Article 1 of the Iranian Constitution reads:
The form of government of Iran is that of an Islamic Republic, endorsed by the people of Iran on the basis of their longstanding belief in the sovereignty of truth and Koranic justice, in the referendum of 29 and 30, March 1979, through the affirmative vote of a majority of 98.2% of eligible voters, held after the victorious Islamic Revolution led by Imam Khumayni.
Iran's population is 89% Shia Muslim, 9% Sunni Muslim, and 2% split among Judaism and Zoroastrian (the oldest monotheistic religion). As we learned in class, Iran is a theocratic regime that has democratic elements. (See BBC's "Iran, who holds the power?") This week's blog requires you to analyze some primary and secondary source documents on the experiences of religious minorities in Iran.
http://news21project.org/story/2007/07/26/interactive_map_pilgrimage_through_iran
(you'll have to click on two of the locations and view the articles/ videos or photo essays.) What do they tell you about the experiences of religious minorities in Iran?
2. Consider the demographics of modern Iran. In a nation where over 90% of the population is Muslim can one argue that a constitution based on the Qu'ran IS democratic? Further, when a nation overwhelmingly favors one belief system, are democracy and theocracy one in the same?
(In other words, does it make sense to have religious law when a vast majority of citizens share the same beliefs?)
5 comments:
Like most Middle Eastern countries, Islam is the dominant religion and seriously practiced in the government. This aspect of Iran is what mostly brings it is global conflicts. The interview by Deena Guzder explains that Bahai men can not get accepted into any Iranian colleges because they do not practice Islam. The Bahai religion differs from Islam, from the number of followers to the foundation and beliefs of the religions. Iran mostly recognized religions are Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Zoroastrianism, and Bahaism, however, Bahai men are unaccepted by the Muslims living in Iran. Believers of Bahai are considered “heretical”. From the article, Islamic followers are mostly respected in Iran. Go figure. The Iranian government has given proof that they also dislike Bahai people, however the article states that they have never did any physical harm. Bahai followers can not even go to the government for support or leadership. Like wise, “An American Zoroastrian Lands in the Islamic Republic of Iran” by Deena Guzder is about an Iranian woman leaving her country to come to America because Iran’s lack of tolerance of other religions. The article expressed that that women in Iran are forced to wear scarves a.ka. Hijabs. Similar to my observations in America and from the pictures on the website, more modern Muslims usually wear there hijabs loose and show some strands of hair. While the conservative Muslims were there hijabs tight and layered. This doesn’t and shouldn’t show the level of obedience and respect they have for Islam. Most women living in Iran are Muslim, so as long as they fallow the Islamic Sharia laws then they are fine but if they do not, than life in Iran will be very hard, especially because they are women.
Iran’s government is not a democracy just for the fact that it is run under Islam. Iran does not have a 100 percent Muslim population, so how can the “people” be happy. Most of the people are represented but not all, at least 10 percent are not. In a democracy, every one should be happy. Also, because Iran is such a strict Islamic country some are forced to practice Islam under their own fear. A theocracy can not be a democracy, especially in Iran’s case. In a democracy, the people vote. In Iran some people don’t matter because of their belief, let alone their opinions. Also, specifically just because Iran favors Islam, it’s a theocracy. If Iran wants to be considered a democracy than they need to know how to channel their Islamic love with their democratic right, like Nigeria and America do (two out of alot more countries). The presidents of these countries have their own religion but realize that their country might not wholly follow it. They use their own religion as a moral foundation for their actions. In these two countries we are not forced to practice any religion. If Iran wants to become a democratic religion, than it needs to change his ways. However, if he wants a theocracy, than they should stay exactly how it is, with a few civil adjustments. Islam isn’t as harsh and difficult as they make it seem.
this is khadijat and it is October 19, 2008. Breast Cancer Walk Day!
