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Parents and Moral Awareness


Article 3, Volume 25, Number 309, Autumn 2013, Page 10-11
Document Type: Family
Abstract
Islam has followed the way of moral awareness forming knowledge with noble human values and manners, defining the quality of righteous behavior and urging man to follow it while warning him against ill immoral behaviour.
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Parents and Moral Awareness Islam has followed the way of moral awareness forming knowledge with noble human values and manners, defining the quality of righteous behavior and urging man to follow it while warning him against ill immoral behaviour. Islam has followed such a way to make sound moral awareness and scientific understanding for each behavior man practices in order that he may know its value, results and reward. So, man must pay great attention to his behavior because it is very important. Verses from the Holy Qur’an, traditions and Muslim directions have followed in succession to emphasize that Islam has taken care of this noble human side and urged the Muslim to adopt it. The Holy Qur’an says: “By the soul and Him who fashioned it, and inspired it with[discernment between] its virtues and vices: one who purifies it is felicitous, and one who betrays it fails.” (Holy Qur’an, Al-Shams:7-10) The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was asked: “Which one of the believers is the best in belief?” He answered: “The best of them is who poses good manners.” Concerning manners, he (PBUH) said the following: “Certainly, patience, truthfulness, clemency and good manners are among the prophets’ characteristics. On the Day of Resurrection, nothing better than good manners will be put in one’s scales.” “Certainly, Allah, be He blessed and Exalted, will give the slave a reward as He will give the Mujahid (warrior) in the way of Allah.” “I have been sent to complete good manners.” Islam has encouraged man to adopt good manners. It has taken care of increasing moral awareness, moral knowledge and directing man towards high human concepts and values. Still, it has warned man of misbehavior, inclining towards vice and moral meanness. Islam has considered misbehavior as corruption against man’s soul, for good manners suit the natural righteousness of man, while bad manners are anti-Islam so; Islam has stressed this fact through the following holy tradition: “He whose manners are bad tortures himself.” That is because an ill-mannered person always lives in psychopath. This condition happens because of the tension between him and his society, for the society turns away from him and refuses his attitudes and maltreatment. Besides this, he is the farthest person from Allah, for Allah, glory be to Him, has perfect attributes. Then, the more perfect the person’s manners are, the more perfect his nearness to Allah will be. The worse his manners are, the further he will be from Allah. Meanwhile, he will be deprived of Allah’s love and mercy. In Islam, good manners are an invitation to perfect the higher side in man, namely, the side of the human qualities that are higher than the emotions and incentives that know nothing but express themselves and do respond to their motives. These emotions and incentives are rash, anger, lust injustice, revenge, selfishness, greed, etc. Allah says: “And those who strive hard in Us, We shall surely guide them in Our ways; and verily Allah is (always) with those who do good.” (Holy Qur’an, Al-Rum:69) “…Verily Allah changes not a people’s lot, until they change what is in themselves….” (Holy Qur’an, Al-Rad:11) Education and self-jihad are so important that Islam regards self-jihad as a stage higher than jihad against the enemy on the battlefields. It was reported from Allah’s Apostle (PBUH) that he sent a brigade for jihad. When they came back, he said to them: “Welcome to the people who have finished the minor jihad, but they will continue the major jihad.” So it was asked from Allah’s Apostle, “what is the major jihad?” he said: “Jihad against self”. For this reason, Islam has made self-education and developing good manners a jihad. Jihad needs readiness, habituating the self, will power, and endurance. All these things raise the self to the level of the Mujahid. The Mujahid who wages holy war against the internal evil disposition and the external, corrupt powers makes efforts to support truth and good. These efforts are equal, in aims, sufferings and results, in waging holy war against the enemies of Allah. So the person who tries to habituate himself to good behavioral education is a Mujahid. He is worthy of success and guidance granted by Allah. Such a Mujahid is loyal in his search for good. Whenever a person goes on jihad, training and educating the self in good behavior, he will be able to build a usual moral power in himself. Such a power becomes fixed with frequent practice. With this power, he will be able to do good and avoid evil easily. This is the Islamic method in building the Muslim character and turns the principles into behavioral attitudes and practical movements. Here are the steps Islam follows to educate the noble moral feelings and perfect those feelings in obtaining virtue with a natural, automatic incentive. 1. Educating the moral conscience (good and evil or internal feelings). Such a conscience helps man to know the good attitudes and follow them. Meanwhile, it helps him to know the evil attitudes and avoid them. There are many factors involved in creating the moral conscience. Some of them are: the idea of punishment and reward, the feeling of extreme guilt while committing vice, and the feelings of happiness and pleasure while doing good and virtuous actions. Islam has made the moral conscience as a mark to distinguish between the believing persons and the unbelieving ones. 2. Islam has founded stable moral values and ideals as clear moral principles in order that the Muslim may confirm to them and regard them as life values, such as justice, mercy, trust and truthfulness. 3. Islam has founded moral prototypes in order that the believing person may follow them. They are the prophets and the apostles. “They are the ones whom We gave the Book, the judgement and prophethood. So if these disbelieve in them, We have certainly entrusted them to a people who will never disbelieve in them.” (Holy Qur’an Al-Anam:89) Thus Islam has made a practical moral code for man in which he will find a unique moral model before him. This human prototype will clarify man’s way towards moral perfection. Adapted from: “Family Life” by: “Aisha Mutuku” Source: rafed.net

Women and Family as Viewed by Imam Ali (AS)


