If we sit back and think we could easily realize that during our lifetime we have, for the most part, followed the path that our parents have laid out for us. A path that, in most cases, we have had no choice over but nevertheless has played a major role in who we are today. Think about your religion, your name, where you were born, and many other examples.

Let us use our names as an example: When someone is called Mohammad, Reza, or Zahra! What does that name indicate about the person? Is he Iranian or a Muslim? Naturally anyone hearing that name would first state that this person is 100% a Muslim while there is no clear impression of what country he could be from? He could actually be from anywhere in the world! But a name such as “Irandokht”, “Sudabeh”, “Farhad” or “Daryush” would clearly state that this person is Iranian first while no indication of their religion is clearly stated.

Depending on our beliefs and philosophical tendencies we could argue either way as to who we truly are? While this is a personal matter but we like to get a general feeling for who you think you are. So please answer the following question in the format of a Yes or No as given below:

Do you believe that you are first an Iranian and then whatever your religion or belief is or the other way around?

• YES: Iranian first
• NO: My religion first

This issue goes deep into our understanding of ourselves. You can get a feel for the answer above if you could answer the following:

• Would you want to go and defend Iran in case of a threat to the national sovernity of Iran or would you go and fight in case your religion is in danger?