Welcome to this week's episode of the series Iranian Family. Today, we become familiar with further facts about familial life.

In the contemporary era, everyone speaks of the important role played by families. Sociologists believe that family is the cornerstone and foundation of the community. Psychologists believe that the mentality and the state of mental health of individuals are rooted in their families. Scientists point out that everyone's upbringing takes place in his family, and reformists in different communities opine that reformist developments are tied to families.

The question that springs to mind is what is the actual role of families in the community?

The Leader of Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei, notes that "transference of cultures and civilizations, and protection and maintenance of the principles and main elements of a civilization and culture in a community are carried out by the family.

The main reason behind marriage is establishment of a family. The fact of the matter is that if healthy families exist in a community, that community will in turn be a healthy society, and the cultural heritage of that community will be appropriately transferred and conveyed. In such a society, children's upbringing will take place in the best appropriate manner. Hence, the communities which deal with malfunctioning families, also usually suffer from cultural shortcomings and immorality.

If the generations intend to convey the products of their mindsets to coming generations, and to make it possible for the society to benefit from its past; such a measure is only feasible through families. It is within the family that the identity and characteristic traits of an individual takes shape for the first time based on the culture of the community, and parents are the ones who indirectly and naturally convey their mindset, knowledge, beliefs, and values to their children."

We said that the experience of collective and familial life in Iran, covers a certain route and despite promotion of individualism and fragility of families in modern community; the solid bond among the members of Iranian families is still evident and has remained as strong as ever. In order to prove the solidity and sustainability of Iranian families, we mention some of the main features of Iranian families. These features are generally rooted in the national identity and religious beliefs of the Iranian community.

Within the immediate venerable family of the Prophet of Islam, Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny), there are five Infallible figures; who are the Prophet of God, three Infallible  Imams, and the venerable daughter of Prophet of Islam, Hazrat Fatimeh (SA), who is also the wife of The First Infallible Imam of the Prophet of Islam's Household, Imam Ali (AS), and the venerable mother of the Second and Third Infallible Imams of Prophet Mohammad's Household, Imam Hassan (AS), and Imam Hussein (AS). Hazrat Fatimeh (SA) played a number of roles in her life. In addition to being a housewife, she participated in political and social activities, as well as playing a pivotal role in her family. Three generations are present in this house; being the grandfather, parents, and their children. They present an exemplary model of a sustainable family, with each of them playing a very influential role in the fate of divine religion of Islam and the history of the World of Islam and Shia Muslims.

There is no tension between the members of the venerable family of Prophet of Islam. In this family, there is no difference between familial and social duties, and there is no contrast between personal and collective goals. This infallible and venerable family plays a key role in building sustainable families and its surrounding environment.

Given the pivotal role of this infallible family in the beliefs of Muslims, significant and paramount importance is attached to the foundation of family in Iran.

Now, let's pay attention to some of the effective skills in establishment and maintenance of strong bonds among spouses.

Each of the spouses should reinforce their emotional bonds with their significant other on a daily basis. Spouses should also express their kindness toward each other in every opportunity which arises. They should make every effort to honor and respect each other. Each of the spouses should also show their respect for each other in the presence of others. Married couples should also render gifts to each other as a reminder of the profound love they feel toward their significant other. Spouses should also protect their family's privacy and should not reveal each other's shortcomings.

MR/ME