motee'

Asalaamu Alaykum, A great way to meet people, especially muslims, is simply going to the local masaajid. What area of MD will you be in? I may be able to suggest a few ^_^

Bismill.. Asalaamu Alaykum, I'm happy to learn that we both agree on the main and most important point in this topic, which is the importance of Islam. Alhamdulill..! I must say though, that I don't know how you have come to conclude that, "So many of the people protesting are in fact very religious." I can't judge people by their intentions and niyyah within; that is something we all will see All.. (swt) make clear on Yowm al Qiyyamah. However, I can judge people based on some of their actions, as it is my responsibility to be enemies with the enemies of All..(swt). Throughout the past year, we have witnessed the stance and direction the "green protesters" have taken and are continuing to take. I must say that what they have displayed, on many instances, is against the deen of All.. (swt). On the last Friday of this past Ramadhan, I remember the protesters participated in Salaahtul Jum'ah, but decided to pray in a "mixed-gender formation" where men and women stood side-by-side in salaah. What part of our deen allows this? We have many sects in Islam; but in all my years, I have yet to see any school of thought accept or validate this within the Islamic Fiqh. If some of the green-protesters were "chadori," I don't think that should be enough evidence to label them as "religious;" something I think we should all keep in mind. Chanting "na Ghazeh, na Baghdad, janaam fadaye Iran" on Yomwul Quds by the protesters, is not what a religious groups would chant. Since when does Islam teach us patriotism is above brotherhood? In what Ayah, in what hadith are we advised to betray our Muslim brothers in order to pursue worldly advancements for ourselves? Is this the "Human Rights" you were referring to, that the protesters are "fighting" for? Human rights is not taken from a nation, when its women are told to cover themselves or the men are told to purify their eyes. Human rights is not taken from a nation when a government prohibits music, drinking, and dancing as All.. (swt) has prohibited. Human rights is taken from a nation, when they are killed simply because they say, "la ilaha ilall..!" "Permission to fight is given to those on whom war is made, because they are oppressed . . . those who are driven from their homes without a just cause except that they say: Our Lord is Allah." (22:39-40) Based on what hadith, what ayah, no what religion are they "fighting." All..umma Ajil li waliyikal Faraj, wal A'fiata wan Nasr! Ilahi Ameen. Are you suggesting that following Ayatoll.. Khamenei's marja'eeyat means one is religious? I actually don't know many; or rather any at all. It's very informative knowing the combo of the two exists. I will point out though, that following Ayatoll.. Khameni as your marja' and supporting Mousavi seems a bit hypocritical, because the two are very distinct in their beliefs and point of views. If one simply follows the fiqh rulings of Ayatoll.. Khamenei and the political stance of Mousavi, I believe that would make some sense though...maybe. I wonder what has led you to believe BBC Persian and Al Jazeera are "unbiased" news sources? It seems that it has come to the point, that many people decide authenticity, based on whether or not a certain agency presents "the truth" as how they see it themselves. I can argue against your opinion, saying that BBC Persian and Al Jazeera are actually very biased as they don't present my point of view or my side of the story. How does one prove otherwise? I hope this is not too personal of a question, but how is it that you are so quick to judge a religious leader, Ayatoll.. Mesbah Yazdi, who is responsible for the biggest Islamic Shia Institution we have today, but require "further research" and more information to make a judgment on a woman who in the eyes of Islam, is an enemy. I'm not saying you should blindly accept and I think that your comment was correct, but what confuses me is how easily you are able to condemn and accuse an Alim of something that you have no proof of or are not even able to completely recall the event that proves your opinion. A leader is dear to his followers. No one expects people who oppose Wilaayatul Faghih to follow or protect our leader. That's why we're here. سیدعلی لب تر کند – غسل شهادت می‌کنیم iA! So your opinion is your opinion and there is nothing wrong with that. About the salawaat part of your comment, I am certain all of our scholars, within the Shia school of thought, will validate the fact that sending salawaat is mustahaab and has a great deal of thawaab when saying. Now