A member of the Supreme Council of the Hawza of Khorasan believes that women who do not have a problem with their daughters being uncovered also wear hijab merely out of habit, not choice. Mohammad Javad Nazafat stated in an interview with the Khorasan newspaper that the 'enjoining good' that has become established among the people 'does not have a religious hue' and may not be genuinely good, but people consider it so. This cleric believes that one of the strategies for promoting hijab is 'creating an atmosphere' and that those who do not properly observe hijab should not be labeled as 'anti-revolutionary.' Nazafat emphasized that the Islamic Republic and its supporters and clerics also have problems in justifying religious matters to the public and cannot 'properly justify' them on some issues. He believes that one sensitive issue in explaining hijab is the matter of it being a 'habit' for some, to the extent that 'if you take the chador off many women, they would have a stroke because they are used to it, and hijab is not their choice.' This cleric stressed that 'our propagandists must be men of action, and theorizing in cyberspace does not solve the problem.' He also mentioned the decrease in 'street-level forces' and stated that when 'we enter the fray in operational matters, there are not many operational forces.' Opposition to mandatory hijab has expanded more than ever in recent years in Iran, peaking after last year's protests. In this context, the Islamic Republic officials are trying to prevent the continuation of these oppositions by drafting new laws and increasing enforcement. Nevertheless, numerous reports are published daily on social media indicating women's civil resistance against mandatory hijab. The government claims that 70% of women with less hijab support mandatory hijab laws. There are 'astonishing' judicial rulings against opponents of mandatory hijab, ranging from washing corpses to psychology classes. Physical confrontations have occurred between morality patrol officers and women without mandatory hijab. Civil disobedience continues among Iranian women, with women walking without mandatory hijab in Tehran. Ahead of the 'anniversary of Mahsa Amini,' morality patrols have quietly returned to the streets. The judiciary is attempting to counter women's civil resistance by issuing 'astonishing' rulings.
A Cleric: Women's Hijab is a Habit, Not a Choice
A cleric in Iran argues that women's hijab is often a habit rather than a choice, suggesting that societal pressure and lack of proper justification from authorities contribute to this practice. The discussion highlights the growing opposition to mandatory hijab laws in Iran, especially following recent protests. This reflects ongoing tensions between the government and civil society regarding women's rights and freedoms.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
A cleric in Iran stated that many women wear hijab out of habit rather than choice, reflecting societal pressures and the government's struggle to justify its policies. This statement comes amid increasing civil resistance against mandatory hijab laws following recent protests.
- The cleric emphasized that the hijab is often a habit for women, not a genuine choice.
- Opposition to mandatory hijab has intensified, especially after protests sparked by the death of Mahsa Amini.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has a long-standing policy of mandatory hijab for women, which has faced increasing opposition, especially after high-profile protests. The issue of women's rights is a flashpoint in Iranian society.
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%