Article 5, Volume 25, Number 309, Autumn 2013, Page 15-16
Document Type: Family
Abstract
Imam Ali (AS), like his exalted matchless divinely guided teacher, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), would hold women in great respect. His Holiness has been quoted thus: “None but the noble respect women and none but the base hold women in contempt.”…
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Women and Family as Viewed by Imam Ali (AS) Compiled by: Hussein Saeedi Translated by: Shiva Mirhassani Imam Ali (AS), like his exalted matchless divinely guided teacher, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), would hold women in great respect. His Holiness has been quoted thus: “None but the noble respect women and none but the base hold women in contempt.” Likewise, Imam Ali (AS) has advised his men not to give any work which is beyond women’s power to them, because [according to Imam Ali (AS)] women like flowers have delicate and fragile bodies and souls. Regarding good women, Imam Ali (AS) has been quoted as saying: “The best of your women are mild, good-tempered and contented ones.” Moreover, Imam Ali (AS) has advised his followers to be kind and well-behaved to their wives and other Mahram (confidant) women, so according to the Imam Ali (AS), those women too, become kind and well-behaved, saying: “Women are entrusted to you by Allah, so mind not to harm them and never to leave them alone in hardships.” Imam Ali (AS) considered ‘family’ to be of great significance, so much so that once His Holiness wrote to a man thus: “Do not suggest divorce at all.” Like Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Imam Ali (AS) would encourage anything which adds to the warmth, pleasantness and strength of the family institution and would likewise discourage any thing which might harm it in any way.” So much so that his learned followers has regarded a man’s having his meals with his wife as a reward-worthy act. Imam Ali (AS) would, on various occasions present illuminating directions and advises to both husbands and wives so their marital life would become a pleasant, flawless and fruitful as possible, and would remind men of the significance of having a good wife with such blessing better than a good wife – the wife upon whose sight the husband feels happy and who when away from her husband, guards her husband’s possessions, reputation and honour. In fact, according to the Infallible Imam, a sympathetic spouse contributes a great deal towards one’s emotional tranquility. It has been narrated that once a man rushed to the Imam complaining about his wife. The Imam (AS) advised the man to be fair, well-behaved, and forgiving towards his wife in all conditions, so their marital life would become a happy one. In fact, Imam Ali (AS) repeatedly asked men to be best husbands for their wives, saying: “The best of you is the one who is best to his wife….” As a matter of fact, Imam Ali (AS) was himself the best of the followers of Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) since his most revered wife, Her Holiness Fatimah(SA) had told her exalted father, Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) that her husband, Imam Ali(AS) , was the best husband. Imam Ali (AS) like Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would advise men to make their appearance nice, neat and pleasant for their wives, to wear clean clothes, to wear perfumes, to brush their teeth, to comb their hair and to take baths as frequently as possible and likewise to make their tongues to their wives soft and pleasant. The Imam has even said that Allah will not regard as just the man who torments his wife through his tongue; by using foul, unpleasant language, and that such a man would be among the first to enter the fire even if he has spent his days in fasting and nights in prayers and given away much in charity. Regarding the Infallible Imam’s (AS) emphasis on men’s duty of supporting their wives here we mention a Hadith from Imam Sadiq(AS): “Imam Ali(AS) would make any man who refused to pay for his wife’s living expenditures fulfill his duty and pat the expenditures for his wife.” As we all know, Imam Ali (AS) as the leader of Islamic society himself lived a very ascetic life, but would not encourage the others to be as ascetic as he himself was and rather would allow the others to let their dependents enjoy some luxuries in life (including gold and silver ornaments for women and children), of course within limits and with the money gained through halal (legitimate) means. As for behaving justly towards wives, there are also numerous Ahadith from the Infallible including from Imam Ali (AS) who was himself an incarnation of justice. The Imam would seriously warn men against any improper suspicion and sensitivity about their wives, saying that unreasonable suspension will push the chaste ones towards impiety and indecent conduct. Following in the footsteps of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Imam Ali (AS) would with the house chores, including baking bread and bringing water a great deal. There are in fact certain Ahadith from these exalted men of God regarding the rewards given by Allah to men who help at home, as well as on the necessity of a man’s keeping the promise he has given his wife, of course in so far as keeping the promise does not involve any sin. As for guidelines on marriage – dowry, here we narrate a Hadith from Imam Ali (AS): “A huge marriage dowry breeds enmity.” From this and other Ahadith in this connection, we can infer Islam aims at happy successful marital lives for all, and thus frowns upon anything which might harm the warm environment of family life. We know that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Imam Ali (AS), Her Holiness Fatimah (SA) and their infallible offspring have advised both husbands and wives to be gentle, considerate and forgiving towards each other. In a number of Ahadith we read that the man or the woman tolerates the bad temper of his or her spouse will receive unlimited rewards from Allah and likewise the harsh, violent and/or inconsiderate spouses will be driven away from Allah’s Mercy. In the same vein, the Infallible(AS) have enjoined parents to love and respect their children and to endeavor to give them good education and training teaching them the Holy Qur’an and Ahadith first and foremost. In various Ahadith, the Infallible (AS), including Imam Ali (AS) have been quoted as saying that “A man’s looking affectionately at his children, his kissing them and making them happy are very reward-worthy acts for him.” Imam Ali (AS) has also enjoined upon parents to keep the promise they give to their children. And last but not the least, we would like to draw the esteemed attention of our dear readers to certain Ahadith from the Infallible lady of the ladies of the worlds, the beloved daughter of Allah’s last and exalted Messenger, the endeared wife of Imam Ali(AS) and the mother of the masters of the youth of Paradise [Imam Hassan(AS) and Imam Hussein(AS) – Her Holiness Fatimah Al-Zahra(SA)]: “A woman’s Jihad (struggle in the way of Allah) is her making the efforts to be a good wife.” “A woman’s most valuable ornament is her Jihad.” “To ignore one’s duties towards one’s parents results in one’s becoming deprived of Allah’s Mercy.” “The best of you – men are those who behave best towards your families.” May Allah make all Muslim families truly happy ones! Amen.