whether I hear the name of Imam Khomeini or even George Bush and I send salawaat, I am in no way including them in it. A salawaat is always the same. We are asking All.. (swt) to send our salutations upon the Prophet (pbuh) and his Family (as). Now, in our Shia culture we take advantage of every opportunity to get some of this thawaab. Hence in our majalis not only when the name of the Prophet (pbuh) is mentioned, but also when the name of the Ahlul Bayt (as) is mentioned we say salawaat. And it doesn't stop there; when the speaker needs a sip of water we send salaawat, when the brothers and sisters are asked to move forward in a program we send salaawat, when the lights come back after a power outage we send salawaat, we can even send salawaat so that iA we send more salawaat! As you can see I can go on for days illustrating different scenarios that people say salawaat. We use every excuse to send salawaat and regardless of the situation or the place, we are still sending our salutations to our Ma'soomeen (as). So I truthfully don't know what's wrong with the situation you stated above? Disrespect to a flag that has been planted in a land that was built on the blood of innocent lives and continues to live on that blood, is no longer disrespect. Disrespect to a flag that waved above an army who slaughtered and murdered people all over the globe throughout many generations for worldly goods, is no longer disrespect. Disrespect to a flag that had and still doesn't have respect for human lives, is no longer disrespect. If the American people get "hurt" by seeing other nations burning their flag, then how hurt would they feel if they were the victims of America and Israel's brutality throughout all these years. If the American Government (not the American people) are the ones who brought about all the crimes, but yet their people still support their government; then they are no different than the people of Kufa. May All.. (swt) always keep us away from the type of treachery the people of Kufa committed against our Imam (as). If merely burning flags will possibly allow the people of oppressing countries see the truth about their governments, then Oh All.. (swt) let the flags of the oppressing nations burn and allow us to show our stance against them till they day they are overthrown by our Savior, the Imam of the Time (atfs). All the truth which has been said is from All.. (swt) and that which is not, is from myself and may All.. (swt) forgive me for it. Fi Amanill.. Wasalaam.

Bismill.. Asalaamu Alaykum, I feel like through time we have automatically equivalated death (in Muslims) to mean Jihad (specifically Fi Sabilill..) and I admit I believe this is something that has taken root (becoming more prevalent amongst Iranians) since the time of the revolution in Iran where we truly did witness numerous deaths that were jihad and hence led to shahadah. However, we must not forget that any Muslim who chants All.. Akbar and dies is not consequently a shaheed. We are all very aware of this "stereotype" especially since 9/11 as many of us have suffered from the beliefs and accusations that followed the event, claiming that Muslims confirm and validate the attacks as it is part of Islam. What I'm trying to get at here, is simply to remind everyone that our actions cannot be legitimatized simply because we say La ilaha ilall.. Muhammadan rasoolull.. Remember, during the time of Imam Ali (as) both sides of the battlefield were Muslim; both sides prayed and recited Qur'an. Yet we know, as Shia Muslims, one side was Haq and one Batil. The big question is, how do we differentiate the two? I can't enforce my opinions on anyone and it would be pointless if I do since it wouldn't be true belief. I think Eman is the first and foremost requirement necessary for solving our problems and after that 3ilm. I myself, have put my faith in my leader, Ayatoll.. Khamenei and like my dear leader has said over and over again, these protesters are not protesting within the Islamic framework. You mentioned that the protesters are fighting and chanting for the same goals that the Iranian people fought for 30 years ago. But I must point out that that is not what they are "fighting" for. Contrary to what you have mentioned, the small fraction of people that are protesting, are not "fighting" for "Istiqlal, Azadi , Jumhuriyeh Islami" but rather for "Istiqlal, Azadi , Jumhuriyeh Irani." They want Iran minus Islam. And trust me the few slogans that include Islamic phrases are not from the heart, since none are follow by Islamic actions. All the truth that has been said is from All.. (swt) and all the wrong is from myself and may All.. (swt) forgive me for it iA. Wasalaam.

