However, the role also marked a turning point in Riahi’s life. Deeply affected by the spiritual themes and moral vision of the production, she announced her retirement from acting in June 2009, shortly after the series concluded. In a note to the Simafilm website, she explained:
“I can no longer tolerate the existing spaces in cinema and I have retired from acting. Because the film Prophet Joseph dealt with spiritual issues, peace, respect, modesty, and hijab, and I could not tolerate other scenes. I want the sweetness of the Prophet Joseph series to remain in my taste.”
Director Farajollah Salahshour later confirmed that Riahi had been profoundly moved by the series’ spiritual message. Her decision to withdraw from the public eye at the height of her fame was widely discussed in the media. Some admired her for choosing integrity over fame; others lamented the loss of one of Iran’s most gifted performers.
