Islamic Revolution of Iran, Islamic Lifestyle and Strengthening the Family Foundation(1)

The Role of Women in the Victory of the Islamic Revolution

What rendered women voiceless before the Islamic Revolution of Iran was the peripheral role they were playing and the prevailing patriarchal culture governing the society. However, recognizing the fundamental impact women could make in society and the pivotal role they play as guides and supporters within families, Imam Khomeini (ra) believed that without their active participation, the Revolution would not succeed. Therefore, from the early stages of the revolutionary movements, he encouraged women to take part in these activities.

This statement of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution that “it is from the laps of women that man begins his ascent”, laid the foundation for an Islamic doctrine which introduces Lady Fatima Zahra (sa), the role model for humanity, as the center and axis of creation and the continuation of the prophets' movements until the reappearance of Imam Mahdi (as). Consequently, Iranian Muslim women realized that they could drive the course of history towards the establishment of justice all over the world.

The role of women in the victory of the Islamic Revolution is so crucial that it is considered one of the features of the Revolution. Imam Khomeini (ra), as the leader of the movement, realized this issue with his unique insight and not only called for the engagement of women in revolutionary activities but also considered their participation necessary. In fact, if it were not for the patience and cooperation of these women with the men, the resistance of people might not have continued, and the roots and foundation of the Revolution might not have been established. The most important point in the victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran is the tremendous transformation that occurred in the perception towards the status of women in society. This largely resulted from the sublime teachings of Islam. There were women who offered whatever they had to save the country and contributed to the victory of the Islamic Revolution. They exemplify this verse of the Holy Quran: “You will never attain piety until you spend out of what you hold dear”. Referring to such activities of Iranian women, Imam Khomeini (ra) stated: “The women of Iran, Qum and other cities are in the vanguard of this victory. They inspired the men. Our men are indebted to your bravery”. Likewise, on another occasion, he said: “The regime’s prisons are crammed with lionhearted and courageous women. In street demonstrations, our women have held their children close to their chests and have come to the arena without any fear of tanks, cannons and machine guns. The political meetings held by women in various cities of the country are not few. They have played a very valuable role in our struggles”.

The Role of Women After the Victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran

Throughout the history of Iran, women have always played a significant role in thwarting the conspiracies of the enemies and effectively supported the society. After the victory of the Islamic Revolution, Iraq, under the illusion that it would take over Iran in a couple of days, initiated a war that lasted for 8 years. But, the brave Iranian youths, from the beginning and throughout the war, caused the enemy significant losses. In such a situation, women were acting as the anonymous soldiers of the war. During this period, they undertook important roles such as participating in military and social activities, working in logistics facilities, and providing various material assistance as well as spiritual support to the warriors. Moreover, engaging in collective support activities like sewing, cooking, and the like, increased their self-confidence for more participation in social affairs. This is reflected in Imam Khomeini’s statement: “It could be said that women have moved this movement forward”. Also, he stated: “When I watch these noble ladies on television, actively supporting the armed forces, the appreciation that I feel in my heart is something unique that I would not feel for others. These ladies are offering selfless service without any expectation for posts, positions, or any other compensation from the nation. They are in fact like the anonymous soldiers who are busy serving at the holy warfront. We should be grateful for this blessing and should learn from these ladies and children who are serving behind the scenes as well as from those who are present in the ruined or the semi-ruined cities”.

Women and the Achievements of the Islamic Revolution

In fact, the Revolution was the result of women's activities and endeavors. However, the special achievements of the Revolution provided suitable and desirable grounds for women’s more active engagement in society thereby introducing a unique definition of womanhood which cannot be found in the intellectual foundation and doctrines of most of the Islamic movements.

During the revolutionary struggles and afterwards, Imam Khomeini (ra), as a leader and great religious authority, spared no effort to make women more active in society and drive them towards growth and elevation. For this reason, at the beginning of his political and divine will, he states that “we are honored that our women, young and old, prominent or unknown, attend cultural, economic and military scenes side by side with men or sometimes more active than men in raising the status of Islam and achieving the goals of the Holy Quran. Our women have liberated themselves from the deprivations imposed on them, on Islam and Muslims by the enemies of Islam. Also, they have bravely discarded the superstitions created by enemies”.

Given his profound religious understanding and knowledge, Imam Khomeini (ra) described his mission and that of the Islamic Revolution as helping women attain noble human values so that they could make their own destinies. During the Revolution, women managed to be more active such that Imam Khomeini (ra) stated: “Who mobilized the women in that they are participating [and rightly so] in the country’s affairs? Nobody; God has invited them. They are answering God’s call”. He emphasized both the scientific and practical activities of women. Therefore, the achievements and blessings of the Islamic Revolution of Iran have provided a suitable and desirable ground for both the active and participatory roles of women.