Feature - Feature Story

Feature Story

Iran: Changing Customs and Witnesses on Wheels

Women and girls in Iran are forced to follow strict dress codes. Leaders in Iran believe that Islam, the religion of Muslims, teaches females to cover their heads and hair. They are also expected to cover their skin from head to toe.

Hijabs (“hih-JAHBZ”) are scarfs or other material worn to cover the hair. Recently, hijabs have shown up in some places where they may not have been expected. Three women from Iran wore hijabs to participate in the 2008 Olympics. And hijabs are appearing on the heads of taxi drivers.

Usually taxi drivers in Iran are men. But some strict Muslims believe that women and men should not ride together in taxis. Also, some Iranian women do not feel safe riding with men drivers. So a few women now drive taxis for women only. But women taxi drivers are still unusual in Iran.

Taxicab Evangelists

Christian taxi drivers are unusual, too. Just as the custom for women is to wear head coverings, the custom for Iranians is to be Muslim. But one Iranian Christian said, “Half of the population would desert Islam if they had the freedom to do so.”

So among some people in Iran, the customs are changing. A few taxi drivers are helping them change.

Sohrab is one of those taxi drivers. “God bless you,” he says as he greets passengers. Sohrab plays Christian praise music on his taxi’s cassette player. A cross hangs from his rearview mirror.

Sohrab knows his behavior is risky. Christians in Iran who witness about Jesus to Muslims are often harshly persecuted. But he trusts in God and continues to help people learn about Jesus. He even gives Bibles to passengers who want to learn more.

Rashid, another taxicab evangelist, said that many people he talks to want to become Christians. “But the problem is fear,” said Rashid. “I know the risk … yet I’m ready to face the challenge.”

Pray for Iranians who want to be Christians, but are afraid. Ask God to protect Sohrab, Rashid, and other Christians who accept the challenge of taking His word to risky areas.

Extra Information!

Women and older girls are sometimes whipped by the police for not obeying the dress code. “My cousin was taken and whipped,” said one Iranian youth. “Her hair was showing under her scarf and she was wearing make-up. If the police are having a bad day, or if they don’t like you, the whipping might be worse. Sometimes they whip women so they can’t sit down for a long time. Some women have scars for the rest of their lives.”

To protect their identities, the names of some of the people on this site and some identifying details have been changed. Some of the quotes and stories have been edited and paraphrased from the original sources for clarity.

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