Islam is
the main religion in Iran. Ninety-eight percent of the Iranian population is
Muslim, the majority Shia (89 percent) and the rest are Sunni (9 percent).
Sji'i is the Arabic word for 'party' or 'support' and is derived from the
‘Shi'at Ali’, cousin and son in law of the Prophet Muhammad. The Shi'at Ali
believes that the rule belongs to the community of believers, which was created
by Muhammad, belongs only to Ali and his descendants. The majority of Shiites
believe that Ali, the first of twelve appointed by God leaders.
The
Constitution provides that the Supreme Leader of Iran, have to be an Islamic
cleric. The religious police checks on the street whether women adhere to the
religious dress code of Islam. They also check for other ‘immoral’ behaviour.
During Friday prayers, a ‘khutbah’ or political speech is held according to
Islamic tradition, often involving Western culture is called as depraved and
immoral 'is depicted, and the U.S. and Israel as ‘the Great Satan and the
Little Satan’.
Iran is a
traditional society, with a strong emphasis on the family. So live women and men
separated from each other. Although a chador (a garment) for women is not
required, this traditional garment worn often, especially in the lower classes
of the population.
Originating
from the Shiite law, Iran has developed its own ethics to cope with modern
times. Thus, research on stem cell therapy using embryos is allowed. In
addition, abortion in Iran is allowed if the life of the mother or the child is
in danger. Also the cloning of animals is permitted by the clergy. Plastic
surgery for beautification of the nose is common among the rich.
In addition
to the recognized Christian communities, there are also Christians who have
recently converted and meet each other in house churches. Although this is
according prohibited to Islamic law, the
Christians will be left alone if they keep a low profile. Christians who
convert others will be prosecuted.
Sources:
Visiting Iran was very interesting, I thought. I had no idea they were so traditional. And it was important to us to know this in advance, so we wouldn't offend the people in Iran with our Western traditions.
BeantwoordenVerwijderenI found it strange to see the religious police checking the streets to see if women kept to the code. But I guess some of our traditions must seem strange to the people there as well.
I also thought it was nice to see how much these people value family. A very interesting country to visit.