The Irony of it All

Marzieh Hashemi, senior journalist and documentary filmmaker

Thousands of females started to stream into the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah in Tehran. Some walking with canes and others walking rapidly and excitedly. They were of all ages and walks of life and from different parts of Iran and they all wanted to hear what their Leader had to tell them during this important event. As I watched these scenes, the word “ironic” kept coming to my mind.

How ironic that this ceremony is held annually by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Sayyid Ali Khamenei, who is demonized and portrayed as being misogynistic by the Western propaganda apparatus. How ironic that a country, where women are honored and respected so much, can be vilified as being anti-female. And how ironic that this Leader, who is in the middle of major politically strategic events, takes the time now to meet, speak and reiterate the important role women must play to both Iranian and foreign women.  This is how women are prioritized in this country.

And why is this important event being held? It is the commemoration of the upcoming Women’s Day or Mother’s Day in Iran, which is held on the birth anniversary of a woman who was born 14 centuries ago! She is Fatima Zahra (pbuh), the daughter of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), who is respected and admired by both men and women in Islam.

The fact that a Muslim woman, who lived almost 1400 years ago is so revered may seem like an oxymoron to some because of the way Islam and women in Islam have been demonized over the years. Islam has been portrayed as a backward religion filled with oppressed women. The fact that one of the best examples for men and women in Islam is Fatima Zahra (pbuh), highlights the untruth of this misinformation narrative.  Thus, the word irony was very much apropos throughout this Mother’s Day ceremony for me.  

The daughter of the Prophet was the epitome of faith, intelligence, strength and love. Fatima Zahra (pbuh) was called the “mother of her father” because of the way she took care of her father.  She was multifaceted and served as a role model. And this was one of the exceptional role models that I was introduced to while studying about Islam years ago, which ultimately attracted me enough that I would become a Muslim. Thus, how is it possible that such a progressive and logical religion has been so misrepresented?

The answer lies in the same way that the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khamenei, is misrepresented and the Islamic Republic is demonized, the enemies of Tawhid have worked fervently to create a negative image about Islam and have tried to tarnish the image of Muslim women, ironically even amongst Muslim women themselves!   But despite all of this, while looking around the Imam Khomeini Hussainiyah, one quickly realizes just how progressive the Iranian society is when it comes to the activities of women. Just about everyone in the room was female, from the guests to the photographers to some of the guards, as well as the camerawomen and reporters. And then there were several women who spoke, from university professors to an athlete to an actress and even a high school student, indicative of the roles females play in all sectors of Iranian society. All of the women spoke with confidence and offered suggestions of how to improve the field of interest that they were addressing. All of this is indicative of a well-rounded society where women can criticize, strive and thrive.

But the peak of the day was the speech by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution. Imam Khamenei addressed the issue regarding women being active and ascending in various fields and said that there should be no obstacle preventing females from reaching their highest potential.  He said women and men are equal and can compete in various fields, but at times are given different responsibilities. However, he pointed to the ultimate position for any woman and that is being a mother.  He alluded to how the West has downplayed the importance of being a mother and at times have even stigmatized motherhood.  But he said, the reality of the matter is that it is a privilege and an honor to be a mother, as well as a major responsibility. 

Ayatollah Khamenei also continued by pointing out to the women how they are the targets of western propaganda and to be aware of this. He said the enemy isn’t sitting idle. They continue to plot. They realized that they couldn’t bring Iran down by war or bombings, so they use soft power, such as propaganda, lies and even tempting women to give in to their tactics.  He said it is everyone’s responsibility to be vigilant and the women must be aware of the enemy’s tactics.

Again, the irony of it all hits me as women shout affectionate slogans and rush towards their Imam at the end of his speech, showing their admiration for their Leader.  These women, looking at him as a source of inspiration and direction, while he is portrayed as anything, but having the interest of women as his priority. The distance between the real and the created is far. The reality on the ground here in Iran is one thing and the one the enemies would like to create is another. Let’s hope that the right path is always lit brightly for those who want to follow it and that the reality on the ground here in the Islamic Republic would be one which Lady Fatima Zahra (pbuh) would approve.

Happy Mother’s Day to All

(The above is Marzieh Hashemi’s personal account of her participation in Imam Khamenei’s meeting with thousands of women from across the country on Dec. 17, 2024)