On the ccasion of Women's Day today, which marks the auspicious birth anniversary of Hazrat Fatema Zahra (peace upon her), the daughter of Prophet Mohammad (blessings of God upon him and his progeny), the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, congratulated the Iranian nation and Muslims all over the world, saying the various aspects of the memorable life of this Noblest Lady of all times, serve as a comprehensive role model for all virtuous women, especially those living in Islamic Iran.
In his address to a huge gathering of women at Hosseinieh Imam Khomeini in Tehran, on the day which is also the birthday of the Father of the Islamic Revolution, Imam Khomeini (may his soul rest in peace), he said: "The Late Imam's designation of this day as Women's Day serves as a lasting lesson to all, particularly women and girls of Islamic Iran to adorn themselves with such ethereal values as God-wariness, chastity, knowledge, courage, steadfastness, virtuous upbringing of children and keeping the family firmly on the path of Hazrat Zahra (peace upon her).
Ayatollah Khamenei said the human mind and words are incapable of fully comprehending or properly expressing the virtues and God-given merits of the Prophet's daughter, whose illuminating words and exemplary life continue to be guiding factors for all conscientious human beings.
He noted that contrary to the vagaries that we witness of the materialistic world, the Infallible Imams of the Prophet's Household lead people toward the apex of human perfection by showing us the correct way of life.
The Leader referred to the active presence of Iranian women during the Constitutional Movement which led to the drafting of the first ever constitution in Iran in 1906, as well as their decisive participation in the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979 and also their key role during the holy defence in the 1980s when global arrogance had imposed the 8-year war through their stooge Saddam.
He noted that Iranian women while observing the hijab – or the Islamic code of dressing that gives them full freedom – are bravely discharging their duties in the various spheres of the society; a factor that is more evident in the case of mothers of the martyrs.
Ayatollah Khamenei praised hijab as the symbol of dignity and modesty for women, saying hijab grants them honour and respect, and we should be grateful to Islam for its special focus on hijab.
In conclusion, he referred to the remarkable level of knowledge, maturity, piety, awareness and foresight of people in the society, and said: "Today, the achievements of Islamic Iran are shining over the materialistic world as the radiant sun, and preachers ought to pay attention to this aspect in their eulogies.
