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islam

The Philosophy of Women’s Hijab in Prayer

by خانم هاشمی September 11, 2025

Hijab during prayer for women is a devotional obligation and a symbol of reverence toward God. It strengthens the spirit of servitude, fosters humility, and serves as practice for maintaining modesty and proper covering in the presence of non-mahram (unrelated) men.

Understanding the Spiritual and Religious Significance

Islamic rulings are based on balancing benefits and harms and are expressed as either prohibited or obligatory (1). Some of these benefits and harms are not fully understood by reason alone nor explicitly mentioned in Quranic verses or hadiths—such as women’s hijab in prayer, which is a devotional obligation (2). This means that while reason might not grasp the full wisdom behind its legislation, it acknowledges it is not without purpose and even discerns some of its benefits and effects. Observance of worship according to divine law enhances one’s spirit of servitude and acceptance of God’s will (3). According to Islamic jurisprudence, men and women share similar religious duties such as performing prayer and fasting, differing only in certain details due to their specific physical and spiritual characteristics (4).

Types of Hijab in Islamic Jurisprudence

Jurisprudence identifies two types of covering for women: covering during prayer and covering in front of non-mahram men, each with distinct characteristics (5). For all humans, male and female, clothing is a form of divine dignity and a symbol of personal identity and respect; thus, only humans wear clothes.

Certainly, God is not considered a non-mahram to His servants. However, in prayer, a person stands before God and speaks to Him, requiring the most appropriate attire to show respect and reverence before the Almighty. This attitude nurtures humility and sincere presence of heart.

Hijab as a Means of Spiritual Proximity

The ideal attire for women in prayer, pleasing to God, is one that demonstrates chastity and purity. Hijab during prayer is a step toward divine closeness and serves as excellent preparation for maintaining modesty in everyday interactions with non-mahram men (6). It is also possible that there are other wisdoms behind observing hijab in prayer that remain unknown to us.

References:

Tabataba’i, Muhammad Husayn (1995). Tafsir al-Mizan, vol. 4. Qom: Jame’e-ye Modarresin.
Hashemi Shahroudi, Mahmoud (2005). Fiqh Encyclopedia According to the School of Ahl al-Bayt, vol. 2. Qom: Islamic Fiqh Encyclopedia Institute.
Jalalizadeh, Jalal (2008). Principles and Terminology of Usul al-Fiqh. Tehran: Ehsan.
Hashemi Shahroudi, Mahmoud (2005). Fiqh Encyclopedia According to the School of Ahl al-Bayt, vol. 4. Qom: Islamic Fiqh Encyclopedia Institute.
Motahhari, Morteza (2002). Collected Works, vol. 19. Tehran: Sadra.
Shams, Saeed (2006). Qur’anic Questions on Prayer. Qom: Sibt Akbar.

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From: ABNA

September 11, 2025 0 comment

Women in Islam

7 Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Tips for Happy Marriages

by خانم هاشمی September 10, 2025

Reflecting on the teachings of the Prophet of Mercy (PBUH) reveals clear answers to many of today’s family challenges—from the necessity of mutual respect between husband and wife to the roles of love, kindness, and patience in maintaining a peaceful home and a lasting marriage.

1. Encouragement to Marry and Mutual Respect

The Prophet always emphasized the importance of forming families, saying: “Most of those who will be in Hell are the unmarried.” He urged men to honor their wives, stating: “Only a lowly person insults women, and only a noble person honors them.”

2. Open Affection: The Secret to Lasting Relationships

He advised men: “When a husband tells his wife ‘I love you,’ it never leaves her heart.” To women, he highlighted: “Heavenly women are loyal, peace-seeking, and forgiving.”

3. Harsh Words Undermine Worship

The Prophet warned: “A man who harms his wife with his tongue will not have his worship accepted, even if he fasts all day and prays all night.”

4. Love for One’s Spouse as a Sign of Faith

He considered love for one’s spouse a part of faith and encouraged men to maintain good personal grooming and care so that their wives would not grow weary of them.

5. Neither Violence Nor Unjust Estrangement

The Prophet cautioned: “A man who strikes his wife will receive seventy lashes of fire in the afterlife.” He was astonished by men who abused their wives despite deserving better treatment themselves.

