ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Position of Women from the Viewpoint of Imam Khomeini (r.a.) Great Women of the World Hazrat Fatima Zahra Hazrat [^1] Fatima Zahra (upon whom be peace) The anniversary of Hazrat Fatima’s birthday and Women’s Day The anniversary of Hazrat Fatima’s birthday and Women’s Day Tomorrow is Women’s Day. It is the day when (the birth of) a woman is commemorated of whom the world is proud.

It is the day commemorating a woman whose daughter stood against tyrannical governments, who recited that sermon and uttered those words, of which you are all aware. (1) 16 May 1979 (26 Urdibihisht 1358 AHS) If a day is to be designated ‘Women’s Day’, what day is more deserving, is prouder, than the day commemorating the joyous birth of Fatima Zahra, upon whom be peace, a woman who is the pride of the family of divine revelation, and who, like a sun, shines brightly in the crown of beloved Islam.

(2) 5 May 1980 (15 Urdibihisht 1359 AHS) It is a great day, on which a woman came into the world who compared with all men. A woman came into the world who was an exemplar for mankind. A woman came into the world in whom all traits of a (true) human being were manifest. So today is a great day. It is the day of you women.

(3) 17 May 1980 (7 Urdibihisht 1359 AHS) I convey my best wishes and felicitations to the noble nation of Iran, in particular the respected women, on the immensely happy occasion of the birthday of Fatima Zahra, the most felicitous day to commemorate Women’s Day. This joyous birthday occurred in a place and time when women were not considered to be human beings and their very existence was seen as a source of shame for families among the different tribes of the pre-Islamic times.

In such a corrupt and barbaric environment, the great Prophet of Islam took woman’s hand and delivered her from the slough of pagan customs. The history of Islam testifies to the limitless respect the Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him and his descendants, showed this noble infant, so as to demonstrate that woman has a special greatness in society, and if she is not superior to man, she is certainly no less than him.

So this day is the day of woman’s revivification, and the day to establish her honour and the great role she plays in society.