Western World Misinterprets Human Dignity, Degrades Women, Family: Cleric

IQNA – Western societies have misinterpreted the issue of human dignity which in part, has degraded the status of family and women in the West, says a senior Iranian cleric.

Custodian of the holy shrine of Imam Reza (AS) Hojat-ol-Islam Ahmad Marvi made the statements in an international conference on human dignity that was held in Mashhad on Monday.

He pointed to the vision of an Islamic civilization built on the principle of human dignity that contrasts with what he called the “misguided interpretation” of dignity by Western societies.

“The Islamic world is on the path to building a civilization grounded in human dignity,” he asserted, emphasizing that the concept of dignity is essential to all aspects of human life and societal progress.

Marvi explained that, while Western civilization was founded with similar ideals, it ultimately failed to uphold the true meaning of human dignity. “On one hand, humanity was reduced to the level of basic animalistic needs, and on the other, people spoke of human dignity. This is contradictory,” he said.

“Dignity means recognizing the full potential, talents, and capacities of humans without overlooking any aspect of their nature. To only focus on the material side is to ignore human dignity entirely.”

At the heart of Islamic thought, he said, dignity embodies the divine essence endowed by God within every individual. “God placed this valuable essence within us all.”

“When the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was sent to humankind, it was to safeguard this dignity. Every virtue that Islam promotes—whether it be morality, justice, or freedom—finds its basis in this innate human dignity. Without it, these values are impossible to realize,” he added.

Marvi also discussed the effects of human dignity in fostering resilience against oppression. “In a society that respects dignity, people refuse to submit to tyrants,” he noted. “Oppressors, to keep others under subjugation, first work to undermine their sense of dignity.”

The cleric highlighted the central role of women in an Islamic framework of dignity. “Women’s dignity is a key aspect of our society, ensuring their active and respectful participation in all areas,” he said.

“Both men and women can achieve dignity and progress across all fields. Islam emphasizes the importance of preserving the dignity of girls and women so they can pursue scientific, ethical, political, social, and economic achievements and ultimately attain a life of true fulfillment.”

Preserving women’s dignity means viewing them not through a gendered or objectified lens but as influential members of society with unique capabilities, Marvi said.

He criticized those who promote self-objectification, saying, “Those who encourage women to attract impure gazes with their appearance have degraded women and trampled on their dignity. Western civilization has erased the concept of human dignity while claiming to champion women’s rights—this is one of the West’s greatest deceptions.”

Marvi also spoke about the significance of the hijab in promoting women’s dignity. “The hijab is not a threat; it is an opportunity for growth, progress, and meaningful social presence,” he asserted.

The cleric concluded by pointing to what he views as the degradation of family values in the West. “Another mistake of the West was to reduce the family institution to a low, animalistic level by interpreting human needs solely in physical terms,” he argued.

“To them, the family’s purpose is simply to meet the sexual needs of men and women. This has led to the collapse of family structures, as public spaces have been distorted to meet these needs without the necessity of forming a family.”

Marvi reaffirmed the Islamic understanding of family as a nurturing environment that fosters dignity and mutual respect among its members. “The family is not just about fulfilling physical needs; it is about raising humans and instilling dignity in each member. This is the essence of a true civilization,” he concluded.

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