6. Blessing in Modest Dowry and Proper Maintenance

He said: “One of the blessings of a wife is a modest dowry.” He criticized men who were financially able but were harsh toward their families.

7. Avoiding Privacy with Non-Mahram and Excess in Luxury

The Prophet warned: “No man should be alone with a non-mahram woman, for Satan will be the third among them.” He also advised women against excessive adornment and wearing overly expensive clothing.

A Brief Reflection

Could many of today’s conflicts and divorces stem from neglecting these very principles? Returning to these timeless recommendations may be the first step toward healing and rebuilding family bonds.

Dr. Yaser Taher Rahimi

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September 10, 2025 0 comment

Society

Women’s Education Is a Religious Duty, Extremists Distort Islam

by خانم هاشمی September 7, 2025

The Al-Azhar Observatory for Combating Extremism stresses that Islam regards the pursuit of knowledge as a fundamental religious duty for all—women included. Yet extremist groups misinterpret sacred texts to deny women this crucial right, undermining both religious teachings and societal advancement.

Islam’s Foundation for Knowledge and Equality

Islam’s earliest divine revelation opens with the command “Read in the name of your Lord who created…” (Qur’an, 96:1) and universalizes the obligation to seek knowledge for every Muslim, male or female. The Al-Azhar Observatory underlines that education is a civilizational necessity—vital for nurturing righteous generations and achieving social balance.

The Prophet’s Championing of Female Education

According to Al-Azhar’s analysis, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) made education for women a priority. He organized dedicated study sessions for them, delivered independent sermons, and entrusted women with the preservation and transmission of Hadith and Sunnah. Islam liberated women from the margins of ignorance that prevailed before the Prophetic era, affirming their educational rights as both religious and civilizational foundations.

Extremists Twisting Scripture to Exclude Women

The Observatory laments that extremist factions selectively and wrongly interpret religious texts to marginalize women and restrict their educational rights—from primary school to university levels. These oppressive practices, it clarifies, have no grounding in Islam; instead, they reflect extreme socio-cultural conditions that distort the religion. Such groups ignore the Prophet’s authentic model, which treated women as full partners in progress and affirmed equality in both humanity and responsibility—echoed in his declaration, “Women are the counterparts of men.”

The Broader Harm of Educational Exclusion

Depriving women of education is not only a violation of a genuine religious right but also a major barrier to societal development. History and contemporary examples—from societies dominated by extremist rule—show that sidelining women correlates directly with stagnation and regression. This exclusion has no relation to the Prophetic approach, which upheld women’s contributions to progress. Conversely, true Islamic methodology considers educating women an investment in both the present and future of the Ummah, and that guiding and nurturing them correctly is the cornerstone of raising generations and advancing societies.

en.jahanbanou.ir

From: radionisaa

September 7, 2025 0 comment

faith

Famous Converts to Islam Inspired by Prophet Muhammad

by خانم هاشمی August 26, 2025

As the anniversary of the Prophet Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) passing approaches, we reflect on modern examples of figures who embraced Islam after encountering the Prophet. Their stories underscore how his profound mercy and compassion continue to resonate across diverse lives and cultures.

When the World Had No Kindness, God Created Him

It is said that when the world lacked compassion, God created him—and even after 1,400 years, whenever his name is spoken, people greet him with peace: a greeting powerful enough to lift countless daughters from their graves. All the followers of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) know him through his kindness. This kindness earned him the title Raḥmatan li-l-ʿĀlamīn (Mercy to the Worlds). He was the only prophet who never cursed his own community, a characteristic that drew many hearts toward his message and faith.

Notable Faces of Recent History Who Embraced Islam in Middle Age

Muhammad Ali (formerly Cassius Marcellus Clay, Jr.)

Born on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. rose to become not merely a boxing legend but a symbol of strength in social justice and spiritual conviction. Changing his name to Muhammad Ali in 1964 after his conversion to Islam, he later explained that “Clay was a name given to my ancestors—slaves. Muhammad Ali is the name I chose”. He admired the Prophet Muhammad’s humility and leadership, saying the Prophet taught him that pride before humankind holds no value.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (née Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr.)

Born April 16, 1947, in New York City as Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr., he became known worldwide as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar after converting to Islam around 1971. A legendary NBA center, he said that observing the Prophet as both a spiritual leader and a champion of social justice, he realized that this is exactly what his generation deeply needed.

