they would take any actions at all to move the ship forward? No! Because they think their death is inevitable, they have no hope to take any measures.

The birth of Imam Mahdi (a.s.) is an Eid for all the mankind

The birth anniversary of the promised Imam Mahdi (a.s.) is a true Eid for all the humans; for all those who underwent a suffering, oppression; those whose hearts have been broken; who have wept; who have waited, or have endured hardships during their life-- anywhere on the Earth, or at any point of history. All of those people have felt hopeful, happy and enthusiastic on this day, and in hope for this day. This great birth and important fact does not belong to a single nation or time. It belongs to the entire humanity. It represents a covenant between God and humans: “Peace be upon you, O the covenant of Allah, which He took it and He fastened it [Ziarat of Aale Yassin].” It represents God’s guaranteed promise: “Peace be upon you, O the promise of Allah which He guaranteed it [Aale Yassin Ziarat].” All humans throughout history have felt the spiritual and heartfelt quest for this great and extraordinary phenomenon. Because the history, since the beginning till today, and since today till the world's glowing sun rises [till Imam Mahdi (a.s.) reappears] has been filled with evil and oppression. All those who have suffered from oppression and those who witnessed the sufferings of others and were heartbroken upon it, will feel hope in their hearts by remembering the birth anniversary of the great redeemer of history and humanity.

Believing in Imam Mahdi (a.s.) gives one vitality and enthusiasm

Hope will lead the people to endure, to open up the path ahead and advance. When you are told to await, it means the present sufferings are not going to last forever. You see, how this makes one enthusiastic and hopeful? This is the effect of believing in the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (God’s peace and mercy be upon him and our souls be sacrificed for him). This is the effect of the belief in the Promised Mahdi (a.s.). This belief has helped the Shia over many years to surpass all the obstacles so today, thanks be to God, the flag of dignity of Islam and the Quran is in your hands—the Muslims and [particularly] Shias of Iran. Wherever this belief exists, the same hope and fighting exist, too.

A selection of statements while meeting with a group of clergymen

By rejecting Hijab, shocking statistics on violence against women have not declined

In the West, including the United States, where they endlessly talk about equality of rights for men and women, there are horrendous statistics of violence against women, and of using them in different settings. So the issues concerning women are not resolved by the solutions provided by the West, and by rejecting Hijab and religious constraints, these problems worsen. On the other hand, Islam endeavors to create a healthy environment based on reason and thought, where the weak would not be dominated... Contrary to the West's rants about Hijab as something that limits the rights and liberties of women, Hijab has nothing to do with [suppressing] the rights and liberties of women. Hijab is a must for men and women that has to be observed by each in a certain way. Because by removing Hijab, women would face the same fate that has afflicted women in Western environments through abusing them. Islam's approach to Hijab is a very wise approach. Hijab is relevant in the limits of personal lives of men and women, and in this regard, Chador, while not proven essential, is considered to be the best Hijab. Sacred Islamic laws have defined the limits of Hijab that must be respected, without having to fall for the extremes.

By preventing hijab in the West, has the rate of violence against women increased or decreased?

In the West, including the United States, where they endlessly talk about equality of rights for men and women, there are horrendous statistics of violence against women, and of using them in different settings. So the issues concerning women are not resolved by the solutions provided by the West, and by rejecting Hijab and religious constraints, these problems worsen. On the other hand, Islam endeavors to create a healthy environment based on reason and thought, where the weak would not be dominated... Contrary to the West's rants about Hijab as something that limits the rights and liberties of women, Hijab has nothing to do with [suppressing] the rights and liberties of women. Hijab is a must for men and women that has to be observed by each in a certain way. Because by removing Hijab, women would face the same fate that has afflicted women in Western environments through abusing them. Islam's approach to Hijab is a very wise approach. Hijab is relevant in the limits of personal lives of men and women, and in this regard, Chador, while not proven essential, is considered to be the best Hijab. Sacred Islamic laws have defined the limits of Hijab that must be respected, without having to fall for the extremes.

An excerpt of statements made in meeting with a group of students

Why did the Pahlavi and Qajar regimes confront the clergy?

One of the most important tasks given to Reza Khan was to divest the clergy of any influence with the intention of destroying religion. So, once he took power in 1934 and 1935 he began to dismantle the clergy’s influence. Reza Khan adopted a coercive manner. He assumed he could carry out his work with coercion. He banned wearing a turban and the long robe, as well as clergy titles and seminaries. He devastated—as he thought—the seminaries of Qom and Mashhad, as much as possible. Of course, he could not. Our dear Imam Khomeini was one of the seminary students of that era, the time when the clergy was supposed to completely collapse, due to Reza Khan’s pressures and repressions. But not only the clergy did persisted, but also people like the magnanimous Imam Khomeini emerged among them. The Reza Khan's dynasty did not comprise of only Reza Khan. There were also some of the so-called scholars, thinkers and ideologists of the Reza Khani system who would plan and suggest ideas. When they saw that the pressures did not work, they developed a new plan with the Reza Khan’s money, support and Command and Policy Organization. The plan included the establishment of an institute named "Wa'z wa Khataba" in Tehran. Unfortunately, the young generation are not familiar with these facts. The establishment of "Wa'z wa Khataba" [literally: preaching and sermons] dates back to 1937 and 1938-- two or three years after the beginning of opposing the clergy. The institute was founded so that anyone who wanted to remain a clergyman could remain a clergyman only if they were under the supervision of this institute, which was affiliated to Reza Khan! In other words, they only wanted clergymen who would comply with Reza Khan and serve the policies of the arrogant power.

