Islamic fundamentalism in Islamic Republic of Iran

“Islamic fundamentalism in the Islamic Republic of Iran” surged following the 1979 revolution, as the new theocratic regime embedded conservative Islamic principles into the state’s governance and societal fabric.

History

After the Iranian Revolution of 1979, which saw the overthrow of the Shah and the establishment of an Islamic state, Iran experienced significant changes in its political, social, and religious landscape. The revolution was led by Ruhollah Khomeini, who became the country’s Supreme Leader. The post-revolutionary state was characterized by Islamic fundamentalism, which refers to a movement towards returning to the original principles of Islam, interpreting them conservatively, and implementing them in all spheres of life. In Iran, this meant the implementation of Sharia law and the establishment of institutions based on Islamic principles.

The revolution had a profound impact on Iranian society. It led to the restructuring of the political system into a theocratic republic where ultimate authority is vested in a religious leader. This shift affected various aspects of life in Iran, including dress codes, social behaviors, and legal matters, aligning them with Islamic tenets.

Institutions

The Islamic Revolution Committees, or Komiteh, were indeed one of the first institutions established after the 1979 Iranian Revolution. They functioned as a form of religious police, enforcing Islamic laws and social norms within the community. Komiteh, were instrumental in the rigorous enforcement of Islamic regulations within urban centers, ensuring adherence to prescribed dress codes, moral conduct, and social interactions. Concurrently, these committees were pivotal in quelling dissent and subduing counterrevolutionary factions and opposition groups that challenged the authority of Ayatollah Khomeini, thereby consolidating the theocratic governance structure. Following the decline of the Komiteh, the Gasht-e-Ershad, also known as the Morality Police, emerged as the primary institution enforcing Islamic regulations in the context of compulsory Hijab in the country. This organization took over the role of the Komiteh in monitoring public behavior and ensuring compliance with Islamic dress codes and moral standards. The Gasht-e-Ershad has been a significant presence in Iran, particularly in urban areas, where they have been known to patrol public spaces to enforce adherence to Islamic norms. Their activities have been a subject of controversy and have sparked protests and debates within Iran over the years.

the enforcement of Islamic principles extends beyond the Morality Police’s focus on hijab compliance. Other aspects are managed by various institutions and laws.

The Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance in Iran is responsible for overseeing the nation’s cultural policies and media regulation. It ensures that media content adheres to the government’s legal standards and religious values, which includes monitoring internet content. The ministry also manages the licensing of cultural goods, including films, music, books, and art, to maintain consistency with national standards. Additionally, it aligns religious observances with legal requirements, contributing to the political dialogue, notably through the Friday Sermon. The ministry also aims to foster an understanding of so called Iranian-Islamic culture while maintaining cultural sovereignty. Its wide-ranging authority influences Iran’s cultural and ideological direction, in accordance with the principles established by the Islamic Revolution. In the context of educations in schools, the Ministry of Education ensures that curricula and teaching practices adhere to Islamic principles. This includes the mandatory teaching of the Quran and Islamic studies, as well as the enforcement of Islamic dress codes for both students and faculty. The language of instruction is Persian, and there are strict policies against the use of non-Persian languages in state schools, which has implications for Iran’s ethnolinguistic minorities.

When it comes to universities, the early years after the 1979 revolution were marked by the Cultural Revolution, which began in 1980. This period saw a significant overhaul of higher education, aimed at purging Western and non-Islamic influences from university campuses. Universities were closed for three years, and upon reopening, many books were banned, and thousands of students and lecturers were expelled or barred from returning. The goal was to “Islamize” the universities and ensure that they were in line with the revolutionary ideals. Since then, the state has maintained control over universities, with the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology and the Ministry of Health and Medical Education overseeing higher education. These ministries regulate university curricula, faculty appointments, and student admissions, ensuring alignment with Islamic values. Additionally, various councils and committees, such as the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution, continue to play a role in shaping educational policies and monitoring their implementation to maintain the Islamic character of these institutions.