Mother's Day in Iran Date in the current year: December 22, 2024

Mother's Day was first established in Iran in 1960 during the Pahlavi era. It was celebrated on December 16, commemorating the establishment of the Institute for Women Protection. The holiday was supported and promoted by Queen Farah Pahlavi.

After the Islamic Revolution of 1979, the new republican government changed the date to 20 Jumada al-Thani. The new Mother's Day replaced both International Women's Day and Mother's Day. This particular date was chosen to honor Fatimah as a role model for all Muslim women and the ideal of motherhood.

According to Shia tradition, Fatimah was the only daughter of Muhammad. She was the wife of Ali, the first Shiite Imam, and the mother of Hasan and Hussein, the second and third Imam, respectively. Shia Muslims regard her as “the Mother of the Imams”. In Shia Islam, Fatimah is believed to be sinless, immaculate and a pattern for all women.

The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has been accused of using Mother's Day as a tool to promote patriarchal values and undermine feminist movements.