Hawzah News Agency- Hojatoleslam Mehdi Hassan-Zadeh, a cultural activist, made the remarks on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at a gathering of women in Mashhad held in support of the hijab of women in Azerbaijan, near the graves of unknown martyrs in Mashhad's Mellat Park. He described defending the oppressed of the world as a duty of Muslims and emphasized the need to defend the religious and social rights of Muslim women.
Expressing appreciation for the presence of women and cultural activists at the gathering, he stated: "Muslims bear responsibility toward the oppressed of the world and cannot remain indifferent to the restrictions and pressures imposed on them."
Hojatoleslam Hassan-Zadeh, referring to the Muslim and Shia population of the Republic of Azerbaijan, criticized restrictions imposed on religious activities and the presence of hijab-wearing women, saying: "Despite the Islamic background and large Muslim and Shia population in this country, there are reports of prevention of mourning ceremonies for Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) and restrictions on the presence of hijab-wearing teachers, educators, and students."
Distinguishing the Muslim people of Azerbaijan from the country's government, he added: "The people of Iran consider the nation of Azerbaijan a friendly and brotherly nation, but do not agree with the policies of its government regarding religious and doctrinal issues."
The religious expert, referring to the devotion of Azerbaijani Shiites to the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them), stated: "During the visit of a group of Azerbaijani pilgrims to Mashhad, hearing the name of Imam Reza (peace be upon him) moved them to tears. According to the caravan official, these pilgrims did not know Persian, yet were deeply moved upon hearing the name of the eighth Imam (peace be upon him). This scene demonstrates their deep emotional and doctrinal bond with the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them)."
Referring to the presence of Shia and religious currents in the Republic of Azerbaijan, he criticized the country's government's positions toward the Zionist regime and called for greater attention to the religious and doctrinal rights of the Muslim people of Azerbaijan.
Hijab: The Doctrinal Heritage of Muslim Women
Hojatoleslam Hassan-Zadeh, praising the steadfastness of hijab-wearing women in Azerbaijan, described the hijab as one of the fundamental values of Islamic culture and the doctrinal heritage of followers of Hazrat Zahra (peace be upon her), stating: "A Muslim and Shia woman considers Hazrat Fatima Zahra (peace be upon her) her model of chastity and purity, and for this reason, she stands firm in preserving her religious values and hijab."
Referring to Hazrat Zahra's (peace be upon her) conduct in observing chastity and personal boundaries, he stated: "Believing women, relying on their religious convictions, consider the hijab part of their Islamic identity and resist pressures to abandon it."
The cultural activist emphasized: "Supporting hijab-wearing women in Azerbaijan is supporting the right to adhere to religious beliefs and honoring the dignity of Muslim women."
Criticizing what he described as the promotion of unveiling and immodesty in society, he stated: "Government officials and advisers on cultural issues are expected to pay attention to religious values and the demands of religiously observant people, and not allow cultural policies to drift away from the religious beliefs of society."
Hojatoleslam Hassan-Zadeh, criticizing certain political positions toward the enemies of the Islamic Republic of Iran, emphasized the need to avoid retreating before enemy pressure, saying: "Officials should not accept recommendations for compromise and negotiation with enemies who have played a role in hostile actions against Iran."
The religious expert, citing the teachings of Nahj al-Balagha on the necessity of supporting the weaker classes of society, stated: "Paying attention to people's living conditions and preventing economic pressures are among the important duties of officials, and incorrect economic policies should not be allowed to dishearten the people."
Referring to Imam Ali's (peace be upon him) conduct in administering justice, he emphasized the need for officials to adhere to the law and avoid discrimination, noting: "In the Alavi view, the administration of justice must not be influenced by personal relationships and considerations, and no one should be exempt from accountability before the law due to closeness to officials."
Referring to the late Leader's emphasis on the religious and political prohibition of unveiling, he called on officials to fulfill their legal duties in implementing laws related to hijab and chastity.
Hojatoleslam Hassan-Zadeh stated: "Religiously observant people expect officials to have a clear approach in practicing Islamic values and implementing the law, consistent with religious principles, and that there be no gap between their religious slogans and executive performance."
Emphasizing that support for the government and national unity must be pursued within the framework of Islamic and revolutionary principles, he stated: "Concord and empathy can lead to strengthening society only when formed around the axis of Islam, the Quran, the school of the Ahlulbayt (peace be upon them), and Velayat-e Faqih."
The cultural activist, praising the efforts of groups in promoting hijab and chastity and enjoining good and forbidding wrong, emphasized the role of popular organizations in strengthening religious culture.
Referring to the efforts of some guild activists in providing cultural services related to chastity and hijab, he described it as an example of social participation in promoting Islamic values.
The religious expert, emphasizing the need for vigilance against secular currents and policies contrary to Islamic values, stated: "Religiously observant people must be actively present in cultural and social arenas and not remain indifferent to issues that affect the religious identity of society."
Emphasizing the need to support hijab-wearing women in Azerbaijan and defend Islamic values, he stated: "The people of Iran are steadfast in defending Islam, the Quran, the Revolution, and the ideals of the martyrs, and will continue this path relying on their religious convictions."
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