Welcome to this week's episode of the series "Iranian Family". The importance and role of family in human community becomes evident upon contemplation on the two existing aspects of mankind.

Family is a social unit, which in the view of Holy Quran, aims to provide and maintain the mental health of spouses, parents, and children so that they would be prepared to face social phenomena.

The 74^th ayah of Surat al-Furqan in Holy Quran notes: And those who say, 'Our Lord! Grant us comfort in our spouses and descendants, and make us imams of the Godwary.'

This ayah mentions the importance of family and its pioneering role in establishment of an exemplary human community, while referring to healthy and glittering familial bonds as the ideals of the devout and pious.

Within the family, parents are role models of their children. The role and significance of family in improvement of the state of mankind is embedded in this fact. In the view of leading religious' figures; the beliefs, lifestyle, habits, and inclinations of parents are the most important and influential factors on children. Hence, an amicable bond between the married couple and their cooperation in the path to growth and development, brings about kindness and amity for the family and children. A healthy relationship sets the stage for establishment of a responsible and ever-lasting bond, which turns into a role model and a source of inspiration for youths and their future relationship with their community.

In response to the request of listeners, who wanted to know more about the traditions and lifestyles of different Iranian ethnicities; today, we discuss the valued status of women among Lorestan's nomads.

Scientists have proved that the mankind's life is founded on being in pairs. Human life is granted meaning with establishment of an emotional bond between men and women. Hence, men and women, both, maintain an important status in social life. In an apparent interpretation, it may seem as though men maintain a more elevated status than women among the nomads of Lorestan. But, this is certainly not the case. Focus on the role of women in the nomadic community shows their highly important status. According to experts, the foundations of a nomad family are shouldered by women, given that nomadic men spend a very short time at home due to their outdoor responsibilities, and all of the house chores are done by women. Due to the sensitivity and severalty of the tasks that nomadic women carry out, they wake up earlier than the other family members, while wholeheartedly implementing their daily duties. At times, a few unaware men are unkind toward their hardworking nomadic wives. Nonetheless, their women continue to be kind and respectful toward their spouses, making these few unkind men ashamed of their behavior. Modesty, frugality, courage, and simple lifestyles of Lorestan nomadic women shapes an amicable and friendly atmosphere at home.

In nomadic families; children experience freedom, work, and joy in the presence of the magnificence and beauties of the nature, while learning that family sets the stage for growth and development. Nomads maintain extended families, and comprise of children, parents, and grandparents. The fact of the matter is that Lorestan nomadic women play a fundamental role in families, like other Iranian women.

Psychologist, Dr. Parvin Naazemi, notes: A successful marriage is tied to an appropriate and prudent choice. Unfortunately, many individuals consider marriage as a means for attainment of their goals, and argue that a successful marriage is one which would solve the problems of singlehood, such as meeting one's material and physical needs, achieving a better social status, resolving the issue of loneliness, and having a beautiful wife. However, the most important point in having a successful marriage is to make an appropriate choice based on complete awareness and understanding, and upon knowing and understanding the other party, an emotional bond is established. Unfortunately, these days, youths initially experience love and they intend to reach a mutual understanding thereafter. This is while, the ostensible love blinds them from the facts and shortcomings of the other party and a short while after starting their married life, they conclude that love is not sufficient for establishment of a successful and happy marriage.

MR/ME