If I ever said that people migrate from Iran, with the intend of da'wah or for that reason, then I stand corrected. Please show me where I said this so that I can correct myself. As a matter of fact, those who move from Iran to western countries, aren't the da'wah type, rather they in many cases, are the "anti-da'wahs" who we try to "work against." Many of the Iranians that move to the US, at least where I live, are not only not helping, but rather they are harming the image of Islam, if not amongst the non-muslim community, they are definitely not setting a good example amongst the sunni community. My Iranian friends usually didn't follow the Islamic dress code or adaab when at muslim functions, and my kinds sunni friends never said a word about their behaviors, but as All.. (swt) is my witness, sometimes I would weep from embarrassment. As I believe I have mentioned, the "da'wah type" I was referring to are, the pro-Iranian Governemnt/pro-Wilayatul Faghih individuals. Of course it doesn't only encompass this group of people, but in my area, it's mostly this group that work in this field. Yes, not everyone has the financial capabilities that I introduced, all I'm saying is that not everyone is that ("majority of people from developing countries cannot afford to travel internationally and live leisurely even if they have time") is not always the case and from what I have seen, the middle class individuals in Iran, still have time and money to travel. I don't know if you have any experience with the lower class in Iran, but my family has been involved in organizations that help the poor in Iran, for many years now. My mother spends a great deal of her time, visiting those with financial difficulties, all over the country. In many cases, when she goes to visit, some of the people don't even want to meet the "woman from America," because she's from America and they, "have nothing to say to her." However, in every case, once they hear she is a mohajaba woman, they make requests to see her and always guiltily apologize for being prejudice in their judgment towards her. Basically, most of the poor not only don't want to come to the west, they don't even want to meet a "western." I'm not saying everyone is like this, but a huge majority of that group of people are. Now with the middle class, there is a great deal of diversity. People move for many reason, some for the economic reasons you mentioned. All i'm saying is that not all of those emigrants move for economic reasons to the west and I have seen countless examples of this. Iran is simply not "those societies." It is a fact that there are more girls studying in universities in Iran than there are boys. I believe someone mentioned this earlier, that educational problems are the basis for many other issues in a society and in many cases is the determining point of that society's status in the world at large; a theory I agree with. In my family, both in Iran and the west, our girls are hands down, more educated that the men. I do realize this is not always the case, but its becoming more and more popular. A friends of mine who has been living in Iran for many years now, was saying how men not continuing their education, is becoming somewhat of a problem amongst families in Iran. In theory, I think the more educated a person, the more independent. Women, perusing education in Iran, can be seen in every economic class alhamdulill.. Yes, there are constraints enforced by the men in some families, something which can be seen all over the world, but that is not the issue right now. I am talking about the majority of the people. All the women in my family who don't have a MA or Ph D simply don't because they don't want to. I must add, many of my cousins are encouraged by their husbands and fathers to go back to school, but they simply don't; as they tell me, they're lazy. I have friends who have chosen an extremely similar lifestyle here in the US. They want to be financially dependent on their husbands, takes the burden off their shoulders. Even though they have the opportunity to get a degree, they are satisfied with an associates. I have seen girls like this both from families that are "educated" and families that aren't. I will not conduct a "social and cultural study," at the moment since I don't have access to all the information needed. Once again, the point I'm trying to make, is that yes along with those who move for economic reasons, amongst the Iranians there are many who move for other reasons as well. I cannot explain all the reasons, but I think I did make reference to some; if I'm not mistaken. Believe it or not, as much as I feel tied back to Iran, I still have huge a "cultural barrier." I must say this again, it is not the Iranian culture that I admire in Iran, but rather the Islamic culture that I long for. Living in the west, I have been able to separate culture and religion much more easily, than how it is presented in Iran. I still want to live there, this is just one of the cons, which actually has a few pros attached to it, but I won't get into that. This where we should simply agree to disagree. You say can't go back, I say won't because of a bigger goal. You say fat of the land, I say fat, along with the poison that I see them feeding us. I don't know what community you come from, what religious background, what financial background, but I understand what your saying. All I am saying is these are my reasons, this is my life, my choices, my experiences. There's a my side of the story as well. I am not denying a great deal of what you have said, but rather adding my viewpoints to the picture. "Whining," doesn't mean go