Center for Women's Studies and Research, University of Tehran International Journal of Women's Research 2322-3901 2 2 2013 12 01 Women as Role Models (Exemplary Women in the Holy Koran) 45 58 50136 EN Shahin Iravani Assistant Professor, Faculty of Psychology and Education, University of Tehran Journal Article 2014 05 05 <br />There are some ambiguities about the status of women in Islam, and<br />this paper studies exemplary women in the holy Koran by content analysis, referring<br />to valid interpretations. Its basic questions include: Koran’s method in introducing<br />models, gender roles in Koran, and Koran’s criteria and modeling principles about<br />exemplary women. The findings demonstrate that the Koran has acted very precisely<br />to introduce models based on certain criteria. Koran uses the term “osveh”<br />for “model” and discusses two kinds of models: positive and negative ones; and explains<br />their characteristics and behaviors in a creative manner. Most of the required<br />virtues stated in the holy Koran are common or similar for both genders, and some<br />other virtues are embodied in women examples. The most significant of them is<br />Mary who is praised as a very great human being, a believer and also a sign of God<br />for all believers including men. Koran mentions that gender is not an obstacle for<br />having freewill and independence in making decisions; and presents two women<br />as examples for freewill; even though they usually are under greater pressure than<br />men. The holy Koran concentrates on two virtues for all: standing against oppression<br />and leading a pious life; and introduces two women as role models with such<br />virtues, not men. Furthermore, the Koran introduces and praises a female governor<br />who takes a different approach from men in governing a country and successfully<br />manages complex issues such as war and peace. Instead of confronting the army<br />of King Solomon, she took a diplomatic approach. Regarding women’s gender roles,<br />motherhood and women’s role as a wife is greatly emphasized. In this regard, the<br />holy Koran underlines the pivotal role of moving towards the right path; a woman<br />accompanying her husband in this path is a perfect spouse, and on the contrary, a<br />woman should not obey or accompany her husband if he is going astray. Furthermore,<br />regarding motherhood, the holy Koran mentions mothers’ suffering and their<br />love and protection for their children under the most severe conditions.<br /><br /> https://ijwr.ut.ac.ir/article_50136_8c0192a16e750b90db90c7b88bd345d8.pdf