Lessons from the Philosophy of Awaitance

The issue of the Awaited Imam, Mahdi or the Messiah has been a source of inspiration and motivation for centuries among the followers of Divine religions. For Muslims and Shias, the philosophy of 'awaiting' for the appearance of the Savior is an integral aspect of belief.  To await for the Imam prayers are recommended but in addition, this philosophy is based on behavior and actions as well. Awaiting for the Imam is a form of protest against the existing circumstances in every era. In fact it implies an effort to overcome the challenges and obstacles in the way of justice and peace. These challenges begin with the self and the ego and lead to the society. The awaiting believer strives to, learn from mistakes and wrong doings and improve circumstances; being a reformist by heart. The person who awaits the Hidden Imam, is not satisfied with the status quo and looks forward to the coming of the Imam who will bring about the major transformations in our world.
This motivating philosophy which is followed by believers in many religions has the potential to bring social mobilization and change in society. This has created a pretext for many who have exploited this matter for their personal or political gain and have used the concept to deceive ordinary people. This matter is documented in Islamic history and for this reason in religious scripture anyone who claims to have seen or met the Imam or those who have determined a time for the appearance are refuted as fraud.
One of the issues that the conservative or Principalist political groups in Iran confiscated during election campaigns and used to attract public opinion was the concept of awaiting for the Hidden Imam. During the ninth presidential elections in 2005, Ahmadinejad's team propagated the idea that the appearance of the Imam is near and that his election will enhance the matter. His team also had employed the matter before during his short term as the Mayor of Tehran. During the ninth Presidency Ahmadinejad repeatedly implicitly indicated that his government was in contact with supernatural powers and the 12th Imam. He evenly openly mentioned that his government has the important task of "global governance" and that the 12 th Imam is governing and running the affairs. He made these comments specifically when serious problems with the Parliament arouse and he was accused of taking illegal measures and neglecting the legislative processes. Reformists spoke out strongly against this campaign of deceit and abuse of a progressive religious philosophy. They clearly indicated that this form of religious propaganda is contrary to all religious and revolutionary principles. Reformists faced serious retaliation and their voices were suppressed particularly after the disputed elections of 2009. They were accused of many matters including , insulting the President.
Now after the internal rifts among the Principalists in power surfaced and after Ahmadinejad openly confronted the verdicts of the Supreme leader, the matter of abusing the concept of Awaitance for political purposes has come into light and Conservative critics of Ahmadinejad are putting forward the same argument that reformists had presented months before.
The novel experience of dealing with a Religious Democracy and an Islamic Republic in modern times is a challenge that needs to analysed and understood with care. There are many lessons from which both Islamic societies and other democracies can learn.

Women and the Awakening

Editorial

Farzaneh Journal of Women's Studies

The ongoing awakening of the Middle East and North African societies which led to the Egyptian and Tunisian Revolution is a clear example of a dynamic social and political movement inspired by not only democratic values and the aspiration for freedom but also by Islamic mores and values.  Recent developments in Yemen, Bahrain and even Jordan , Morocco and Syria all point to the contagious nature of the message and the repressive temperament of the regimes still  clinging to power.  The role of women in inspiring and promoting these mass movements has been clearly demonstrated in  news reports and footage emanating from these events, in spite of heavy restrictions and obstacles for journalists and reporters.  The most intriguing aspect of these developments is considered to be the unpredictable nature and chain reactions involved.  

In the academia,  although a number of recent studies of movements in the Middle East have attempted to depict a realistic vision and have articulated criticisms of the clash of modernity and tradition and attempted to move beyond cultural based explanations of movements (El Mahdi 2009: 1011-1039; Naghib 2009: 155-174; Dabashi; 2008; Bayat 2005: 891-908; Abdelrahman: 2004; Wiktorwitz: 2004; Hafez: 2001) yet none have even come close to predicting  the events of 2011.   Some scholars have mentioned the emerging role of Muslim women in these societies but none have anticipated that they would take a leading role in the transformation of their societies to democracy and the realization of a modern Islamic version for the woman's  role and status.