I couldn't access the website for the first part of the question. I tried googling it but the website just won't work. So I'll just do the second part. ;]
Considering the demographics of modern Iran, it could be argued that a constitution based on the Qu'ran is democratic because in a democracy, the people have voice and power to make decisions about the government. Thus, if the people of Iran voted and majority agreed on a religious based government system, it would be democratic. When a nation overwhelmingly favors one belief system, democracy and theocracy hold the potential to be one in the same. However, it'd have to depend on the religion. Government can be religious based, as in Iran. However, I'm not quite sure that religion can always be government based. It doesn't make sense to have religious law when a vast majority of citizens share the same beliefs because although the religion might be mutual among the vast majority, that leaves the minority forced to conform to a religion other than that of their personal choice. Only if 100% of the population practices the same religion should religious law be enforced.
Anam Baig
Deena Guzer recorded her experiences in Iran in a series of articles. Her article about Persepolis is quite interesting. Persepolis is a place in Iran brimming with amazing ancient history. There are ruins everywhere that reflect its powerful past. Its religion used to be Zoroastrian but now the majority of people living there practice Islam. From the pictures, it can be inferred that although the rules are strict, there are some women who continue to express themselves with modernity. There is also propaganda in the streets that encourage people to ensure Iran’s independence from the world and to support its struggle to self-sustainability.
The article about Tehran depicts the anti-American sentiment that many Iranians harbor. However, Deena writes about how she was surprised by the kindness and hospitality of the Iranian people. They were in no form violent oppositionists of the US. They wished to defy stereotypes and the negative hype against Iran.
Democracy is derived from the Greek words “demos” which means people and “kratos” which means rule. In Iran, the majority of people practice the religion of Islam and wish to be ruled under its ideals and rules. If the government is, in fact, a theocracy, and governs the people according to Sharia, or Islamic Law, then the people are getting what they want, right? Wrong. The people in Iran are forced to obey Sharia whether they like it or not. Women are commanded to wear the hijab and do not have equal opportunities in society as men do. Not everyone follows Islam in Iran, so it is unfair that even the justice system reflects the laws of Islam. The government of Iran oppresses its people in a sense that it suppresses freedom of expression. Although people are vocal about the government, there are instances when people are arrested for being “too vocal”. Iran is practicing isolationism, and it is unfair to cut the Iranians off from the world.
The people of Iran choose to be led under a theocratic state, but there should be freedom of expression and religion. People in Iran should feel safe to vocalize their religious beliefs without fear of repercussions.
In most of the Middle East, Islam is the dominant religion and enforced by the government. On my vacation in Egypt this past summer, I noticed people stop work and pray in the street for the Islamic daily prayers. Five times a day, taxi drivers would pull over, stores would close, buses weren’t in service, and masques were crowded in order for Muslims to pray.
The interview by Deena Guzder describes the why Bahai men won’t be admitted to any Iranian colleges or universities. Why? Simply because they do not practice Islam. The Bahai religion differs from Islam in many ways. From the article, “Islamic followers are mostly respected in Iran. Go figure” the Iranian government has supported the idea of their hatred for Bahai people. On the other hand, the article states that they have never imposed any physical harm. Likewise, “An American Zoroastrian Lands in the Islamic Republic of Iran” by Deena Guzder is about an Iranian woman fleeing her country for America because Iran’s lack of tolerance or freedom for other religions. he article expressed that that Muslim women in Iran are forced to wear head scarves called Hijabs to cover their hair. Not everyone follows Islam in Iran, so it is unfair that even the justice system reflects the laws of Islam. The government of Iran oppresses its people in a sense that it suppresses freedom of expression.
Unfortunately, because Iran hosts many Islamic fanatics, some are forced to practice Islam due to fear and lack of support from the government. A theocracy cannot be a democracy. In a democracy, the people have a voice to make their choices and concerns heard. In Iran, the government will not support ideas of those who are not Muslim or who don‘t preach the Qur’an.
In Iran, the majority of people practice the religion of Islam and wish to be ruled under its ideals and rules. The people in Iran are forced to obey Sharia whether they like it or not. Although many citizens are vocal about the government, some are arrested for expressing their thoughts.
The Iranian government should lead a country that represents freedom of expression and religion. People in Iran should feel safe to speak their minds about their religious beliefs without fear of consequences.
Ann Morin Youssef
G Block
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