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The Hijab-Adultery-Earthquake Link


The temporary Friday Prayer leader of Tehran, Kazem Sedighi, said today that "women who don’t have a suitable appearance" (meaning women who do not fully observe the obligatory Islamic hijab) attract young men and lead to the spreading of adultery in the Iranian society which -- according to the cleric -- increases the risk of earthquakes.

Hojatoleslam Sedighi, who was speaking about the probability of an earthquake in Tehran, said that sinning less reduces the likelihood of earthquakes.

"Even if there is an earthquake in Tehran, no one but God can deal with these calamities. We have to abstain from committing sin," Sedighi said.

The Iranian capital lies on a major seismological fault and some experts have warned that a strong earthquake in Tehran could lead to the death of many of its inhabitants.

Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad said on April 11 that at least 5 million Tehran residents need to relocate elsewhere because the city is threatened by earthquakes.

-- Golnaz Esfandiari

About This Blog

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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