Friday, May 25, 2012


Persian Letters

Iran's Supreme Leader Tweets About Women's Rights

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
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Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
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Here is a tweet by Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (yes, he's on Twitter, he joined Twitter long before the Dalai Lama) on his views about women and their role in society. It came on March 9, the day after International Women's Day.

khamenei_ir The Supreme Leader's View of Women's Role and Rights in Society http://tinyurl.com/womens-role

Highlights:

"Women's activities in society are completely appropriate and acceptable. They should be active in society by observing Islamic limits."

"The issue of hijab is not intended to isolate women. Those who have such a perception of hijab are mistaken. The purpose of hijab is to prevent men and women from interacting with each other without observing any boundaries. Such an interaction would be detrimental to society and both men and women -- particularly women. Hijab helps women reach the lofty moral position they deserve and prevents them from moral deviation."

"In places where women are encouraged to ignore hijab and immodest clothes are encouraged, women's security will be undermined in the first place. Then the security of men and youth will be undermined too. Islam has introduced the issue of hijab to help men and women carry out their duties in society."

"Of course the issue of employment is not of primary importance for women. Although Islam is not opposed to the employment of women -- except in specific cases, which may or may not be agreed upon by all Islamic jurisprudents. The main issue regarding women is what has now been completely destroyed in the West, that is, the feeling of peace and security and having an opportunity to show their talents without being oppressed in society, in the family, or by their husbands and fathers."

Tags: khamenei , hijab , Iran

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Comments
     
by: Katy from: Montreal
March 09, 2010 14:32
No wonder women in Iran can't stand him anymore... in the 21st century, to be that stupid is a wonder.

by: Hamik C Gregory from: Reno, NV USA
March 10, 2010 15:39
Mr. Khamenei fails to mention that the Koran and the early Haddis have practically nothing to say about the hejab. And, why is it that he and his supporters are so eager to impose morality on enlightened and educated Iranian woman. He talks about women as though they are naïve, illiterate bumpkins who can not decide for themselves. How self righteous and condescending; and how deeply insulting to Iranian woman his language can be? Disgraceful!
Instead of creating jobs, prosperity, and better accountability for billions of dollars in oil revenues pouring into Iran, the leadership in Iran takes the easy way out by preaching morality. No wonder, women are completely bored with the religious environment in Iran, an environment that is unable to spiritually nourish and nurture them!

by: Elaheh from: Sweden
March 10, 2010 20:42
he tweets but then say women should be active by observing Islamic limits !!!! meaning what?! staying at home and raising kids?!

by: dil from: bgl
March 11, 2010 05:45
muslim men are retarded, so what else is new !

by: An Iranian Man
March 12, 2010 13:51
basically, I am surprised by his language, he tends to be more authoritative and outspoken when he looks down on us Iranians, but now since this text is obviously addressed to the foreigners, being translated into English, it seems to be more conservative and less radical.
Anyway it is stupid to say that because men might deviate from their moral stance, WOMEN must go and hide themselves at home or behind hijab! if we stoop to this level of stupidity, why not say MEN must blind themselves or wear glasses that stop them from looking at women.

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Persian Letters is a blog that offers a window into Iranian politics and society. Written primarily by Golnaz Esfandiari, Persian Letters brings you under-reported stories, insight and analysis, as well as guest Iranian bloggers -- from clerics, anarchists, feminists, Basij members, to bus drivers.

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