Lauren Booth, Human Rights Journalist

Lauren Booth, a British journalist and human rights advocate, encountered resilient and hopeful Muslims during her reporting in Palestine, even amid war and siege. She reflected: “When I learned how the Prophet Muhammad treated women and orphans, I realized this was the example humanity has lost today.”

Yusuf Islam (formerly Cat Stevens)

British singer-songwriter Cat Stevens, born Steven Georgiou, experienced a near-death in 1975 that prompted a deep spiritual journey. A wave rescued him during the ordeal off Malibu, and he vowed, “Oh God! If you save me, I’ll work for You”. After being gifted a copy of the Qur’an, he converted to Islam in 1977 and adopted the name Yusuf Islam in 1978. Reflecting on the Prophet’s life gave him the profound sense of answering questions he had long carried.

Closing Reflection

These figures illuminate the timeless impact of Prophet Muhammad’s example—a blend of gentleness, justice, and humanity that transcends time and culture. Their personal journeys show how his legacy continues to guide spirits and offer hope, reminding contemporary generations of the compassion and moral clarity they may have lost.

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From: mehrnews

August 26, 2025 0 comment

Asia

Forced Back into the Cage

by faeze mohammadi July 31, 2025

Under the scorching July sun at Afghanistan’s Islam Qala border, 17-year-old Khorshid stepped onto her homeland’s soil wearing tattered jeans and sneakers—a last remnant of her life in Iran.

Within moments, Taliban enforcers barked orders demanding full-body covering. “I like myself as I am,” she protested defiantly, but the regime’s brutal reality swiftly crushed her resistance. Turning to her sisters Mahra (18) and Beheshte (19), she whispered: “Afghanistan is a cage for women. We’re being forced back into that cage.” Her words echo a devastating humanitarian tragedy: the forced return of over 1.9 million Afghans from Iran and Pakistan in 2025—the largest mass deportation since the Taliban’s takeover, condemned by the UN as a gross human rights violation.

This exodus stems from state policies that saw Iran expel 1.5 million Afghans since January 2025, including 410,000 people forcibly deported in just 16 days following Iran’s June conflict with Israel. For women like Khorshid, return means surrendering to a system that erases their fundamental rights: girls over 12 are banned from education, universities remain shuttered to women, and employment in both public and private sectors is forbidden. Daily movement is policed by gender apartheid—women cannot travel beyond 48 miles or enter parks without male guardians.

Somaya Jamshidi, a 24-year-old weeks away from graduating in Political Science in Iran, embodies this crushing despair: “The wall around all our dreams collapsed. I was planning my career—now I’m trapped.” Returnees face financial ruin after Iran froze Afghan bank accounts, wiping out life savings while Afghanistan grapples with 23.7 million people needing urgent aid, collapsed healthcare systems, and a $1.03 billion freeze in U.S. assistance.

A stark paradox unfolds along the borders. At Dogharoon crossing—hailed by Iranian officials as an “economic hub”—over 1,000 trucks daily fuel $3 billion in annual trade. Yet just miles away at Milak border, 800,000 deported Afghans queue in dust with scant belongings, relying on locals handing out water and first aid. “It’s the least we can do,” says volunteer Qodous Khatabi. The Taliban’s double standard deepens the crisis: their foreign minister expands trade with Iran while their troops block returnees at checkpoints.

As Iran accelerates construction of hundreds of miles of border walls and Pakistan mirrors deportation policies, the UN warns these actions violate international non-refoulement principles, noting Taliban policies may constitute gender-based crimes against humanity. In this maelstrom of abandonment, survival hinges on whether the world will hear the cries of Afghan women from within their cage.

New York Times

July 31, 2025 0 comment

opinion Women in Islam

The True Image of the Muslim Woman

by خانم هاشمی June 18, 2025

What viewers witnessed on national television—amid war and foreign assault—was a clear and powerful image of the Iranian Muslim woman: Sahar Emami, fully veiled, without seeking attention, yet radiating strength and dignity.

✍| By Ms. Fatemeh Ghasemi

In Her Hijab: Confidence and Composure; In Her Modesty: Freedom and Clarity

Her presence embodied confidence. Her modesty wasn’t a limitation, but a reflection of her freedom of thought and expression. That broadcast showed no conflict between hijab and women’s freedom—no invisible wall preventing her from stepping forward or playing a public role.

