Iranians and Islam

Like most religions, Islam is meant to be a code for life. Unlike most Islamic countries, the Iranian government enforces this code, or ‘sharia’ law – it is still the world’s only Islamic state, ruled by a theocracy. But that is not to say that all Iranians observe this code – like all other nationalities, they come in lots of different varieties. Few are actually atheists, although there are plenty who profess to despise Islam. I think it fair to say that most Iranians regard Islam in the same way that they regard their parents – it is in their blood, they know that it is right, they feel at home in a mosque...but they have to have their little rebellion. I know Iranians who drink and eat pork, and then fast for Ramadan. I know Iranians who never drink, or eat pork, but neither pray nor fast. Most Iranians in the West live Western lifestyles, and just occasionally touch base with the mosque to remind themselves of what it is all about. Which is about the same relationship as the average Jew or Christian has with their spiritual home. Iranians will however defend their faith – woe betide anyone who criticizes Islam. For implicit in that criticism would be a criticism of Iran. Islam is now so wrapped into the culture of this multi-faceted country that it partly defines the people, regardless of whether they embrace it or not.