to where you will whine less. People, "whine" all the time, but they also, try to change things as well. A fact that has been repeated throughout time. If you don't agree with the health care in the US, you simply don't expect one to move to a country with better health care. If you live in an area with lots of pollution, no green, and lack of environmental awareness, you can't simply move and join my dear sister Maryaam, in Canada. What some would claim to be there duty, is to stay and "fix" what they think is wrong; whether its fighting for health care, more trees, better schools, or ultimately a more just government. I think the muslim ummah needs strong muslims living in the west, to try their best in spreading the words of Islam. We not only need doctors and engineers, but we need politicians, teachers, writers, and ect. to help spread the religion. You may think, that I'm trying to make this group of muslims sound heroic and all, but I assure muslims aren't the only ones doing this. Every faith, political party, group, sect, and so on, are fighting to spread their beliefs, all with the goal of justice and peace. As muslims we know we have been given the truth, the justice, the peace, then why not spread it. May All.. (swt) make all the mo'meneen successful in this world and the next; and give them the courage and ability to represent the Islam of the Ma'soomeen (as) in any and every part of the world they are. Ilahi Ameen. Fi Amanill.. All the truth which has been said is from All..(swt) and that which is not is from myself.

Bismill.. Asalaamu Alaykum, Maybe this is the reason why you can't understand my viewpoint. I'm not searching for happy. I'm not avoiding it either, but, I'm looking for something else in this donya, something that I doubt will include much comfort. I have maximum, 60(ish) years left in this world, that's considering I'll die a natural death, in these years I have to do certain things that will prepare me for the akhera and grantee happiness there. Trying to "look" for happy or aim for happy is not my thing now. But I truly do hope for everyone's happiness iA! Many people have a problem with the government in the US, but they don’t hate everything about it and the entire country – they appreciate the opportunities for themselves and their families – which are not freely available in developing countries. Personally, I live in Canada – and very much appreciate the opportunity to become a citizen and have a permanent home. I would definitely not stay here if I hated it. I would definitely not stay here and consider it da’wa…… I have as much respect for the government, that I believe I am obligated as a member of the country and more importantly, a muslim to adhere to the laws. Respect other than that, no I don't. But I assure, I will always try my best to have respect for the people of the country I live in or any other country. I have no right to disrespect any individual, and I ask you to please tell me what has made you think, that I am disrespectful towards the people or a "negativity and embarrassment." I have always tried to be " tolerant and peaceful and understanding of others, their faiths and their customs." I think one of the positive features of living in the US, is the feature of the society that allows us to interact and learn from so many different people, who have amazing new idea and cultures to introduce. Its simply beautiful. I hope I have not said anything to indicate otherwise. Truthfully, I don't know much about Canada. Half the people I know who live there only do so, because they couldn't get a visa to the US (not that they don't like it there, I think). The other half are Pakistani girls who moved there after getting married. I don't know about the general American viewpoints, but in my area people aren't very fond of the Canadians. What they have to say about them or their government, isn't always the nicest, so I will refrain from saying anything, since I really don't have much relations with Canadians. But it is great to hear, that you have found your home alhamdulill..! Government and people, are completely separate when it comes to matters of "hate." Most of the people around us aren't even what many consider the typical "Americans." Many don't vote, or take part in politics. As a matter of fact, at one point, none of my colleagues even read the news, because they were so "anti-government" to the point of "anti-politics." Once again, I would really like to know if I have said something that implied I have any dislike for the people. I think the word "da'wah" hasn't been fully defined, but "embracing all races and faiths" is in there. Yes, those who usually emigrate from Iran, based on their own decisions, rarely move back. It would be a bit pointless and not that many people have the ability to move around that much. When talking about people who move to Iran, I was mainly referring to those born and raised in the west. Actually, all those I know who have moved to the US want to stay and many of those who were born here, like to or already have moved back. I have a theory for this, but not very polite and definitely not based on anything scientific, so I won't mention it. Sometimes I feel like we're talking about two different Irans. All.. A'lam. I have no clue how you have gotten your views of Iran, but maybe we are from different areas or have different backgrounds. Whatever the reason may be, I still feel the same way towards Iran, but I do realize your experiences may be different, hence your different opinions. Fi Amanill.. Wasalaam. All the truth which has been said is from All.. (swt) and that which is not is from myself.