Iran’s Islamic Revolution and Women

Article 2, Volume 25, Number 301, Winter 2012
Document Type: Woman
Abstract
Including half a part of the society’s human force, women posses a particular stance in educating every society’s resources, i.e. children and would-be useful members of society. When a woman, besides educating children and satisfying her husband’s needs…
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Iran’s Islamic Revolution and Women Compiled by: Fatemeh Khazaii Translated by: Ayoob Dehghankar Including half a part of the society’s human force, women posses a particular stance in educating every society’s resources, i.e. children and would-be useful members of society. When a woman, besides educating children and satisfying her husband’s needs, manages to achieve social and scientific fulfillments, she can play a more successful role in children’s education and pedagogy, through relying on her experiences and knowledge. That is why, aiming satisfies all needs of human beings, and Islam attaches a great significance to this sort of progressive society. Iran’s Islamic Revolution can be coped with from different points of view. In this article, however, the status of women has been dealt with. As far as the status of women in Islamic Revolution is concerned, what is worth paying much attention to is that the Islamic Revolution is considered as milestone in women’s political life? It was due to the fact that not only a huge corpus of women played a very active role aiming at fulfilling the goals of the Islamic Revolution, i.e. Independence, Freedom, the Islamic government, but also from this viewpoint that it was since the revolution in 1979 that the women’s awareness of discriminations emerged and also from the viewpoint of their awareness of their impact on political and social revolutions. Women in Society; The Holy Qur’an is the most important source indicating the legitimacy of women’s political rights. In Surah Momtahanah )verse 12(, Qur’an states that: “O Prophet, when the woman believers come to you to express their allegiance to believe no one but God……do accept their allegiance…” Allegiance here is the nations’ commitment and devotion to follow him and not to disobey his orders. In the day of conquering Mecca, the Holy Prophet )PBUH( did receive allegiance from men. Then when women came to submit their allegiance this verse was descended to the Holy Prophet and God ordered him to accept women’s allegiance and expressed its conditions and qualifications. According to some narrations, some followers asked about the qualifications and conditions, and the Holy Prophet answered them totally. Expressing the women’s allegiance in Hudaybiah peace and Mecca conquest indicates that according to Islam, women have this right to accompany men, and express their ideas in political and social affairs, and as far as they can, share the responsibilities. Hossein Shafaee, some phrases on the woman’s status in Qur’an, Siraj, no.1, Fall 1372, p.64. The holy verse *“and for them is equal to what is against them in goodness”* )Baqarah, 228( indicates that for women worthy rights have been considered on the basis of their duties and responsibilities.“When after the knowledge you have received somebody struggled with you, tell them: we submit our children, you submit your children, we submit our wives, you submit your wives, we submit ourselves, you submit your selves, then lets seek for the truth, and God’s damn be on the liars.” )Al-e-Emran, 61(. So, we can see that according to Qur’an and on the basis of above-mentioned verses it can be stated that women’s rights in political affairs is quite preserved. Zahra Mostafavi, a glance at women’s rights in Islam and other religions, Neda, no. 4, Winter 1369, pp. 24-26. The history of early Islam indicates the women’s political roles as well; Khadijah’s direct function and effective role in Islam’s establishment and victory is crystal clear in that she was the Holy Prophet’s proponent both financially and emotionally. Since two decades before the Islamic Revolution; i.e. 40s and 50s, women gradually stepped in social, professional and educational arenas of life. The Iranian society, in the age of 1979 revolution, had already experienced a particular amount of consumerist modernism and women were present at social activities and were getting gradually familiar with deprivations and political and social discriminations. All these were under the dictatorship of the imperial regime. The reason for this plight was that the imperialistic regime regarded women as mere objects and considered turpitude and immorality as the signs of civilization that is why the moral and ethical values were ignored. Consequently some committed revolutionary women did resist against the immoralities and tried to illuminate peoples’ thoughts and as a result they were prisoned by Shah’s mercenaries. However, the revolution’s sparkles shone gradually. At this time women played a more active role than they did before. In spite of women’s historical background in Iran’s evolution, which cannot be touched upon here, the most effective and dominant presence of women in social and political evolutions is related to their oppositions during the Islamic Revolution. These oppositions were, under Imam Khomeini’s leadership and his followers’ guidance, led deliberately and they were on the basis of people’s belief in freedom and religious faith. Marvelously, according to historians, the role of housewives in the revolutionary demonstrations was more eminent than that of those women who were studying in universities or those who were working in administrations. Some theorists believe that the huge number of women participating in revolutionary demonstrations and activities did facilitate and prepare the ground for the Islamic Revolution in that women included half of the society’s population and were playing a significant role during the revolution. The sensitivity of women’s role is due to their deep influence on all arenas of life. The role of women during and after the Islamic Revolution, in the holy defense, is undeniable. Iranian woman, by her presence in the Islamic Revolution, aimed two important goals; objecting to the present status, and demanding a basic evolution in society’s standpoints towards women. Imam Khomeini did put much emphasis on women’s role and their presence in society. The new role of woman was signified in the Islam’s framework and following the example of Her Holiness Fatimah )Peace be upon her(. During the holy defense, it was revealed that women have played a very important role without which no achievement could be fulfilled. Indicating the key role of women, Imam Khomeini stated that: “…whatever we have, is due to women…” The fundamental role of Women in the Islamic Revolution Before the success of the Islamic revolution, the Iranian women had played various roles. However, we are going to deal with two fundamental roles of women which have frequently been touched upon in Imam Khomeini’s speeches. a( Women; leaders of the Islamic movement The founder of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini who never used to exaggerate or understate in his speeches, on the role of women during the Islamic Revolution stated: “Men held demonstration as a result of following women.” and “Iranian women in Qom and other cities are the pioneers of the revolution.” Not only in his speech, but also in his practical manner, Imam Khomeini has adjudged women as the leaders of the revolution. b( Women’s promoting people toward the Islamic Revolution Imam Khomeini frequently used to utter: “women encouraged men; our nation is indebted to our brave women’s courage.” In so many cases, Imam Khomeini has introduced women as invigorating and vitalizing men in critical arenas of the revolution. In the Iranian pre-revolutionary society, due to the dominance of alien culture and as result of forming a specific social class, women were deprived of every kind of political