For long there had been reports on the growing trends of Islamization in Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries contrary to secular and even non-Islamic   government   policies. These trends were hallmarked by a growing appeal for the hijab or Islamic covering, particularly in the academic sphere as well as an increasingly larger population displaying their Islamic loyalty in the form of attending group prayers and demanding more mosques and prayer rooms in public areas.  This trend which was  overlooked by government politicians  in Egypt nor was it understood by researchers who studied these societies.  Many scholars who  have produced   theories which posit progressive movements as purely Western and secular ,   have now realized that they carry a blind spot regarding movements in the Middle East. These recent  events while not totally inspired by religious and Islamic values like what happened in  the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1978,  usually enjoyed a strong Islamic backing from both fundamentalist and progressive outlooks.

 In reality, women and men in these societies aspire to liberate their countries from the humiliating policies of corrupt dictators supported by foreign , mostly Western powers. They see Islam as a progressive and liberating force and wish to rebuild their societies on values such as justice, peace and progress for all. The vanguard role of women in the conception and promotion  of these movements, as seen in news reports, has been commented and reviewed in many news analysis but very little has yet emerged in the academic sphere.  The fact that women in Egypt , Tunisia, Yemen, Bahrain and Syria  took part in the demonstrations which led to violence due to repressive government policies and were injured and even martyred, is an important hallmark which will enable women in these societies to play an instrumental role in the making of new institutions and reforming the existing political structures. It is also an important indication of the support that Islamic leaders have provided despite harsh government repression for women's participation.  Footage from many cities indicated that young women and girls also played an important role in this struggle  and considering the vulnerability of this age group and the social complications associated with their political activism, many observers consider this matter as a turning point for these Muslim communities.

The tragedy of Libya however, is another story where the role of women cannot be overlooked in both parties. While the Qaddafi regime claims to support the advancement of women, many young women from various walks of life took part in demonstrations against the regime. Although as the violence escalated and led to street clashes and a form of civil war emerged after Western allies began aerial attacks, the presence of women in the streets diminished owing probably to the high level of violence and intimidation on behalf of the government militia.

In conclusion, as events unfold and countries of the region move towards an awakening and socio-political transformation,  the lessons and achievements of other Islamic societies should be conveyed so that a constructive exchange of experience occurs. Academic centers need to take the lead in providing a sound and objective analysis for each society  enabling an insight into the rapid transformations of our days.  In the absence of foreign interference there is much hope for a new road map for the region, in which women would revive their identity and advance to realize their God given potentials.

Farzaneh Journal of Women's Studies Vol 17 is now published. (www.farzanehjournal.com). 

Flower Carnival in Tehran

Tehran Municipality holds seasonal flower exhibitions and this month the exhibition was followed by a flower carnival in the streets. The political atmosphere in Tehran is grim, but the flower exhibition was beautiful.

Dust Storms

During several months in summer and fall, many cities in Iran have been suffering from dust storms and severe air pollution. Tehran has also been inflicted by this phenomena during recent weeks. Aerial satellite images indicate that the sources of these dust storms are from deserted farm lands and desert areas in Iraq, Syria , Jordan and Saudi Arabia. These dust storms take the particles high into the atmosphere and they travel across boundaries into Iran.
We held a large hearing session on the issue in the Tehran City Council Environmental Committee and invited all sectors involved with the matter  last night. Experts spoke on the issue, indicating that a reduction of rainfall and mismanagement of water resources particularly in Turkey, where new dams have withheld most of the water coming in the Tigris and  Euphrates , has resulted in the drying up of marshlands in this region. The only solution for the dust and air pollution which has hampered activity in many cities, is international cooperation for land management and natural resources protection. Planting of species which could protect the soil and prevent erosion is the ultimate resolve. Cities like Beijing have face similar challenges in the past and have improved their air quality with long term planning and regional cooperation, I mentioned in the session.
This could be done in the context of the Convention to Combat Desertification , the Convention on Climate Change and other conventions such as the Wetlands Convention . We concluded that international and bilateral cooperation is essential and all regional countries including Turkey should be involved in this process.
These events indicate the importance of environmental policies and collaboration at the regional and international level to protect natural resources.