Bismill.. Asalaamu Alaykum, Good point, but amongst the Iranians I know, many didn't move from Iran because their was a lack of education. Some of those who came to the US or other countries, came after finishing their bachelors in Iran or even after having established themselves in their relatives career fields. Amongst our friends or community members, some came before the revolution as their families were well off and it was considered fashionable to "study abroad." But in all reality, Iran's educational system is not bad at all. One of my uncles studied at MIT, but his brother studied in Iran, and the latter is much more well-off. However, I must admit, major setbacks can be found at doctorate levels, where due to small budgets, the resources we have available here, are not found in Iran. This is a huge problem, but the government tries to allocate its money to areas that more profitable, something we see in the US as well, but in Iran the spectrum of advancements is smaller, obviously. In regards to the "overall well-being," I think at the moment not even the US can boast about the "well-being" of the people or economy. But, yes, of course, the US is economically "better off" than Iran. Iran is years behind, yet the US is continuously trying to prevent Iran from growing (a topic that requires a whole new discussion). In terms of economy, I do not think Iran is the best and I doubt anyone will say that. However, like I mentioned before, I think for me, a shia muslim, Iran would be more convenient and provide better opportunities, whether I'm upper class or middle class. Now as for da'wah and "umbrella of liberties" which truthfully I don't know what it includes, but as for da'wah, the type we do in the US, is mainly personal interactions. As we always talk about in our da'wah preparation meetings, the best form of da'wah is when you interact with someone in your workplace, class, and ect. Like I said in an earlier post, unlike other religions and groups, as muslims we can't due "large scale" or "public" da'wah to the extent that we would like (eg advertising or helping Palestinian refugees and ect.). Our da'wah is limited to how we interact with the general public on day to day basis. Yes, sometimes we can organize "events"/gatherings to talk about Islam, but once things yet on a roll and we start to actually reach out to the people, we get government enforcements. We have had the government arrest masjid community members left and right in our area, for no just reason whatsoever (Sami al-Arian's case being a very good example). Its a war with the government, the media, and people who are trying to spread Islamophobia. As far as I know the Ahl al Kitaab can all practice their religion freely in Iran, however some religions can't such as, Bahai. (A new topic needs to be started for the reasons behind this, as it requires a lot of historical and islamic references). Actaully, when Ahmadinejad came to New York last year, all the jewish and christian representatives accompanied him. All the truth which has been said is from All.. (swt) and that which is not is from myself.

Bismill.. Asalaamu Alaykum, Everyone is up against different circumstances due to their location or the people around them. I live in an area that has always allowed me to do "da'wa" and also, my mother has always emphasized this matter in our family from a very young age. I am going to make a very big generalization, which doesn't not include everyone, but simply reflects a trend I have seen. In both the shia and sunni communities that I have been involved with in the past, the more religious members (judging by outer charachter, so yes they could not be true religious individuals) are more concerned with spreading Islam. In our area, throughout the years, we have had amazing progress with the non-muslim public. In some situations, I no longer worry about the awkwardness in telling someone I can't shake their hand, because they already know about female/male relations in Islam. Many non-muslims I know, have fasted a few days in Ramadhan, something which I'm sure many are familiar with. I live in a highly Jewish populated area, and even between the two religions we have had very good progress. These situations are amazing and have definitely happened due to some form of da'wah. Truthfully, for shia muslims, at least in my area, gaining more knowledge about the deen is very difficult, due to lack of islamic scholars and religious classes. This is where technology can now be fully appreciated and one can find access to a great deal of Islamic resources (books and lectures). I would rather spend time, completely focusing on my inner growth and eman, something which I can do "more productively" in Iran, but at the current time I have other obligations. Like I said, I hope to move to Iran, but until then I will live here with the intention of da'wah iA. I hope I don't come off as some sort of "high and holy" person, amongst my friends and community this look on life as a whole is very common. May All.. (swt) grant all the Muslimeen, especially the shias, the ability to defend the Islam of the Prophet (pbuh) and the Islam passed down to us through our Imam (as). All the truth which has been said is from All.. (swt) and that which is not is from myself.