movement or activity. Before the revolution, the society dealt with the status of women on the basis of two viewpoints; 1( a viewpoint according to which woman was viewed as a beautiful enchanting and charming factor used for the entertainment of the capricious immoral men. 2( a viewpoint which considered woman as a weak ivy tolerating no strength or duress and consequently good for no important undertaking. Simultaneous with the Islamic Revolution, Iranian woman did break the cage of unchastity and degeneracy and accompanying men, did resist against imperialism. Playing an Effective Role in the Victory Iran’s Islamic Revolution enjoys some unique and irreplaceable features and characteristics that distinguish it from world’s other revolutions, one of which is the role of women. Mortaza Motahari, on the Islamic Republic, Qom, Sedar, 1374 Upon the first signs of the revolution whose bases had been revealed in demonstrations and public parades, Iranian women overcame the dam of profligacy and entered the realm of science and work and consequently vanquished the colonialist policies which had already ignored her. During the Islamic Revolution, women have always been regarded as the powerful arms and the prime mover of revolutionary actions and their roles have been highly valued, as Imam Khomeini uttered: “In this movement, women played a more active role than men did.” Sahifeh Noor, Vol.5, p.153. Post-revolutionary Women Another specific merit of the Islamic Revolution is that women’s presence was not confined to demonstrations and struggles. Women, however, played a very active role in furthering the goals of the revolution. After the victory of the Islamic Revolution, Iranian women, like men, participated in country’s all affairs. In fact, Imam Khomeini, the great leader of the Islamic Revolution reflected truly on the status of women in the advancement of the society and its Islamic revolutionary growth. This is true and actually demands the continuous efforts of Muslim Iranian women so that they do not yield to western-led temptations that consider women as a tool for enhancing their destructive and ruinous goals. The supreme leader of the Islamic Revolution has always emphasized the role of women in social and political goals of the Islamic Revolution. Woman in the Constitution The constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran has paid a special attention to women’s rights and providing facilities for participating in social activities as well as their equality before law the same as men. In the section 14 of the third principle of the constitution, it has been stated that: ‘providing all-inclusive rights of men and women and providing juridical security for all as well as the equality of all before law’ are of the general obligations of the Islamic government. It has been stated in the principle 21 that: ‘the government is obliged to guarantee all rights of women on the basis of Islamic scales.’ According to this principle, the government has to do the following affairs: 1- Providing the sound basis for the development of growth of women’s characteristics as well as reviving their financial and spiritual rights. 2- Protecting and supporting women especially during pregnancy, and the guardianship of orphans. 3- Providing a fair court to protect the basis of family. 4- Providing a special insurance supporting elderly woman. 5- Allocating the guardianship of children to complete mothers in case of the absence of a legal guardian. In this sense, women of the society who had been suffering from lots of social damages and were deprived of their Islamic and human rights were provided with pure Islamic support and ease. The constitution firstly emphasizes on the maternal role of women in family as their first primitive role and secondly considers women’s business in cultural, social, economic and administrative roles as the pre-requisites of the social justice and the society’s elevation. Women and Education The key factor of societies’ development in different ages of history as well as the progress and elevation of human beings have always been due to mental and spiritual education and pedagogy in scientific and professional grounds. Different societies in order to grow and develop in various aspects need to be equipped with science, and consequently all individuals in society including both men and women should be paid their deserved attention. As a result of the emphasis on the women’s pedagogy, they gradually demanded the improvement of their status and attaining some unfulfilled rights. After the revolution, lots of efforts were undertaken to improve the status of women, some of whom did accept the key responsibilities of society, through which the Iranian woman succeeded to reveal her abilities in society and it was found out that the issue of woman’s political activity from Islam’s viewpoint is not in contrast with renovating the contemporary Islamic thoughts and the needs of the Islamic society today cannot be removed without the active participation of women in met and development. The active participation of women in different realms and areas showed that Islam provides the best form of protecting women’s rights. As far as education is concerned, it should be stated that the status of women’s education has elevated up to a satisfactory position. The women’s deprivation from education dates back to a long time before, however, after the revolution, women and girls were provided with necessary facilities for literacy and education. Females’ education in preliminary and higher levels of education should receive a large amount of consideration. The result of various researches by social scientists shows that in recent years the enthusiasm and zest for higher education and success in scientific tests has considerably increased. The percentage of women’s literacy is in direct relation with countries’ social and economic interests. An illiterate nation, whose human capacities have not been developed, will always remain undeveloped. Some merits of women’s pedagogy include: 1- Women’s education does lead to the decrease of children’s mortality. 2- Women’s education will result in less problem in the period of pregnancy; educated women demand healthier children and they can go through their pregnancy with more ease. 3- Women’s education decreases the rate of mothers’ mortality. 4- Women’s education will lead to a higher understanding of protecting natural sources and the environment. Zan e Rooz Monthly, Vols. 1437-1438. Education and the educational system is the outcome of a society’s policies and strategies in teaching and training from the most preliminary to the highest levels of education.; consequently the first step in optimally utilizing all human forces and eliminating the problem of illiteracy is providing equal facilities and equipments for the education of the members of the society including both men and women. Women’s elevation and advancement in education is one of the most important improvements and fulfillments of the Islamic Revolution. Imam Khomeini not only did not consider woman as a puppet for seduction, but he also introduced woman as the origin of all virtues and happiness and he aimed to promote the society using the capacities of women. He thought of woman as a respectable and magnificent being on whom the happiness or misery of the society depends. A happy society, according to Imam Khomeini, is a society in which women are well-educated and trained in line with progress and development. Woman is not a secondary side-factor in society; but she is the central axis of the society. Imam Khomeini considered women as the origin and commencement of Iran’s revolutionary evolutions. On the basis of his particular beliefs, Imam Khomeini did broaden the horizon of women’s outlook and gave rise to the women’s movement towards perfection. Imam Khomeini’s ideas and beliefs had a very deep influence on women’s culture, ideology and way of thinking. Imam did teach them that Islam aims at preserving the women’s dignity. Consequently, women participated in social roles while observing Islamic dressing. They did not think of Islamic dressing as violating their rights and in contrast with their freedom. They actively participated in revolutionary movements and caused all to experts wonder and admiration. Woman in Imam Khomeini’s Ideology Upon the beginning of his movement in 1960, Imam Khomeini paid special attention to women and their significant roles in social changes. In his speeches in 1979, Imam Khomeini has put emphasis on some important issues dealing with women: 1(Rejecting the idea of thinking of women as stocks; Imam Khomeini stressed on the complementary role of woman in the society’s structure. Imam Khomeini believes that ‘like men, women as human beings can share a complementary role and cooperation in constructing the society. Neither women should degrade themselves nor should men think of them as humiliated. 