BY D SEBUNYA: Imam Khomeini, revered as a leader, thinker, and Islamic scholar, championed the inherent dignity and rights of women, rooted in their innate talents bestowed by the Divine. Across personal, familial, and social spheres, he emphasized three fundamental roles for women, drawing inspiration from exemplary figures like Hazrat Fatima Zahra, Hazrat Khadija, Hazrat Zainab, and Hazrat Maryam.
Central to Imam Khomeini’s teachings was the acknowledgment of women’s pivotal role in society, particularly as mothers nurturing the next generation. He cited the transformative influence of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad in dismantling pre-Islamic beliefs that marginalized women, highlighting their elevated status in religious scriptures.
Rejecting notions of gender superiority, Imam Khomeini underscored the equality of men and women in spiritual pursuit, urging both genders to strive for excellence. He exhorted noble women to emulate the virtues of Hazrat Zahra, epitomizing divine qualities and spiritual enlightenment.
Imam Khomeini’s vision extended beyond rhetoric to practical empowerment, advocating for women’s active participation in social and political spheres. Notably, he appointed women to key diplomatic and military roles, emphasizing their indispensable contributions to nation-building.
Recognizing the pivotal role of family in societal stability, Imam Khomeini emphasized the critical bond between mother and child, attributing societal ills to the absence of maternal love and nurturing. He regarded the family unit as the cornerstone of a prosperous society, urging women’s holistic development to foster a nurturing environment for future generations.
In Imam Khomeini’s worldview, women’s participation in public life was contingent upon upholding Islamic values and modesty, safeguarding their dignity from objectification. He advocated for women’s rights within the framework of Islamic principles, stressing the importance of maintaining chastity while engaging in societal affairs.
Despite strides towards gender equality, Imam Khomeini acknowledged ongoing challenges, cautioning against the exploitation and violence faced by women in modern societies. He reiterated the imperative of women’s political involvement, emphasizing their equal rights and responsibilities in shaping their destinies.
Imam Khomeini’s legacy endures as a beacon of progressive thought, advocating for women’s empowerment and familial values in the Islamic Republic of Iran. His teachings continue to resonate under the leadership of Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, who upholds the imperative of advancing women’s rights as a cornerstone of national development.