Bismill.. Asalamu Alaykum, Yes I completely agree. I apologize for my choice of word or lack of explanation. Yours describes the situation very well. Jazakull.. Khayr. Its the schools system that forces the students to reach higher "levels," something which can be seen in many other countries. As a matter of fact there are so many countries that I can't even begin to name them. I was not very careful in writing that part. Jazakull.. Khayr for "keeping me on my toes." All the truth which has been said is from All.. (swt) and that which is not is from myself.

Bismill.. Asalaamu Alaykum, I was not implying that all the muslims in the west are here for "da'wa" purposes. I may not have been clear, but I was saying many of the pro-Iranian Government/ pro-Wilayatul Faghih individuals are. Those who think Iran is as mentioned before, a kind of utopia for them. This is simply my experience with the people I know and have met throughout my years in the west. On a side note, I must say, many sunni brothers and sisters I have met who feel strongly about other countries, and admire their system, also continue to live in the west for da'wa purposes, some are even encouraged to stay by their local Sheikhs to help with Religious activities in their centers. I am mistaken, if I ever said Iran doesn't have flaws. Please let me know where I said this, so that I can correct myself. Iran has flaws and I believe it will have flaws like every other government, until the day our Imam (atfs) comes and establishes the perfect, flawless government. However, I do believe, that for me, as a shia muslim, Iran offers the best government and society. Nowhere else in the world, at the current moment, do I consider any country, better for me, than Iran. Like I mentioned in my previous reply, ever country has pros and cons/ good and bad. However, once again for me or a person with my beliefs, my expectations from life, my goals, Iran would be the best place to live; taking into consideration its government and from there the activities that are allowed and not allowed under it. The west definitely, has benifits. Some which can still be found in other countries like Iran and some which can't. All I'm saying is that for me, those "benefits" in the US aren't worth the opportunities I loose and also, the "benefits" I would have in Iran would be more "beneficial." I apologize for any misunderstanding and my wording.

Bismill.. Asalaamu Alaykum, I must admit, I am one of the "they" you have been referring to in your posts. Even though I know this discussion isn't going to have a promising ending, I couldn't refrain from replying. I very strongly dislike the western governments, England more that America, but I won't get into the whys of it. Iran is the one country that I feel, allows me the most freedom in many areas, due to its religious "nature." I should say this now, I wish I was living in Iran. If I had the opportunity to decide where I grew up, it would have been Iran, but that was obviously not in my hands. Yes, I don't consider myself "American," but I seriously don't know many people who grew up in the west who feel the same way. However, I must say, I do know many people who consider themselves American, American-Iranian, American-Lebanese, and ect who similar to my viewpoints, hate the western governments and are followers of Wilayatul Faghih. So there is that group as well. Many people I know who fall in this category, have decided to live in the US or UK, because they believe living in these countries is a form of "da'wa." Those who have grown up in the west and are familiar with the culture, can integrate into the society and spread the word of Islam, whether its through simply spreading Islam through their actions, in work places, or actively "preaching." Either way, I believe this reason specifically, is one of the most valid and necessary methods of making people more aware of Islam, especially in this day and age. I think of it as an ultimate form of "Amar Bil Ma’roof Wa Nahy Anil Munkar," Truthfully, I remember while growing up, my friends and I would talk about how living in the west was some type of "mission" and that certainly there was a reason, why All..(swt) planned this for us. Yes, a bit dramatic, but we were young, and alhamdulill.. this idea is what helped my friends and I make sure we constantly strove to become stronger in our deen. We constantly questioned and tried to learn more about Islam, so that if one day, a non-muslim questioned us, we would be able to defend our beliefs. Of course along with this reason, I have many other personal reasons as to why I haven't moved to Iran, but this is the main one. I must say though, I'm trying to move there iA. So basically, I do express my hatred towards the very government I live under; towards a President that is no different than the last, but only in his color; towards a country that proclaims it's the land of the free, but so blatantly