Another week, another battle for freedom

From Iran’s hijab crackdown to creative Ramadan rule-bending, this week’s Dissent Dispatch covers resistance in all its forms. The Unbelief Brief details how Iranian President Mahmoud Pezeshkian’s refusal to enforce the new hijab law signals potential change—but women still face brutal repression for defying the dress code. Meanwhile, as International Women’s Day approaches, the regime’s hypocrisy is on full display, with artists like Mehdi Yarrahi facing lashings for daring to speak out. 

In EXMNA Insights, we take a lighthearted look at the art of surviving Ramadan when faith and family expectations collide. And check out On the Horizon — we’re launching a new section for reader-submitted updates—starting with an Ex-Muslim meetup in NYC.

Unbelief Brief

Iranian President Mahmoud Pezeshkian has made his clearest statement yet in opposition to Iran’s new “hijab and chastity” law. Pezeshkian stated that he "cannot enforce the chastity and hijab law” because it would mean standing against the will of the Iranian people. The law is indeed wildly unpopular in Iran, as is the very notion of mandatory hijab. If Pezeshkian keeps his word on this, it is a very encouraging sign that the new law may be largely doomed. However, the mandatory hijab laws already in place will continue to demoralize and oppress women. These, too, must go.

The issue of mandatory hijab has become so intransigent that it crosses into the realm of farce, even when it comes to practical safety. This week, a woman died as a result of her hijab being caught in an escalator, sadly not the first incident of its kind. According to Iran International, in 2021 and 2023, two factory workers also lost their lives when their hijabs became caught in heavy machinery. Hijab law insists on adherence in all contexts, despite its known safety hazards. One argument sure to be made by apologists would be to claim that long hair, too, can get caught in machinery and cause injury or death. However, this is precisely the point of safety regulations, such as tying one’s hair up on the factory floor—which Iran sidelines in favor of its moral regulations.

The hypocrisy of the Iranian state remains unrivaled: while it punishes women for defying its oppressive dress code in the name of morality, it exposes its own moral depravity through its ruthless suppression of dissent. Mehdi Yarrahi, a singer who was arrested after releasing a song called “Rousarieto (Take Off Your Headscarf),” has received 74 lashes as punishment for his support of the Woman, Life, Freedom protests. This brutal corporal punishment reveals the true motives of those who govern this regime—not to instill religious virtue, but to impose absolute submission to their authority. As International Women’s Day approaches this Saturday, it serves as a potent reminder that the oppression of women in Iran—and across much of the Islamic world—remains one of the gravest violations of women's rights and autonomy today.

EXMNA Insights

Ramadan is a time of strict fasting, spiritual reflection, and—let’s be honest—creative rule-bending. While the devout suffer in silence, the savvy have mastered the art of getting through the month without anyone suspecting a thing. If you’re more interested in survival than suffering, here’s your ultimate guide to keeping up appearances while secretly keeping yourself fed, caffeinated, and sane.

Pro-Tips for the Rule-Breaking Ramadaner:

• The Protein Bar Pocket Stash – Tuck a snack into your pocket (or bra) and perfect the cough-and-chew maneuver. The best time? Right before sajdah or while nodding along to an Islamic lecture—just enough movement to stay undetectable.

• The Menstruation Card – If caught eating, simply say, “Oh, I’m on my period.” No one dares ask for proof. Use sparingly for believability.

• The Hollow Quran Trick – Carve out a section in an old Quran and use it to hide your phone, snacks, or even a small water bottle. Looks like devotion, feels like freedom.

• The Bathroom Buffet – Need a break from fasting? Excuse yourself for a very long wudu or an intense stomach issue—then enjoy your secret stash in peace. Bonus: running the tap covers chewing sounds.

• The Early Iftar Hack – Set your watch a few minutes fast. Break fast “on time” (for you) while everyone else suffers through the last stretch.

• The Masjid Nap Escape – Taraweeh prayers are long and exhausting. Sneak out mid-prayer for a quick “rest”—or a visit to the nearest vending machine.

• The Breath Mint Excuse – Got caught with fresh breath? Say you’re just battling bad breath for the sake of those around you. Allah rewards good manners, after all.

• The Coffee Conspiracy – No caffeine till sundown? Time-release caffeine pills or nicotine patches get you through the day without the withdrawal shakes.

Ramadan is a masterclass in loopholes, and history has shown that even the most devout have found ways to bend the rules while keeping up appearances. Whether you’re fasting for faith or for family expectations, remember: where there’s a will, there’s a workaround.

On the Horizon

📢 New Community Updates Section!

We’re excited to introduce a new section in Dissent Dispatch dedicated to reader-submitted community updates! If you’re organizing an event related to secularism, atheism, or starting an Ex-Muslim atheist meetup group, this is the place to share it.

Please note that EXMNA does not endorse or vet these events or groups, nor can we assume responsibility for what takes place at them. Participation is at your own discretion, and attendees assume all risks.

To kick things off, we’re highlighting a new Ex-Muslim atheist meetup group in NYC that is looking for attendees! For now, meetings will be held virtually, and details on how to join can be found below. If you're in the area and looking to connect, check it out!

📧 Email: [email protected]
🐦 Twitter/X: @Exmuslim_NY

Until next week,

The Team at Ex-Muslims of North America

P.S. We’d love to hear from you! Share your feedback at [email protected].

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