Imam Khomeini’s Message on Woman’s Day
A Reflection on Dignity, Awakening, and the Spiritual Role of Women in Islam
Introduction
On this historic occasion, we revisit a message delivered more than four decades ago — a message that sought to remind the Muslim world of the dignity, strength, and spiritual role of women. Imam Khomeini’s words reflect not only the political and social transformation of his time, but also a timeless Islamic understanding of women as bearers of courage, faith, and moral renewal.
What follows is the full text of his message, preserved exactly as it appeared.
The Original Message
Imam Khomeini’s Message on Woman’s Day
I offer my greetings to the people of Iran, and in particular, the most respected women on this blessed birthday of a pure lady [Fatima Zahra] which is the greatest of days to be chosen as a Woman’s Day. This blessed birth took place at a time and in an environment where women were not considered to be human beings. Her very existence caused her family to be debased in the opinion of various of the tribes still part of the Age of Ignorance. In this corrupt and terrible environment, the Messenger of Islam took the hand of the women and saved them from the ignorant customs of the Age of Ignorance.
The history of Islam bears witness to the limitless respect of the Prophet of God to this noble creature. He showed that women have greatness and such a special position in society which [is such that] if a woman is not greater than man, she is certainly not less.
Thus, this day is a living day for women and the day of] the establishment of the foundation of respect for her great role in society. I congratulate the most respected women of Iran. Such a change has taken place in them that the satanic plans of more than fifty years of the efforts for the implementation of the plans of foreigners and their shameless agents — which extended from corrupt poets to paid writers to propagandistic facilities [of the mass media] did not succeed. They proved that the Muslim women who believe in [Islamic] values will not be misled. They proved that they would not accept any damage from the evil conspiracies of the West and the West-intoxicated. [Essentially only] a few women fell into the deceiving trap of West throughout the rule of the usurper Pahlavi monarchy. Only a few tyrannical women, those attached to SAVAK and the agents [fell into the deceiving trap]. The remaining millions of committed women who form the pillars of our society did not fall into the deceiving trap. They have bravely withstood throughout these fifty black years. . . They deceive and forever curtail those who recognize the West as being their direction of prayer. May the Islamic movement of Iranian women be victorious and proud. Salutations to this great group who with their valuable and courageous presence in the defense of their Islamic country read the Holy’ Quran, helped the Revolution in victory and are now on the front and behind it, active and ready to sacrifice.
May God’s mercy and Blessings be upon those mothers who sent their own strong youth to the battle to defend the Truth. We are honored by their martyrdom. Curse those dolls who had attached themselves to the shameful palaces inside and outside [Iran ] whose only thoughts are corrupt ones. May the hands and tongues of the criminals who are trying to break the Islamic Revolution with their words and writings be curtailed and who seek to push our country towards the East or the West. Endless greetings to the committed women who have taken part in the upbringing of children, the teaching of literacy classes, the teaching of social sciences and our rich Quranic culture.
The blessings of God upon the women who have attained the high level of martyrdom in this Revolution and in defending their country. Blessings upon those who are serving the sick and maimed in hospitals and clinics. Salutations to those mothers who have lost their young people in the most honorable of ways. Congratulations on Woman’s Day to the committed women of Islamic countries.
We hope that the society of women will arise from the ignorance and false sleep imposed upon them by the plunderers and, shoulder to shoulder, will be able to answer the cries of those who have become toys and guide women to their high station.
The Hope is that women of other Islamic countries will have received a lesson from the miraculous transformation which has taken place in Iranian women from the effect of the Islamic Revolution and will reform their society and bring liberation to their countries. Mercy and the blessings of God the Most High, upon the outstanding women of Islam and our beloved Iran.
May Peace be upon the pious servants of God and the believers — men and women.
Ruhullah al-Musavi al-Khomeini
April 25, 1981
You, respected ladies, are charged with bringing up pious children and deliver them to society… you should bring up children who will safeguard the Prophet’s wishes and aspirations. The assistance of the women is many times more valuable than that of the men. May God protect you in bringing up human beings, the job of the Prophets.
Imam Khomeini
Lessons & Reflections
Imam Khomeini’s message offers several enduring lessons for today’s readers:
1. Womanhood in Islam is a station of honour, not limitation.
He reminds us that Islam elevated women at a time when society denied them humanity. Their dignity is not borrowed from modern ideas, but rooted in divine revelation.
2. The spiritual strength of women shapes the destiny of nations.
Throughout the text, women are described as pillars of resistance, preservers of faith, and leaders of moral courage.
3. Mothers carry a prophetic responsibility.
Imam Khomeini emphasises that raising righteous children is comparable to the work of prophets — a role that transforms society one soul at a time.
4. A community cannot rise if its women are asleep.
His call for women to awaken from “false sleep” speaks to all Muslim societies: dignity, progress, and liberation begin with consciousness and education.
5. True empowerment comes from values, not imitation.
The message warns against blindly adopting Western cultural norms, encouraging women to form identity through Islamic principles rather than external pressure.