discriminates; towards a system that is so twisted, it encourages "We Support Israel" signs in its streets, but considers "We Support Palestine" as a form of terrorist aid. Yes, I detest the government, just like many so called Americans. I know many "Americans" who have been in this country for generations, but they still refuse to call themselves "American" and rather identify themselves as "American born." They do this, not because they feel tied back to their origins, but rather because their are trying to disassociate themselves with this country as much as possible. They still live in the US, connect with the culture, and don't find the need to "go back to where they came from." Rather, they are teachers who teach the true history of this country in the schools, and they are the ones who are relentlessly struggling to help the Palestinians reach justice. I think "whining" and amal/action is a perfectly acceptable scenario and doesn't require one to "go back." There was also another point I wanted to address, relating to the statement made about "benefits of adopting country" and "harsh reality of the country they left." I know what your implying, as I've heard it from a lot of people, but I have yet to understand it. When I compare my life with my family's and friends' back in Iran, a lot of what I see is the complete opposite. As we all know, every country (and every people), has its "pros and cons." In my opinion the pros in Iran outweigh those in America, but that based on my personal lifestyle and beliefs. But what I'm confused about, is the "the harsh realities" part. I have family members in Iran, who would never agree to live in a country other than Iran; and they are not the religious, pro-government type, rather the complete opposite, plus more. I asked them why they don't move to another country, and they not only laughed at me, but proclaimed I was insane to asking such a thing. Now that I think about it, it was a ridiculous question. Every year they go on ziyarah trips (considered fashionable) to Syria, spend a few weeks in Italy, then make a stop in Mekkah and Medina on their way back home. Now its not about the money, but the time. My mother has been studying and working her whole life, and still doesn't have the opportunity to take a proper vacation. If I'm not mistaken, there are only 15 "off days," for government employees in the US. We live to work in the US and I for many in Iran, I can't even say work to live. Most of the girls in my family only go to college because, they either have nothing else to do or they go for the prestige. Other than that, half of them don't even use their degrees after school because they are financially stable and don't need a job. For reasons I can't fathom, even the girls from less privileged backgrounds still don't "need" a job. Very few families in the US can live comfortably with only one paycheck, usually happens when that paycheck is quite large; but other than that having an average life is hard and when I compare it to a lot of people in Iran, its definitely much harder here. Now I don't know if its pure chance that in the US, the people around me are working day and night to have a normal life and the people I know in Iran aren't really doing much, and yet have a more satisfying one, but this is my experience. Amongst the people I know, most of them simply don't want to move to Iran because of language barriers and cultural differences, nothing to do with "standard of living." However, this does exclude those who in the past few months have come to have very strong, negative feelings towards the Iranian Government and Wilayatul Faghih; which I must add, I still have friends who are very anti-WF and yet still want to move to Iran once they finish their studies; and they're not just saying it, they go to Iran twice a year, even though they're students (poor ;) ). As for those who came here for "financial stability" and "security:" Truthfully 90% of the Iranians I know, came to the US for higher education and did not have economic problems back home, because 20-30 years ago, financial aid really wasn't "up and running," so you needed some source of income to pay your tuition. The other 10% that I know, came because they simply didn't want to wear a head scarf in Iran. In regards to the former group, rationally speaking, a very large percent of them can't move back to Iran even if they wanted to, because their kids are growing up in the US and moving to Iran would put a huge dent in their academic career. And here I'm not just saying, language barrier, I'm saying Iranian kids are genius, the school systems more tough, and a "smart" kid in the US would not be smart in Iran; generally speaking, once again from situations I've seen amongst my friends and family. This is one reason, but there are a great deal more. Fi Amanill.. All the truth which has been said is from All..(swt) and that which is not is from myself.