2(Rejecting the obsolete fossilized way of thinking about women; stressing women’s dignity and respect, Imam Khomeini believed that: ‘Islam saved women from society’s fossilized way of thinking. Islam has served women much higher than men. Islam wants women to do as much fruitful activities as men do. Islam wants to preserve woman’s dignity and honor.’ 3(Stressing the role of women in forming the society; Imam Khomeini believed that: ‘women play a very substantial role in forming the society. Islam promotes woman to such a high degree that she can accept serious responsibilities and undertakings in the structure of the Islamic government.’ 4(Islam’s special attention to woman; In this part, Imam Khomeini elaborates on the positive approach of Islam towards woman and its significance in humane values. Imam Khomeini considers the presence of woman in country’s basic ordainments as compulsory. 5(Stressing on the educational role of woman; ‘woman is a human being; a great human being and the trainer of society. Men are brought up by women. Happiness and misery of a country depends on women.’ 6(Stressing the role of Islam in women’s guidance; Imam Khomeini believed that: ‘during the previous regime, women were suffering from much more agonies than they did in pre-Islam period. In both periods women were suffering and it was Islam that saved them.’ 7(Freedom in Selection; emphasizing the equality of men’s and women’s rights, Imam Khomeini laid strong stress on the legal freedom of women in all social aspects. In an interview with Al-Safir at the threshold of Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini stated that women should be free in selecting, being selected, thinking, educating as well as working in every kind of economic activity.’Therefore, Imam Khomeini rejected the wrong view and negative propaganda that Islam will isolate women, and his noble approach encouraged women to retrieve themselves and their standpoints. Imam Khomeini put strong emphasis on the key role of women before and after the revolution as an important strategy and consequently focused attention on cultural activities related to women. Qods Newspaper, “The Status of Woman”, Vol. 2003, p.12. Imam Khomeini’s Approach towards Woman’s Social Cooperation From Imam Khomeini’s speeches and writings’ during the first two decades of the Islamic Revolution, it can be found out that he had a positive approach to women’s social and political collaboration. Since the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini has stressed the significant role of women as well as their vital cooperation during the holy defense. In one of his speeches on women’s freedom, Imam Khomeini has enunciated that: “Women are free in the Islamic society. They are not prevented from attending universities or administrations or the parliaments. What is forbidden is ethical immorality against which men and women are equal and which is prohibited for both of them.” Imam Khomeini’s ideas and viewpoints which is expressed during and after the establishment of the Islamic Republic system on the women’s cooperation is a milestone and turning point in the topics related to this important issue. According to Imam Khomeini: ‘as far as human rights are concerned, there is no difference between man and woman in that both are human beings and woman, like man, has the right to determine her fate. In some cases there are differences between men and women and it is related to their human prestige and status.’ Rah e Imam az Kalam e Imam, Zan, Ministry of Islamic Guidance, p.11. Imam Khomeini also emphasizes that: ‘woman should possess rights equal to those of man. Islam has stressed the equality of men’s and women’s rights in determining their fates. This means that they both should enjoy all kinds of freedom. They should be free in selecting, being selected, thinking, educating as well as working in every kind of economic activity.’Imam Khomeini frequently encouraged women to participate in elections; “What I feel necessary to notify is the participation of brave revolutionary women in the referendum. Women who, beside men and even more than men, had a vital role in the Islamic revolution should notice that in their voting for the Islamic Republic today are playing their roles in constructing the country and this is the meaning of free women and free men.” For more info. Refer to ‘woman from Imam Khomeini’s viewpoints’. In another speech, Imam Khomeini says: ‘There are different rules and principles related to men and women. Some orders are specific to men, and some orders are specific to women. This does not mean that Islam has differentiated between men and women.” P.149. As far as social activities are concerned, women should participate in the country’s substantial affairs. This does not mean that women should isolate themselves in their houses. It should be reminded that presenting the issue of women’s juridical obligation to participate in the procedures of the Islamic Revolution illuminated one of the most essential social concerns, i.e. public and private milieus. In his will, Imam Khomeini addressed women and called them to participate in cultural and economic as well as military arenas for fulfilling Islam and the holy Qur’an’s goals. The supreme leader of the Islamic Revolution, on different occasions, has emphasized the women’s participation and cooperation in social and political aspects. Zan Annually )Tehran; the presidential office of women’s affairs(. “Islam desires woman to get the highest levels of mental, political and scientific growth….we, on the basis of the supreme teachings of Islam, believe that in each human society, women are obliged to do their bests for the social and political growth and they should accept responsibilities and prepare the required opportunities.” Zan e Rooz, Vols. 1437 & 1438. As it can be found out, Imam Khomeini considers women’s social participation quite legal if it is in line with Islamic rules and standards. Moreover, he has considered women’s political participation as mandatory: “woman should participate in Islamic ordainments. As you used to play an active role in social movements, you should maintain your collaboration and provide your share in the victory and do not forget that whenever needed, you should rise and demonstrate.” In general, from Imam Khomeini’s speeches and lectures it can be found out that he regarded women’s education, participation in political affairs, business and economic activities quite legal and according to Islam’s emphasis and viewpoint. During the Islamic Revolution, Iranian women revealed that the Iranian Muslim women do participate in all social and political arenas and their religious beliefs do not prevent them from collaborating in social activities. They proved that while observing their modesty and chastity, they can change the history. References: Tehran –e-Emrooz Newspaper, Aa’zam Bahrami Tatmaj, “Women’s Role in the Islamic Revolution” Fatemeh Mo’meni, “Women in the Contemporary History” OK