What the world saw didn’t match the stories often told by some Western “women’s rights” advocates. In fact, it was a direct response to the false accusations against Iranian women: that they are oppressed, silenced, or stripped of agency.

Her modesty wasn’t a limitation, but a reflection of her freedom of thought and expression. That broadcast showed no conflict between hijab and women’s freedom—no invisible wall preventing her from stepping forward or playing a public role.

The veiled Iranian woman, before the eyes of the world, didn’t speak from the shadows of hijab—she spoke through it. She acted, appeared, and stood tall within it.

Hijab Is Not a Barrier—It Is Power

If hijab hindered freedom or social engagement, how has Sahar Emami, wearing full hijab and modesty, worked actively and effectively in Iranian media for over two decades?

If hijab suppressed women’s voices, how did she, during a direct attack on the national broadcast building, speak firmly and without fear, defending the truth?

If hijab meant women couldn’t claim their rights, how did she, in those tense moments, speak not just for herself, but courageously for the rights of women, children, and men across the country, demanding justice?

Western activists have long demanded ‘freedom for Iranian women’—but what kind of freedom cannot exist alongside modesty? The answer is clear: sexual freedom

Isn’t this the very freedom any dignified human seeks? Freedom of thought, of speech, and the freedom to live honorably.

Which “Freedom” Is Incompatible with Hijab?

Western feminist and women’s rights activists have long demanded “freedom for Iranian women”—but what kind of freedom cannot exist alongside modesty?

The answer is clear: sexual freedom.

Campaigns like My Stealthy Freedom (encouraging women to post photos without hijab) and White Wednesdays (where women wear white on Wednesdays to protest hijab), led by figures like Masi Alinejad, may appear to promote “choice.” But in reality, they seek to normalize sexual liberation as the primary path to women’s rights. What begins as a call for dress choice evolves into the promotion of public nudity and rebellion. These aren’t just social movements—they are part of a broader attempt to undermine Iranian identity, womanhood, and family. It’s no surprise that figures like Netanyahu, a long-time enemy of Iran, have publicly supported these efforts while falsely presenting themselves as defenders of Iranian women.

This isn’t new. These same goals—breaking the core of the Iranian family—have been long pursued by Western policymakers and shaped by the ideologies of feminist theorists like Simone de Beauvoir, Andrea Dworkin, and Judith Butler. These efforts seek to wound the deep roots of modesty and cultural integrity in Iranian women. In doing so, they reduce the rich concept of freedom into a shallow notion of sexual liberation, marketed as empowerment.

Rooted in Culture, Modesty, and Resistance

But the Iranian woman is not the caricature her enemies imagine. She is not fragile, nor easily influenced. She is deeply connected to faith, self-respect, and resistance. Her idea of freedom is not built on vanity or sexual display—it is based on intellect, expression, and dignity.

The Iranian woman is not fragile, nor easily influenced. She is deeply connected to faith, self-respect, and resistance. Her idea of freedom is not built on vanity or sexual display—it is based on intellect, expression, and dignity.

In the school of Islam, the Iranian woman is noble, aware, and dignified—like Lady Zaynab (peace be upon her), who, in the darkest moments of grief and crisis, stood firm, spoke boldly, and defended truth and humanity. That same spirit is visible today in women like Sahar Emami.

Such women are not diminished by hijab. They are elevated by it. With full modesty and unmatched dignity, they strike back at the false narratives of Western “women’s rights” champions. They endure. They remain.

en.jahanbanou.ir

June 18, 2025 0 comment

Women in Islam Women Pioneers

An Iranian Philosopher: From Tehran to California

by خانم هاشمی May 28, 2025

Dr. Touba Kermani, a respected former faculty member of the University of Tehran’s Faculty of Theology, not only excelled in the realm of Islamic philosophy through her academic and educational endeavors but also became a prominent figure for Muslim women on the global stage.

Redefining the Image of Muslim Women

This veiled woman, by adhering to religious values, successfully transformed the misrepresented image of Iranian Muslim women. Her efforts inspired many non-Muslims to learn about Islam.

