It has been 16 days now since the death (the murder) of Mahsa Amini. So much has already been said... I've read so many pieces and seen some deeply shocking imagery of the protests... It is overwhelming and I have been somewhat lost for words.
The *morality police*, as they are known, have been an element of Iranian society that I was aware of but I suppose I never fully understood how they operated and how corrupt and open to abuse the whole system was. From what I have gathered, Mahsa was wearing her hijab, just not wearing it correctly... According to the morality police, women have to dress modestly and appropriately giving some guidelines on what can and can't be worn (nothing showing legs, loose fitting clothes where possible, hair covered at all times in public places).
It reminds me in some ways about dress codes where I work... The wooliness of the language, so for example telling women that they need to look professional. That is a completely subjective term and it could easily be interpreted as me being told my extension braids (which resemble locs), or my afro (when I don't have the braids In) are not professional because someone in a senior position has some level of racial bias and feels *Black hairstyles* are inherently unprofessional. Similarly here, we have women being dictated to by equally woolly terms. What does it mean to dress modestly? I know what that means to me, but I am also aware that that will mean something different to many people. Depending on culture, country, age, lifestyle. Even within the morality police it is going to mean something different to different upholders of this idea of modesty and social order. For some, it might mean simply no tight clothing and wearing some form of head/hair cover. For others it might mean something as random as them not looking like they are in anyway showing their physical beauty - which from what I have read (please anyone correct me if I'm wrong or explain further if I don't fully understand) is what the term *adornments* refers to in the Qu'ran: a woman purposefully displaying or accentuating her beauty. If that were taken to it's furthest point, the wearing of eye make up, the painting of nails, the practice of wearing colourful and fashionable manteau, scarves etc - all of these things should also be seen as haram, as they have the intention of accentuating natural beauty. But they are generally allowed, from what I gather, in most Muslim countries, and in Iran.
The issue of hair being shown/uncovered is also a controversial one, as can be plainly seen by the burning of headscarves and cutting of hair by many Iranian women in this last few weeks, but also, it seems to be a point of choice for many Muslim women. Because, perhaps the idea of modesty IS a personal one and actually, it does not specify in the Qu'ran that a woman must cover her hair. It references a head scarf but only specifies that it should cover the bosom. Now here, I must add that I have not read the Qu'ran in full, so I don't wish to get into a debate about what those words actually mean. I know from discussions I have had with Christians and Catholics about the bible (and I have read the bible numerous times) that people tend to get very annoyed when a Heathen (which I am, being Atheist) dares to have an opinion on a religious text. But I suppose I am reading discussions between Muslims who are debating this point. And if it is a point of debate, should ANY country be enforcing it as doctrine?
Bringing us back to the issue at hand, that of the death of Mahsa Amini. There seems to be some level of debate still over whether or not she did in fact die at the hands of the police or whether she simply had a heart attack or brain hemorrhage. I have to say I have read through various pieces, snapshots, from people trying to persuade the world that of course it was just an unfortunate accident and it strikes me as interesting that these same people also support the enforced wearing of the Hijab. What I mean by that is that they are protecting their interests. If it was the case that swathes of people who did not support the enforced wearing of the hijab were also saying she died of *natural causes*, then I may be inclined to listen but it seems a little convenient.
Mahsa Amini was murdered. By the individuals who dealt the blows, and by a regime so ludicrous that even many of those upholding these laws and rules do not even subscribe to it.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CjCZVdbvrFt/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=
That's anecdotal, of course, but does say something about a level of hypocrisy that exists in the oppression of women's rights in Iran. Obviously, I am aware that I say ALL of this as an outsider...but the eyes of the world are on Iran currently, and for my part, not as a way to criticise necessarily, but in support of the women there. There are only 2 countries that enforce the wearing the hijab in all public places; Iran and Afghanistan... Most Muslim countries do not. This is indeed a conversation for the Muslim community to have and I understand it is not my place to say what should or should not happen. But when I see that a woman has died because, to all intents and purposes she wasn't wearing her hijab correctly, that is not simply a discussion about the Qu'ran and its interpretation... That is a discussion of women's...human rights and we should all be listening... To add to this, I will also say that I am not being anti the wearing of the hijab. I support the rights of every woman to choose. Whether that is a bikini or a full niqab. I have female Muslim friends who wear hijab and those who don't. I respect both choices.
Peace and out. Xx
