
By Sydney Dalske
The country of Iran has famously instilled mandatory laws forcing hijab coverings on women in the country. Over a year has passed since the death of Mahsa Amini, a woman who died in custody of the ‘morality police’ enforcing these said laws.
Now, the Iranian president’s wife, Jamilah Alamolhoda, has become the new defender of these laws. She provides valuable insight into why Iran maintains its position on the mandatory hijab laws. The key points that she makes in her interview clarify the historical, cultural and religious context that their policies are centered around.
Iran’s mandatory hijab laws have their roots in the Islamic Revolution of 1979, which was a pivotal event that reshaped the nation’s entire government and society. The implementation of the hijab laws was seen as a fundamental tenet of the new Islamic government for its citizens.
The Iranian president’s wife, who is not referred to as the First Lady, emphasized the significance of the hijab on women as an Islamic symbol of culture and religion.
Religion clearly plays a central role in the societal norms of Iran and many other middle eastern countries. There is extreme importance in upholding its values which is what the mandatory hijab laws do. It ensures the Islamic teachings of modest dress codes.
Jamilah Alamolhoda also discussed how the hijab is a tool used for unifying the people of Iran under a shared culture and common values. She stated that it is crucial for social stability and national cohesion.
When considering this perspective on supporting the hijab laws, it is also important to acknowledge the issue that remains. There are parts of the society within Iran that challenge these mandatory laws and wish for greater personal freedom.
Understanding the significance of the hijab in Iranian culture and its context is critical when discussing the different opinions about the hijab laws because both sides need to be respected.