A Legacy of Scholarship and Virtue

Touba Kermani, a distinguished Iranian scholar and philosopher, earned the highest academic degrees from the University of California with unwavering determination and a profound passion for knowledge, becoming recognized as the first Iranian woman philosopher. Her many years of teaching philosophy and Islamic studies at the University of Tehran established her as an outstanding professor who mentored numerous students across various fields of humanities and Islamic sciences.

She consistently maintained that scientific and social progress is entirely compatible with upholding religious principles and the Islamic hijab. This educated woman, with her excellent character, steadfast beliefs, and deep knowledge, was celebrated not only within Iran but also in international academic circles, earning the admiration of Western scholars. Her students and colleagues consider her an exemplary model of an Iranian Muslim woman who successfully presented a brilliant image of Iranian women to the world.

A Champion of Iranian Women and Islamic Values

One of the most crucial duties emphasized by the Supreme Leader for intellectual and seminary women is to introduce the model of the Iranian Muslim woman to the world—a mission Dr. Kermani fulfilled with great success. Until the final days of her life, she remained a loyal supporter of the Islamic Revolution and its leadership, working with high resolve to advance the country’s scientific and cultural development.

Remembering this virtuous philosopher and learned Iranian woman, coinciding with Mulla Sadra‘s commemoration day, provides an opportunity to re-evaluate the position of elite women in contemporary Iranian history and the importance of presenting worthy role models in the fields of knowledge and Islamic ethics.

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From: hawzanews

May 28, 2025 0 comment

Society

Hijab: Honoring or Limiting Women in Islamic Society?

by خانم هاشمی May 15, 2025

In Islamic society, the Muslim woman holds a distinguished status and unique dignity, with the hijab serving as a symbol of her character and respect. Hijab is a sign of honoring women, and Islam bestows honor and reverence upon all women who observe it.

A Sign of Honor

Among Muslims, the Muslim woman possesses a special honor and character, and her hijab and covering are seen as emblems of her personality and dignity. Hijab is a mark of respect for women, and Islam holds all women who adhere to hijab in high esteem and reverence.

A Matter of Values

The values of Islam must be revitalized in our society; for example, the issue of hijab is a matter of values. While it may be a precursor to higher ideals, hijab itself is a significant value. Our emphasis on hijab stems from the belief that observing it helps women attain their sublime spiritual station and avoid the many slippery slopes that obstruct their path.

A Deviant Interpretation

The issue of hijab does not mean isolating women. Anyone who interprets it that way is completely misguided and wrong. Rather, hijab aims to prevent the unrestrained mixing of men and women in society. This mingling is detrimental to both society and individuals, especially women.

A Preventive Measure

The issue of hijab, or the prohibition of looking at non-mahram (unrelated) individuals – which is so emphasized in Islam through narrations, Quranic verses, and various discussions – is, in fact, a preliminary step to prevent the growth of a dangerous cell that will turn into a deadly tumor. It is a prevention against a fatal and destructive disease and calamity in society, which is promiscuity and sexual licentiousness.

Satanic Goals

The West and its affiliates desired the unveiling of women in Iran. They pursued their satanic goals, namely the disbelief of the entire society and the licentiousness of women.

A Great Obligation

Recognize the enemy’s conspiracy, understand the necessity of the revolution, and know that preserving the chastity and purity of society and the sanctity of men and women during this very sensitive period of Iran’s revolutionary society is a necessity and a great obligation. Strive to maintain chastity and modesty in workplaces, streets, and throughout society.

The Spirit of Belief

The enemies targeted the issue of hijab with propaganda, hoping to remove us from the arena. Despite their efforts, Islamic Iran and Muslim women have maintained their commitment to hijab, the dignity of Muslim women, and Islamic teachings about women with strength, decisiveness, and the spirit of belief and self-confidence. Today, the Western world is gradually inclining towards Islamic hijab.

Priorities

Women’s society should prioritize cultural work concerning women and, by providing knowledge and awareness to women, make them resistant to the cultural onslaught of Islam’s enemies. Women must have a complete understanding and awareness of the obstacles to their growth, flourishing, and the revival of their true identity.

Preserving Chastity

Islamic hijab is a means of preserving human chastity. The revolutionary character of a Muslim woman does not allow her to expose herself by displaying her naked body or by flaunting her adornments and makeup.

A Revolutionary Necessity

In our society, the issue of hijab is an Islamic and revolutionary necessity, not a governmental or legal imposition. Anyone who adheres to the revolution must observe the chastity and purity of the social environment; this is a revolutionary necessity.

