Iranian Scholar Raises Political and Social Concerns Over Women Motorcyclists Ruling
Qom, Iran – A prominent scholar from Iran’s revered Qom Seminary has offered a significant critique of a recent government decision legalizing motorcycling for women, prompting a fresh round of debate on national priorities and social policy. Seyed Bagher Mousavi Esfahani penned a short note outlining his critical viewpoints and raising several questions regarding the ruling’s timing and potential implications.
Questioning Government Priorities
Mousavi Esfahani’s commentary emerges amidst what he described as the country’s “special conditions, external threats, and public concerns.” He questioned the government’s decision to suddenly prioritize a policy on women motorcyclists, particularly when the nation faces pressing economic challenges, including the daily rise in commodity prices. The scholar asked, “Is the issue of girls motorcycling the country’s problem? What message are they sending with this resolution instead of addressing the daily increase in prices?” This highlights a concern about perceived misplacement of governmental focus.
Safety and Societal Impact
The scholar’s concerns extended to public safety and potential societal repercussions. He highlighted existing statistics on motorcycle fatalities among hundreds of young men, cautioning that legalizing motorcycling for women could expose them to similar dangers, calling motorcycles the “most unsafe vehicle in Iran.”
Furthermore, Mousavi Esfahani delved into the policy’s potential social and cultural impact. Referencing “heartbreaking events” from recent years and subsequent instances of unveiled women, he posited that if the government has not actively promoted hijab and chastity, this new ruling could inadvertently “pave the way for the promotion of unveiling for some.” He raised a hypothetical scenario of women carrying men on their motorcycles and maneuvering in the streets, further emphasizing his apprehension regarding the perceived erosion of traditional social norms. The scholar also noted the government’s widespread SMS notification of this ruling, suggesting a perception that it was being presented as a significant victory.
Call for Accountability
Concluding his critique, Mousavi Esfahani issued a stern warning to officials. He reminded them that their positions are temporary, but their decisions carry eternal weight and will be recorded for divine judgment. He emphasized their ultimate accountability to the “thousands of martyrs of religion, chastity, and hijab,” expressing deep sorrow over such policies and appealing to divine authority for guidance.
This intervention by a respected Qom Seminary scholar underscores the ongoing internal discourse within Iran regarding the delicate balance between evolving social policies, public safety, and deeply held religious and cultural values.