The True Identity of Woman

Article 1, Volume 25, Number 308, Summer 2013, Page 6-9
Document Type: Family
Abstract
The esteemed leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei has always been a great defender of human rights and particularlyof women’s rights….
Full Text
The True Identity of Woman The esteemed leader of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei has always been a great defender of human rights and particularlyof women’s rights. He stresses that women everywhere should be protected against the various plots of the profiteering evilminded individuals and groups. In the previous issue we read: In the West unprincipled relationship between men and women is a common thing. Lack of a distance between men and women is common in social interactions. I am not saying that in western countries all men and women are morally corrupt. No, I am notmaking such a claim. I would not make such an accusation. The claim that all men and women are morally corrupt in the West is actually wrong. There are definitely good and noble men and women among westerners, but sexual liberty dominates western societies. Sexual liberty is a cultural norm in the West. In western culture sexual liberty is permissible and unconditional. Now you can read the rest of the chapter 4: Women in Western World and Materialistic Civilizations. Women Trafficking According to a report published by the UN, women trafficking are among the trades that are growing fastest in the world. There are a few countries which are worst in this regard and the Zionist regime is among them. Under the guise of labor, marriage and other such things, they gather women and girls from poor countries in Latin America, certain Asian countries and certain poor European countries and they deliver them to certain centers, centers whose names and activities are shocking. Western women have to use their sexual appeal in order to build a personality for themselves Regarding women’s position in society – or whatever you call it _ the problem is that they havegradually created an imparity: one side of the imparity is the recipients and the other side is the givers. They have divided humanity into these two categories. Men are the recipients and women are the givers. This has been gradually established in western societies over several decades using different methods and propaganda techniques. Maybe the process took 100-150 years; I cannot give you an accurate number. This is an issue that deserves to be researched. Later on, the problem spread to other societies as well. They defined women as the creatures who should benefit men and they promoted this definition. Therefore, if a woman is determined to distinguish herself in western societies, she has no choice but to present part of her sexual attractions. Even in formal meetings women should dress in a way that they appear pleasing to their beneficiaries – namely, men. European countries ban hijab and fail to respect democracy and public opinion They are lying. They have no respect whatsoever for democracy,freedom and public opinion.Banning ijab in schools in certain European countries is a case in point. They do not allow school girls to wear headscarves to school. Ownership rights for women because of the need for cheap labor Ladies, especially young ladies who want to reflect on these issues, should pay careful attention to this point. The important point is that even when they decided to give ownership rights to women in Europe, according to the careful analysis of European sociologists, it was because the factories that had just started using modern technologies and industrial facilities were in need of laborers, but there was a shortage of laborers. There was a serious need in Europe for a large number of laborers. Therefore, in order to encourage women to work at the factories and provide cheap labor, it was announced that women could have ownership rights. It was in the early 20th century that Europeans decided to give ownership rights to women. This is the wrong and oppressive attitude that the West and Europe have had towards women. Taking advantage of women in order to further personal goals In order to shape women into the kind of creatures they want, westerners need to constantly promote fashion, thereby keeping eyes, hearts and minds busy with superficial and insignificant things. Will a person who is busy with such things make time for genuine values? Those who eliminated the boundary between men and women, those who promoted sexual freedom with their actions, words, propaganda and even their philosophy must be held responsible. The result was that – considering men’s aggressive nature and their physical strength – women were oppressed and their rights were violated. Women were used as a tool for selling their products – just like an object. If you pay attention to European magazines, you will see that they show the nude body of a woman just to sell a particular product. Is it really possible to do something that is more insulting to a woman than this? They must be held responsible for this. Imposing lack of hijab on women in order to insult and dishonor them This is their propaganda campaign about the issue of women. And they speak about women’s rights and complain that we have imposed hijab on women. They themselves impose lack of hijab on women. They prevent female students from going to university just because they wear a headscarf. Yet they condemn us for having made hijab obligatory. What we do is an attempt to preserve women’s dignity, but what they do is an attempt to dishonor women. There are other such things which are the result of western propaganda campaigns. Encouraging women to wear makeup in the name of freedom is freedom for men, not for women Wrong western education caused our women during the time of Taghut to develop a tendency towards cosmetics, luxury, pointless ornaments and putting themselves on display, which is a sign of male chauvinism. One of the signs of western male chauvinism is that they want women to be at the service of men. Therefore, they say that women should wear makeup so that men can enjoy their beauty. This is male chauvinism, not women’s freedom. This is in fact men’s freedom. They encourage women to abandon hijab, wear makeup and show themselves to men so that they can feast their eyes on their beauty. What corrupt western culture has promoted in the world in the name of women’s freedom is based on putting women on display so that men can exploit them sexually, so that men can use women as a tool to indulge in pleasure. Is this freedom for women? In the ignorant, unaware and misguided western world, those who claim to support human rights are in fact oppressing women … The oppression that women have suffered in western culture and the wrong view of women that exists in western cultural and literary works has been unprecedented in the entire history of mankind. Women used to be oppressed in the past as well, but this widespread and comprehensive oppression is particular to the contemporary era and it is the result of western civilization. They introduced women as an object of pleasure for men and they called this “women’s freedom”. This was while they were in fact giving morally corrupt men the freedom to exploit women. Women have been oppressed not just in the arena of industrial activities and other such things, but in the arena of art and literature as well. Notice how women are viewed today in stories, novels,paintings and different other artistic works. Women’s presence in diplomatic arenas cannot make up for their humiliation In western culture