Since the revolution of 1979 and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the study of Shi ism has attracted the interest of even some western scholars who, in the last two decades, have enriched the field by their research and publications. The works of three distinguished Iranian scholars, the author suggests, have made a significant contribution in sharpening the current interest in Shi ite studies. Particular attention is paid to the questions posed over the correct interpretation of the hadiths regarding the initiatory voyages of Prophet Mohammed and his ascension, and the attribution of superhuman qualities, even divinity, to Ali. The author also discusses certain other beliefs expounded in the cited hadiths. The discriminatory laws of the Islamic Republic of Iran have, from the outset, been faced with women s resistance.
Sexuality is defined in the limited sense of heterosexual relationship within marriage.
The belief that individuals are created male and female, nevertheless, re-institutes a patriarchal order within the family. But it fails to offer solutions to the deeper gender conflict in Iran. Sudabeh, an educated girl from cultured classes, is about to marry a young man of moneyed but uneducated classes. Her parents are strongly opposed to this marriage, but to no avail. They ask for Auntie, the much older sister of Sudabeh s father, to intervene.