Views of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei on Hijab

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From: basijnews

May 15, 2025 0 comment

Women in Islam

Honoring Women on Imam Reza’s Birth Anniversary

by خانم هاشمی May 9, 2025

An insightful narration from Imam Reza (peace be upon him) presents the believing woman as the very source of tranquility, loyalty, and trust within the family unit. This profound and well-balanced perspective emphasizes rationality, affection, and trustworthiness, painting a dignified image of womanhood and offering a clear response to the identity challenges women face in the modern age.

✍|By: Mahta Sanei

A Guiding Light in Tradition

In a radiant narration, Imam Reza (peace be upon him) states:

“After faith in God, the Exalted and Glorious, nothing is more beneficial to a man than a wife of good character. When he looks at her, she brings him joy; when he asks her for something, she obeys him; and when he is away from her, she safeguards his honor and his wealth.”

This precious saying of Imam Reza (peace be upon him) portrays a woman not merely as a spouse, but as the cornerstone of peace, trust, and security in married life. He highlights qualities in an ideal woman that, within the dynamics of human and marital relationships, converge with love, intellect, and piety.

1. A Vision of Delight and Peace

In the Imam’s view, a woman is a source of happiness and peace for her husband’s heart. This perspective goes beyond mere physical appearance, encompassing the joy found in her smile, affection, dignity, and comforting words – all contributing to the “husband’s delight upon looking at his wife.” A Muslim woman, while upholding her modesty, can and should be a lady whose gentle presence fills the home with warmth.

2. Intelligent Obedience, Rooted in Reason

The narration mentions obedience to the husband as a positive attribute. However, this obedience does not arise from weakness but rather from a place of rationality, love, and a woman’s inherent wisdom in managing the household. A discerning woman knows when to be silent, when to support, and when to offer guidance; this “obedience” is a facet of a woman’s subtle yet effective management within the family.

3. A Guardian of Trust in Absence

Imam Reza (peace be upon him) praises a woman as the protector of her own honor, her family’s integrity, and her husband’s material and spiritual trusts during his absence. This signifies the highest level of trust and the esteemed status of a woman – one who is not only self-respecting but also the guardian of her family’s reputation and her own dignity. This teaching presents woman as a trustworthy, mature, and highly respected individual.

Today’s Woman: Bridging Authenticity and Awareness

In a world that sometimes overlooks women by confining them to the fringes of extreme traditionalism or drowns them in the tide of superficial modernism, revisiting the wisdom of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), particularly the insights of Imam Reza (peace be upon him), leads us to a balanced and honorable understanding of womanhood.

Today, women in contemporary society face profound questions:

Can one be a devoted wife and mother while also playing an active role in society? Is emotional connection in marriage a sign of weakness or maturity? Does religion solely demand obedience and silence from women? This narration offers a solid and deeply rooted answer to all these inquiries.

In this narration, Imam Reza (peace be upon him) introduces woman as “the best asset a man can have after faith”; this description places woman not just alongside man but as a partner in the very growth of his faith.

This implies that a woman is not simply a “companion” but an integral part of a man’s journey of development and fulfillment.

Another crucial point is the integration of intellect and affection in a woman’s life. The obedience mentioned in the narration does not negate independence; rather, it illustrates how a woman, with a keen understanding of her husband’s emotional and psychological needs, actively contributes to the family’s emotional equilibrium. Contrary to distorted interpretations, this teaching does not view woman as a passive entity but as the “manager of emotions” and the “guardian of peace” within the home.

In today’s world, where a woman’s identity is sometimes reduced to superficial appearances or external achievements, this hadith emphasizes the importance of a woman’s inner strength and integrity. A believing woman is one who upholds boundaries, trusts, love, and responsibility even in her husband’s absence. This means that even when unseen, a woman remains the most influential figure in the security and harmony of her family.

In Conclusion:

Woman in Imam Reza’s (peace be upon him) thought is a harmonious blend of beauty, intellect, loyalty, and authenticity – neither lost in superficiality nor silenced, but rather the precious gem of the home. Returning to this divine image may be precisely what today’s woman needs amidst the noise of hollow, glittering slogans.