and in the western world, women have been dragged into moral corruption. They have been humiliated.They have been insulted. Letting men and women sit down together at the table of diplomacy and work shoulder to shoulder in the diplomatic arena cannot compensate for the harm that westerners have done to women.They have used women as an object of pleasure. The need to protest against the western view and the oppressive western inequation It is necessary to define the position of women and to stand up against the propaganda campaign of the West in a serious way … It is the West that is oppressing. It is the West that is humiliating women. It is the West that is undermining the position of women. Westerners pressure women psychologically and emotionally and they insult women’s personality and dignity in the name of freedom, employment and responsibility. They must answer for their actions.The Islamic Republic has a responsibility in this regard.The Islamic Republic should openly clarify its position on the issue of women without standing on ceremony. The position of the Islamic Republic is mainly a protest against the western view and the oppressive western imparity. From this perspective the issue of hijab and the issue of man-woman relationship become meaningful. Adopting an aggressive position in the face of international bullies Another point is having aggressive spirit in the face of international bullies. Sometimes international bullies say, “You have done something and we will deal with it”, but other times they adopt an aggressive position and try to bully others. In such situations attacking is the best kind of defense. Global bullies suffer from many weaknesses …, yet they announce and express their weaknesses in an aggressive way, as if their weaknesses are the world’s fault….. We expect an explanation regarding the issue of women. We expect an explanation regarding the issue of human rights. We expect an explanation regarding basic human rights. We expect explanations from the West in all these areas. We are not the ones who should answer to them. Why would they ask questions and expect answers? They have no right whatsoever to ask questions and expect explanations. The position of our current administration is a good position. It is a revolutionary position. This spirit is what clarifies the truth and makes it shine. If we try to find out which one of our actions attracts the disapproval of foreigners and try to avoid those actions, we will fail to do many things. The world does not approve of the beard you grow. Similarly, the world does not approve of the fact that you do not wear a tie. It does not approve of the fact that you are not prepared to use many of the dishes and drinks that are common in the world. The world does not approve of women’s hijab. Why do we need to pay attention to these things? Around 27 years ago, in a meeting with students which was held in this university, somebody asked me how I would defend my position on a particular issue. I said, “I am not supposed to defend. I am supposed to attack.” Our position is not defensive. Regarding women’s rights and various other issues, we have to adopt an attacking position. The world has to answer to us. In this case it is the materialists who are heading in the wrong direction. They themselves are starting to realize this fact. They are gradually starting to admit that they have been wrong. They are starting to admit the evil consequences of their actions. They are starting to understand this one by one. They are gradually announcing this, and some of them turn a blind eye to their mistakes. Why would we feel ashamed when they say something bad about us? expect an explanation regarding the issue of human rights. We expect an explanatio n regarding basic human rights. We expect explanations from the West in all these areas. We are not the ones who should answer to them. Why would they ask questions and expect answers? They have no right whatsoever to ask questions and expect explanations. The position of our current administration is a good position. It is a revolutionary position. This spirit is what clarifies the truth and makes it shine. If we try to find out which one of our actions attracts the disapproval of foreigners and try to avoid those actions, we will fail to do many things. The world does not approve of the beard you grow. Similarly, the world does not approve of the fact that you do not wear a tie. It does not approve of the fact that you are not prepared to use many of the dishes and drinks that are common in the world. The world does not approve of women’s hijab. Why do we need to pay attention to these things? Around 27 years ago, in a meeting with students which was held in this university, somebody asked me how I would defend my position on a particular issue. I said, “I am not supposed to defend. I am supposed to attack.” Our position is not defensive. Regarding women’s rights and various other issues, we have to adopt an attacking position. The world has to answer to us. In this case it is the materialists who are heading in the wrong direction. They themselves are starting to realize this fact. They are gradually starting to admit that they have been wrong. They are starting to admit the evil consequences of their actions. They are starting to understand this one by one. They are gradually announcing this, and some of them turn a blind eye to their mistakes. Why would we feel ashamed when they say something bad about us? The West must be held responsible for oppressing and humiliating women We expect an explanation from the western world for humiliating women so much. Notice that in Europe and in western countries, until recently women did not enjoy independent financial rights. Once I extracted the exact figures and discussed them in a speech – I think it was during Friday prayer sermons four, five years ago. As for the issue of women’s rights, I have told you dear sisters, you dear young students, you dear female students many times and I firmly repeat now that as far as the issue of women is concerned, it is the West that must answer for its actions. It is the West, not Islam or the Islamic Republic that must be held responsible. The western world has betrayed humanity in general and women in particular We expect an explanation from the world. When I say “the world”, I mean “the western world”. We are the ones who should tell the world, “You have betrayed humanity in general and women in particular by dragging men and women into the arena of sexual issues, by fanning the flames of unprincipled and unrestricted sexual greed, by encouraging women to put themselves on display. The need to change our view of women and to consider them as highly virtuous human beings Consider women as highly virtuous human beings so that the essence of their perfection, rights and freedom becomes clear. Women can act as a potential driving force behind the improvement of any society by raising virtuous children: this is how you should consider women. Then it will become clear what their rights are and what the nature of their freedom is. Consider women as the essential element of the family. Although it takes a man and a woman to form a family and although both men and women play a role in the existence of the family, peace and tranquility in the home environment depends on women and their womanly nature. Consider women from this perspective so that it becomes clear how they can achieve perfection and what their rights are. To be continued .
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Study finds 1080 wars in Iranian history