Statements made during a meeting with the People of Sari

A selection of statements during a meeting with a number of the Army’s staff and commanders

An excerpt of statements made during a Dars-e-Kharej seminary lecture

Reza Khan was a rowdy lout

If you see that all respectful Iranian people are opposed to Reza Khan, it is because Reza Khan was a rowdy lout absolutely ignorant and unperceptive of religion. He grew up in an uneducated, rowdy family, unfamiliar with religious teachings, and when he grew up, he roamed about in cafes and bars with louts. Reza Khan was not familiar with religion at all. He was potentially ready to counter the religion—with the purpose of obliterating it. There are some mistrustful and distasteful individuals who sometimes praise, for instance the construction works done during the reign of Reza Khan, saying he developed railways and established security! They should ask whether the construction of the railway and the establishment of security were for the good of the people or foreign powers?! Who benefited from these so-called construction projects? In fact, Reza Khan was an agent that the British appointed to put an end to the religious system in Iran. For the same reason, in 1935 Reza Khan prohibited wearing a turban and banned the presence of clerics in the society, disrupted the seminary system and forced the clergy to remain at their homes.

Statements made during the sixth anniversary of the passing away of Imam Khomeini (r.a.)

Statements made during a meeting with a group of clerics

The west is in search of a lost treasure whose ultimate value is hidden in Ashura

One of our own Iranian thinkers had said—I heard that the person passed away— that "today the West is looking for figures like Sheikh Ansari and Mulla Sadra." Their life, spirituality and values attract western figures and western thinkers today. The source of all these treasures of truths and values is Islamic knowledge, and at the peak of this treasure of knowledge, is the knowledge of Ashura.

We are praying sincerely for the Afghan people: Imam Khamenei

Following the murderous attack by Takfiri groups on Kabul University on November 2, 2020, which resulted in the death of a number of Afghan students, Khamenei.ir is publishing a portion of Imam Khamenei's statements in meeting with Afghan diplomats in 1995 about the friendship between the Iranian and Afghan nations.

An excerpt of statements made during a Friday prayer sermon

Reza Khan perpetrated the extension of the D'Arcy Concession for 60 years

In the final years of the frail Qajar reign, the British wanted someone to eliminate those who rebelled in different corners of Iran. In order to prevent the threatening of their interests, they needed a thug, a bully who would at the same time comply with them. They came up with Reza Khan; they trained him and prepared him for what they wanted. First, he was a commander of the army and the prime minister, and then he was appointed as the king and the head of Iran! Only a few years after Reza Khan had come to power by the British, he started thinking he could ask them for more money in return for oil. Of course, his submission to the British did not cease; however, every servant might, at times, consider asking his master for more money! His hounding temperament incited him to adopt a bulling manner towards the D'Arcy Concession, which still had thirty years to end. He entered a meeting of regime officials and put the D'Arcy Concession in the fireplace and burned it! When he was told that "thirty years remained of the validity of the contract”, he said: "What sort of a contract is this? They must give us more money for oil." And, who was the other party of the contract? A British company! Once Reza Khan did this to the D'Arcy Concession, the British government reacted and made a lot of fuss. Eventually, the British defeated Reza Khan and made the contract last for another sixty years, which originally had only thirty years left of its validity. That is, he signed another agreement with the British. This was what the British did with respect to Iran's oil, from Qajar to the end of Reza Khan's rule.

A selected collection of statements made during a meeting with artists and cinema experts

Jesus Christ called on people to follow the path of God and Prosperity

Jesus Christ called on people to follow the path of God which is the path of prosperity for human beings. And he warned people against pursuing carnal desires and undermining their spiritual purity through engaging in evil deeds and oppressing others. The corrupt and bullying powers that are dependent on wealth and power persecuted that divine prophet and leveled insults against him. They even tried to take his life. And when God saved the life of Jesus Christ, these powers inflicted several years of horrible torture on the disciples and followers of Jesus Christ. They were trying to put an end to the teachings of Jesus Christ which were against corruption, oppression, polytheism, causing war, deceiving people, and pursuing carnal desires. Those corrupt and oppressive powers who pursued carnal desires, caused wars against people, and deceived them could not tolerate the existence of divine faiths and prophets and those who followed the path of God. Today, too, those kinds of powers would not tolerate the servants of God and the followers of the divine religions or truth seekers. Following Jesus Christ (peace be upon him) requires supporting the truth and abhorring the powers against the truth; hopefully Christians and Muslims anywhere in the world, will keep alive in their life and deeds this great lesson taught by Jesus Christ.

Excerpts from statements made during a meeting with a group of nurses