If today, in a clamorous world, woman grapples with the conflict between authenticity and modernity, or faith and independence, the Razavi narration teaches her that she can be devout, joyful, influential, and loyal. In this vision, woman is not a mere observer of life but the creator of its safe and loving environment – a jewel that shines not in the shadow of man but in the radiant light of faith.

Hadith Sources: Uyoun Akhbar al-Reza, vol. 2, p. 58 / Wasa’il al-Shi’a, vol. 14, p. 15, Chapter 1, Hadith 2

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May 9, 2025 0 comment

Women Pioneers

Lady of Qom: A Girl Who Shaped a Nation

by خانم هاشمی April 29, 2025

A Cultural Reflection on the Birth Anniversary of Lady Fatima Masumeh (SA)
The Young Woman Who Made Qom the Beating Heart of Shia Authority

✍| By Maryam Iranpour

Qom: A Global Center of Shia Islam

Today, the city of Qom, blessed by the presence of Lady Fatima Masumeh (SA), holds a prominent place in the Islamic world—rivaling even Najaf in significance. It has become the beating heart of Shia religious authority and played a critical role in the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran.

Worship: A Civilizational Force

Since the dawn of history, humanity has built places of worship—temples, synagogues, and fire altars—as expressions of its innate need to revere. However, a structured form of worship, especially one rooted in prostration and spiritual discipline, creates a powerful social and civilizational order.

Seventeen Days That Changed History

Lady Masumeh (SA) resided in Qom for only seventeen days before her passing. Yet those brief days brought lasting blessings. What did she do in such a short time that turned Qom into the epicenter of Shia leadership?

It is not the quantity of time that matters, but the quality of her presence.

Upon settling in Qom, she immediately established her personal place of worship—a fixed spot for devotion and prayer.

Today, this sacred space is known as the “Setiyeh” district near Mir Square in Qom, with her prayer niche, called “Bayt al-Nur” (House of Light), at its heart. This decisive action was a tangible example of her strategic and jurisprudential planning, grounded in spatial, religious, and mosque-centric frameworks.

A Strategic and Visionary Woman

Lady Masumeh (SA) was not only a model Islamic woman but also a brilliant strategist and planner.

Spatial strategy, a key principle in modern civilizational planning, was central to her approach. In revolutionary movements, “place” holds great importance. Her migration to Qom endowed the city with unmatched religious prestige that has endured through centuries.

This model was later mirrored in the movements of influential Shia leaders like Martyr Beheshti, Martyr Chamran, and Imam Musa Sadr, who were dispatched to different regions. This strategic diffusion would ultimately influence movements such as that of Sayyid Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon after the Islamic Revolution.

The Strategic Vision of Imam Musa al-Kadhim (AS)

Imam Musa al-Kadhim (AS), fully aware of future events, initiated a wide-reaching strategic movement involving his many children—19 daughters (all unmarried) and 18 sons—who journeyed across regions from Iran to Yemen.

If one were to draw horizontal and vertical lines, each 3,000 kilometers long, across the shrines of these 37 children, it would form a symbolic “plus sign” (+) over the Iranian plateau of 1,200 years ago.

This environment-based strategy, initiated by Imam al-Kadhim (AS) and his children, was foundational to the growth of Shia Islam in Iran.

From Local Presence to National Transformation

Before this, Shiism had limited presence in areas like Tabaristan and parts of Sistan. The permanent establishment of a Shia identity in Iran, however, took root after the era of Imam al-Kadhim (AS).

The distribution of these noble descendants across Iran was not random—it was part of a deliberate, revolutionary pattern. This exclusive Shia guerrilla strategy involved:

– Deployment across a 3,000 by 3,000 km expanse.
– Avoidance of settling in one centralized area.
– Establishing local presence to consolidate Shia influence.
– Staying rooted in each area to preach and increase their influence, ultimately embracing martyrdom.

Their impact multiplied exponentially after their martyrdom. Where their influence was once “one,” it became “nine hundred and ninety-nine.” For over a thousand years, each has shone like a brilliant star in the regions they graced.

The Legacy of 37 Siblings

A key reason behind Iran’s Islamic Revolution and its unique religious identity—distinct from the Islam of its birthplace in Arabia—can be traced to these 37 brothers and sisters. Their strategic presence and enduring legacy transformed the religious and political landscape of Iran.

en.jahanbanou.ir

April 29, 2025 0 comment

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