A team led by Iranian scholar Azizollah Alizadeh has recently completed research that shows Iranians have fought in 1080 wars with foreign countries over the past 2720 years ago.

“The team composed of three exerts spent four years studying wars in Iranian history,” Alizadeh told the Persian service of ISNA on Thursday.

“We found that Iranians have fought with foreign states in 1080 wars since when the Medes ruled Iran,” he added.

He said that the last of the wars was the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war.

The study is scheduled be published by Ferdowsi Publications in a book, which will be entitled “The Encyclopedia of Iranian Wars”.

Alizadeh said that his plan to study the major factors in the backwardness of Iran led him to work on the issue of wars in Iranian history.

“I think that numerous futile wars are one of the main factors in the backwardness, because many of these wars were unreasonable and occurred by the will of the rulers of the time,” he stated.

“Killing kings and their ousters are among the other main factors responsible for the regression,” he added.

According to the study, 182 kings out of the 417 kings that ruled Iran over the past 2720 years ago have been killed or expelled.

(Mehr news agency, Aug. 3, 2013)

How Google expresses loyalty to Israel?

In the anniversary of the creation of Israel, Google changes its logo. Israel had been founded in May, 14 1948.

David Ben-Gurion called the Occupied Territories as ‘Israel,’ and stated himself as the Prime Minister, gaining the power.

The anniversary of this event is celebrated in Hebrew calendar by the Zionist regime, which changes each year.
For Palestinians, however, the day has been called “Day of Nikba,’ (Arabic for plight) believing that their plights with the Zionist regime had started since that day.
With having this day in mind, a list of Google different logos as a photojournalism report:

2013— Proclamation of establishment of the State of Israel

2012— Proclamation of establishment of the State of Israel

2011— Proclamation of establishment of the State of Israel

2010— Proclamation of establishment of the State of Israel

2008 — Sixtieth anniversary of proclamation of establishment of the
State of Israel

2011— Israel Book Fair

2010 — the first anniversary of Israel’s first transmission of satellite TV

2007 — the first School day

2013— the Elections day of Israel

2009— the Elections day of Israel

sourcr: Mehr News Agency, Apr. 17, 2013

Iran, unlike US, opposes any civilian killing: Leader

The Supreme Leader asserted that the US has adopted the policy of silence on the killings of innocent people in the world; but after an explosion in the US, their media propaganda deafens the ears of the world. Iran opposes any explosion and killing of innocent people, either in Boston, US, or in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, and condemns such acts.

On Wednesday and on the eve of the National Army Day (April 18), in a meeting with the Army commanders, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution described the Islamic Republic Army “a cause of pride, rooted deeply in people, an army equipped with knowledge, highly pious, and experienced,” and believed that the Arrogance front led by the US was on erring.

“Today, the western civilization has been on the rink of collapse because it has been an amalgamation of paradoxes, irrational behaviour, bullies, and ignoring human principles,” asserted the Leader.
The High Command of Forces also described the unique features of the Islamic Republic Army, including its being rooted among people, adding that “in the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Army has been rooted among people and supported by them not because of its bullying power, but because of its altruism and hard work.”
Ayatollah Khamenei also told the meeting about the place of knowledge in the Army. “Advances and large-scale research in the Armed forces in defence industries and electronics has been a matter of surprise, and not comparable with those before the Revolution and early years of the Revolution,” said the Leader.
On the spirit of dominance of the military complexes in the Arrogance front especially the US, the Leader said that “wherever these complexes are present, they have worked for corrupting the morals of the people, and putting pressure on them and killing them.”
The Leader of the Revolution also pointed to the US claims on their opposition to mass murder weapons. “Despite their claims, their drones do mass killings of innocent people in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and also in Iraq and Syria, they kill the public,” added the Leader.
On the contradictory rhetoric of the US, Ayatollah Khamenei said that the US, adopting the policy of silence about killing of innocent people in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, deafens the ear of people by their media propaganda in the case of explosions in the US.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran, in line with Islamic principles, opposes any explosion and killing of innocent people, either in Boston, US, or in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, and condemns such acts,” the Leader emphasized.
“The US behaviour is contradictory about killing of people, and accordingly, we believe that the front opposing the Islamic Republic of Iran is not committed to rationality,” he added.
“Because of these contradictions, irrational behaviour, bullying, and ignoring human principles, the western civilization has been in the brink of collapse,” he emphasized.
“ why it would be rational that if children and women are killed in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and in Iraq and Syria, terrorists, who are supported by the US, west, and Zionists, create disaster, and it is ignored, but if any explosion takes place in the US or other western country, all the world should pay its costs?” the Leader added.
“This mentality of the US and the west, which know themselves purple patches, would work out their collapse,” he emphasized.
The Supreme Leader of the Revolution pointed to organized and rational thinking ruling in the Islamic Republic system. “This rationality would be the pillars of long-lasting and deep civilization,” he said.

source: Mehr News Agency, Apr. 17, 2013

You Are What You Eat

New research raised the striking possibility that even small amounts of junk foods may produce significant changes in gene expression that could negatively impact physiology and health.

Even the most health-conscious eaters find themselves indulging in junk foods from time to time.
A pair of papers published in Cell journal by A.J. Marian Walhout, professor of molecular medicine at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS), describes how metabolism and physiology are connected to diet.
Using C. elegans, a transparent roundworm often used as a model organism in genetic studies, Dr. Walhout and colleagues observed how different diets produce differences in gene expression in the worm that can then be linked to crucial physiological changes.
“In short, we found that when C. elegans are fed diets of different types of bacteria, they respond by dramatically changing their gene expression program, leading to important changes in physiology,” Walhout said.
“Worms fed a natural diet of Comamonas bacteria have fewer offspring, live shorter and develop faster compared to worms fed the standard laboratory diet of E. coli bacteria,” she added.
Walhout and colleagues identified at least 87 changes in C. elegans gene expression between the two diets.
Surprisingly, these changes were independent of the TOR and insulin signaling pathways, gene expression programs typically active in nutritional control. Instead, the changes occur, at least in part, in a regulator that controls molting, a gene program that determines development and growth in the worm.
This connection provided one of the critical links between diet, gene expression and physiology detailed in “Diet-induced Development Acceleration Independent of TOR and Insulin in C. elegans.”
“Importantly, these same regulators that are influenced by diet in the worms control circadian rhythm in humans,” said Lesley MacNeil, PhD, a postdoctoral student in the Walhout Lab and first author on the paper.
“We already know that circadian rhythms are affected by diet and this points to the real possibility that we can now use C. elegans to study the complex connections between diet, gene expression and physiology and their relation to human disease,” she added.
Strikingly, Walhout and colleagues observed that even when fed a small amount of the Comamonas bacteria in a diet otherwise composed of E. coli bacteria, C. elegans exhibited dramatic changes in gene expression and physiology.
These results provide the tantalizing possibility that different diets are not “healthy” or “unhealthy” but that specific quantities of certain foods may be optimal under different conditions and for promoting different physiological outcomes.
“It’s just as true that a small amount of a ‘healthy’ food in an otherwise unhealthy diet could elicit a beneficial change in gene expression that could have profound physiological effects,” Walhout said.

source: Fars News Agency, 01 April, 2013

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