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The Rediff Interview/Farideh Mostafavi

'The world is a threat to us, we have never been a threat to anybody'

"Islam has certain laws and teachings concerning social and religious affairs," says Farideh Mostafavi. "There is no cruelty towards women in our religion regarding divorce."

Sixty-year-old Mostafavi, daughter of the late Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the spiritual leader of Iran who overthrew the Shah's regime in 1979, was in Bombay to attend the ninth death anniversary of her father.

Discussion on politics? "Sorry, no comments," she says, "But I will gladly discuss social, cultural and religious matters." In an interview with Insiya Rasiwala , she expresses her views on Islam and attempts to clear popular misconceptions about the religion.

There is a view in the Western media that Islam is not a progressive religion and suppresses women. What is your opinion?

This is vicious propaganda, biased against Muslims. It's a fact that Islam has given honour and dignity to women. Islam and the Muslims are opposed to this biased view of the Western media. The Western countries have propagated this because of their hatred towards Islam. The Muslims are not willing to be colonised by the Western powers. We have resisted their propaganda and their way of life. Therefore their propaganda has become more vicious against us.

What does Islam state exactly about talaaq (divorce)?

Islam has laws and commands, and principles and teachings concerning social and religious affairs. And we as Muslims follow those teachings. There is no cruelty to women in our religion in the matter of divorce. Islam does not believe in exploiting women. There is a misinterpretation specifically by people who are biased and prejudiced against our religion. The rights of women have not been trampled upon by Islamic law which is the law of God. It is a divine revelation.

How would you describe your father as a person?

He was very warm and insistent upon social and religious principles. He was a personification of Islamic and humane principles. He was a model father. He always respected us but never imposed his views on us. There was never any question of difference. We always looked up to him and he had the highest consideration and love for us. As children, we had great regard for him. And when we grew up and became adults, we respected him and his principles.

Can you summarise your role in Iran today?

When I was a student I was very devoted to my studies and higher education. I don't hold any government job. I work with a charitable institution and teach in the university. And I am a professor in Islamic studies. I participate in a socio-cultural organisation where I offer my views on different matters.

Can you compare the status of women in Iran and with that in other Islamic countries?

Compared to women in other Islamic countries. I feel that our women are more progressive, educated and better involved in social affairs. They are working in government jobs and organisations. They also attend to their family affairs and treat their children with devotion and understanding.

Why has there been no similar Islamic women's movement such as the one for universal suffrage in the West in the early twentieth century?

At the time when Islam conferred rights and privileges on women 1400 years ago, Western society and other societies did not have these privileges. However, one finds that on certain occasions, the honour and dignity that is conferred on women in Islam is not observed by some Islamic regimes and governments. In these cases it is not the fault of Islam. It is the fault of the government for not observing the dignity of women. These women should report against their government who treat them in such a manner. They should resist such distortion.

What do you think of India?

I have hardly been here. This is my first visit and that is only for 48 hours. And I have no other contact. My experience is that Indians are very warm and hospitable and sympathetic.

What do you think of the importance of the hijab (veil)? Do you feel empowered in observing hijab?

We have been born in a hijab and we are devoted to it. Not wanting to observe hijab is like saying that Indian women are opposed to wearing saris. I feel empowered in wearing and observing hijab. The hijab is not a chador, it is an apparel of modesty. Women with hijab have even participated in battles. They have been participating in all the social and religious functions. It is not an impediment.

So what is your definition of the modern woman?

A modern woman, in my view, is one who follows her religion properly and is involved in social and religious affairs, pursues higher education and achieves higher skills and qualifications. She should be good as a housewife, mother or a sister. And if the need arises she could even go to the battlefield. She should have her own individuality, and be a participant in social affairs. That is my idea of a progressive woman.

What does Islam say about harmony with other religions?

We share with them political beliefs and economic beliefs. The Quran teaches that there is no struggle with other religions. People of different faiths must live peacefully like brothers and sisters. In Iran, our minorities practise their religion freely. The Zoroastrians practise their religion freely in their fire temples. The Christians worship in their churches without any hindrance.

Why is there a feeling in the world that it faces a threat from Islamic fundamentalism?

In fact, the world is a threat to us, we never have been a threat to anybody. It is the Western countries who want to interfere in our internal matters.

The Rediff Interviews