In a powerful speech to women, Ayatollah Khamenei critiques capitalism and patriarchy, exposing their intertwined roots and the harmful impact they have on women and society. He challenges Western claims of freedom and equality, revealing the exploitation and inequality masked by capitalist ideals.
Remarks by Ayatollah Khamenei
These reflections on the capitalist system and its impact on women are derived from a speech delivered by the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Khamenei, during a meeting with women. His words highlight the inherent patriarchal structure of Western capitalism and its harmful effects on both women and society as a whole.
This analysis serves to contrast the superficial promises of freedom and equality in the West with the deep-rooted exploitation and objectification that characterize its societal systems.
The excerpt below presents Ayatollah Khamenei’s discussion on the intersection of capitalism and patriarchy, particularly its implications for women:
Capitalism as a Patriarchal System
Western capitalism is inherently a patriarchal system. The very criticisms they direct at Islam, often based on misunderstanding or distortion, apply directly to their own societal framework. Why? The root of this issue lies in the fact that, in capitalist systems, capital takes precedence over humanity. People are subordinated to the service of capital.
In such a system, those who accumulate more wealth are valued more, and traditionally, men, being stronger and more dominant, are favored. Men control the extraction of precious resources in places like Africa, South America, and beyond, and they hold key positions in large-scale economic and business management. Hence, men hold a dominant position over women in capitalism because capital, which they serve, places greater value on men.
The root of this issue lies in the fact that, in capitalist systems, capital takes precedence over humanity. People are subordinated to the service of capital.
Capitalism and Gender Inequality
In this capital-driven world, individuals are not seen as equals. Men are perceived as inherently superior to women. This unequal treatment results in two forms of exploitation for women in capitalist societies.
The first is economic: in many Western countries, women are paid less for performing the same work as men. Women are often tasked with the same jobs, but at a lower wage because they are considered weaker and more submissive.
This is a form of exploitation that arose in the 19th and early 20th centuries, when the notion of “women’s liberation” was often used to pull women out of the home and into factories, exploiting them for cheaper labor.
The second form of exploitation comes from the objectification of women. Women, as the “inferior” gender, become objects for male pleasure. Capitalist society has worked hard to convince women that their value is in their sexual appeal, rather than their abilities, intellect, or personal qualities.
The Objectification of Women: A Case Study
An example of this can be seen in a magazine article from around 7-10 years ago, where a wealthy American businessman, the owner of several chain restaurants, advertised for female employees. He specifically sought young women with certain physical attributes, including the requirement that their skirts be a certain length above the knee.
This kind of objectification is ingrained in the very structure of industry, commerce, and daily life in the West—designed to satisfy male desires, both through physical appearance and sexual objectification.
This treatment undermines the dignity and respect owed to women. The most damaging aspect is the pressure placed on women to conform to these standards, ultimately convincing them that their worth lies in their ability to attract male attention through their sexuality. This is perhaps the most profound harm inflicted upon women by Western systems.
Despite the many ways in which Western society has undermined and objectified women, it hypocritically portrays itself as a champion of women’s rights. The same society that has perpetuated systemic abuse, sexual harassment, and exploitation claims to be the leader in the fight for women’s liberation. This is the height of hypocrisy
The Masculine Ideal: Women Imitating Men
In a patriarchal society, where men are considered the superior gender, women begin to adopt male characteristics as their role models. This shift results in women trying to emulate traditionally masculine behaviors, and men becoming the standard for women to aspire to. This mirrors a dangerous trend where women abandon their own inherent qualities to replicate male-dominated ideals.
Quranic Perspective: Women as Role Models
The Quran presents a striking contrast to Western patriarchal ideals. It illustrates how, for both men and women, female figures can serve as powerful role models. In the Quran, two women, the wife of Pharaoh and Maryam (Mother of Jesus), are exemplified as models of virtue and faith for all believers, male and female alike. These women embodied the highest moral standards, rejecting the oppressive structures of their time in favor of their faith and moral integrity. This is in direct opposition to Western societal norms, where men are often the prescribed role models.
Ayatollah Khamenei in the Gathering of Women
January 4, 2023
The Hypocrisy of Western Feminism
Despite the many ways in which Western society has undermined and objectified women, it hypocritically portrays itself as a champion of women’s rights. The same society that has perpetuated systemic abuse, sexual harassment, and exploitation claims to be the leader in the fight for women’s liberation. This is the height of hypocrisy. The so-called “freedom” of women in the West, often touted as an achievement, is, in reality, a form of enslavement—both physically and psychologically.
The Distorted Idea of Sexual Freedom in the West
Before the Islamic Revolution, many in our society believed that the liberalization of relationships between men and women in the West would lead to the satisfaction of men’s desires, reducing sexual transgressions. However, the reality is far different. Today, we can see that men’s desires have only grown more insatiable, resulting in widespread sexual harassment in workplaces, public spaces, and even in highly organized institutions like the military.
In the West, sex is commercialized, sexual slavery exists, and the most fundamental human and ethical boundaries are being shattered. Practices that are universally condemned in all major religions are being normalized and legalized. Homosexuality, for instance, is not just an issue in Islam but is considered a major sin in all religions. Yet, it is being legalized and promoted without any shame.
The Need to Reject Western Perspectives on Sexuality
In conclusion, one of the most important duties for our society is to firmly reject Western views on sexuality. These distorted perspectives are not only harmful but also contribute to the degradation of both men and women. It is essential that we preserve the values of respect, dignity, and morality in our own society, free from the destructive influences of Western capitalist ideologies.
This critical reflection serves as a call to reassess the true meaning of freedom and equality, guided by principles that honor human dignity over material gain.