Imam and the Realities of Today

32 years have passed since Imam led the most significant event of his age i.e., the Islamic Revolution. Imam Khomeini had set the stage for a return of Islam to the center stage of politics. He set new  standards for governance and politics in the religious realm.  His theory of the rule of the jurisprudence and the religious democracy were novel political frameworks which were implemented and embodied in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Today, Iran has taken significant strides in many areas, the indicators of economic and social development all point to a rapid pace of advancement. This trend has however had its fluctuations and has not always been upwards.
 Now, for the past 6 years an Administration has come into power led by Mr. Ahmadinejad . His supporters  initially claimed that he was the miracle of this millennium ; his populist policies and his bizarre behavior was tolerated by other Principalist leaders on the pretext that they needed him for a comeback to power.  He has befriended many of his allies for various reasons during these years and today many have come to the same conclusion that reformists made in their initial encounters with his behavior and mentality. Now it seems the time has arrived for the moderate conservatives to see the reality in a different light.
Some believe that the angle created with the views of Imam during these recent years is more serious than all the contradictory policies practiced during those 27 years before. The reality is that while much has been achieved from those initial objectives of the Revolution, the ethical challenges of these recent years and the dangers that lie  ahead  have overshadowed the future. These are difficult challenges and tests for the nation and the Revolution. 

The Khatami Initiative

Rapid developments in Iran and the Middle East have attracted the attention of analysts and political observers once again. In Iran, signs of the internal drift between the Ahmadinejad group and the Supreme Leader have emerged after Ahmadinejad refrained from appearing in Cabinet sessions for more than a week. His Chief of Staff is the main culprit and he is under attack for using unconventional means, such as supernatural powers to exert his power over the affairs of the country and to "deal" with his rivals. In addition, Ahmadinejad is condemned by Principalists for not obeying the Supreme Leader, who he claimed to follow with all his heart during his first round of Presidency. This well orchestrated bond did not last long during the second round and now things are falling apart with the Parliament as well. The leaders of the pro-Leader factions in the Parliament have been seriously criticizing Ahmadinejad for his illegal measures. Now, they have adopted a bill to investigate billions of Tomans distributed among 9 million citizens prior to the disputed Presidential elections in 2009. None of the three rivals of Ahmadinejad accepted the results of that election on grounds that both prior to the elections and during the balloting and vote counting  serious illegal and irregular measures had been reported.    However, all criticism and opposition was severely suppressed during a two year campaign that still continues. Now, it is becoming more and more evident that the Reformists were very correct in their predictions and concerns. There is now also much news about possible embezzlement and money laundering by what their conservative rivals call the "devious group" within the government.

Those who love Iran and still believe in the Constitution of the Islamic Republic hope that a return to the law and justice, freedom of political prisoners and a free political atmosphere for Parties, activists and civil society would pave way for national reconciliation and a return of stability and prosperity to the country. Former President Khatami spoke on those notes recently, stressing once again on those necessary preconditions, he stated that we might have to forgive each other in order to move forward. Some have criticized his move as a step back in retreat, while others have welcomed the move as an initiative that could bring national unity and confidence among all social groups including particularly the educated and intellectual elite of the country who have become more and more disgruntled with the awkward measures and manners of the Ahmadinejad group. Khatami's initiative has broken the deadlock on many sides and is the center of an on going debate among both Reformist and Principalist groups.
The reformists are hopeful that as the light emerges from behind the dark clouds, all political dominations would reconcile to protect the future of the nation, including its natural and human resources.

Councils Reflect Democratic Values

We celebrated the anniversary of the creation of local Councils a few weeks ago. The major debates reflected in the media were focused on the current status of Councils throughout the country.  Even though the Constitution clearly gives full authority and status to councils elected by the people in governing the affairs of the Municipality and other local affairs, there have been many obstacles in this way.  President Khatami held the first elections after the Revolution in 1998 despite heavy criticism and  the uncertainty concerning the competence of the councils and their inexperience. Since then more than 30,000 urban and rural councils have performed their legal duties for three rounds. During these years they have gained more experience and have sought expertise in different areas of urban management. This has changed the face of many cities and villages in Iran and has provided a unique opportunity for people to take charge of their affairs in a democratic manner. Council elections are considered to be the most liberal elections in Iran due to the light vetting processes involved as compared to other elections.
During these years those who have  opposed the democratization of Iran and who essentially believe in the Islamic State as opposed to the Islamic Republic, have taken numerous measures to weaken and limit the role of the councils. The ninth and tenth governments in particular have displayed their animosity in face of urban councils and particularly Tehran. It is a common rumor that Ahmadinejad considers Ghalibaf the mayor of Tehran as his political rival and therefore seeks to weaken his image among the citizens of the Capital.

In short Councils in Iran are an important gauge for the democratic processes today. Their strength and success will reflect the  capability   of  the people in running their affairs and taking the matters of the country into their hands.