Who was Ayatollah Khomeini?

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (1902–1989) was a towering figure in modern history, best known for leading the 1979 Iranian Revolution and establishing the Islamic Republic of Iran. As a religious scholar, political leader, and revolutionary, Khomeini's life and ideology profoundly influenced Iran and the broader Islamic world. This article examines Khomeini’s life, his role in the revolution, and the legacy he left behind.

Early Life and Education

Ruhollah Khomeini was born on September 24, 1902, in the small town of Khomein in central Iran. He came from a family of religious scholars, and his father, Seyed Mostafa Hindi, was a cleric who was assassinated when Khomeini was only five months old. His mother and aunt raised him, instilling in him a strong sense of piety and discipline.

Khomeini began his religious education at a young age, studying traditional Islamic sciences such as jurisprudence (fiqh), theology, and philosophy. He moved to the city of Arak and later to Qom, which became the hub of his intellectual and spiritual development. Under the mentorship of prominent scholars such as Ayatollah Abdul-Karim Haeri Yazdi, Khomeini mastered Islamic law and philosophy, eventually rising to the rank of Ayatollah, a title signifying his authority as a senior cleric.

Khomeini’s Early Political Activism

During the early 20th century, Iran was undergoing significant political and social change, including efforts to modernize the country under the Pahlavi monarchy. Reza Shah Pahlavi, who came to power in 1925, implemented secularization policies that curtailed the influence of the clergy. Khomeini initially focused on religious scholarship but became increasingly vocal against these reforms, viewing them as a threat to Islamic values and traditions.

Khomeini’s political activism gained momentum during the reign of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, Reza Shah’s son. The younger Shah’s close ties to Western powers, particularly the United States, and his aggressive modernization programs, including the White Revolution, drew criticism from Khomeini and other clerics. Khomeini’s 1963 sermon denouncing the Shah’s policies marked a turning point, as he directly challenged the monarchy and its legitimacy.

Exile and the Development of Khomeini’s Ideology

Khomeini’s growing influence and outspoken criticism of the Shah led to his arrest in 1963, sparking widespread protests. After his release, he continued his opposition, which ultimately resulted in his exile in 1964. Khomeini spent 15 years in exile, living first in Turkey, then in Iraq, and finally in France. During this period, he developed and articulated his revolutionary ideology.

One of Khomeini’s most influential works was Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist), in which he argued that Islamic governance should be led by a jurist with the authority to interpret and implement Islamic law. This concept became the foundation for the political system of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Khomeini’s writings and speeches, often smuggled into Iran, galvanized opposition to the Shah and inspired a growing movement of discontent.

The Iranian Revolution

By the late 1970s, Iran was in a state of crisis. Economic inequality, political repression, and cultural tensions fueled widespread dissatisfaction with the Pahlavi regime. Khomeini emerged as the symbolic leader of a broad coalition of groups opposing the Shah, including students, workers, and religious conservatives.

In 1978, mass protests and strikes paralyzed the country, forcing the Shah to flee Iran in January 1979. Khomeini returned to Iran on February 1, 1979, to a hero’s welcome. Within weeks, the monarchy was abolished, and Khomeini declared the establishment of the Islamic Republic after a national referendum.

The Islamic Republic of Iran

Under Khomeini’s leadership, Iran underwent a dramatic transformation. The new political system combined elements of republican governance with the principles of Islamic law, as outlined in the concept of Velayat-e Faqih. Khomeini assumed the position of Supreme Leader, granting him ultimate authority over both religious and political matters.

The early years of the Islamic Republic were marked by significant challenges, including internal political conflicts, the U.S. Embassy hostage crisis, and the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988). Khomeini’s leadership during these crises solidified his position but also deepened divisions within Iranian society. His emphasis on Islamic values and resistance to Western influence became defining features of the regime.

Khomeini’s Ideology

Khomeini’s ideology was rooted in his interpretation of Shia Islam but also reflected his understanding of modern politics. Key elements of his thought include:

1. Islamic Governance: Khomeini believed that an Islamic government, led by a qualified jurist, was essential for preserving the integrity of Islam and ensuring social justice.

2. Anti-Imperialism: Khomeini was a staunch critic of Western imperialism, particularly U.S. and British interference in the Muslim world. He saw the Islamic Revolution as part of a broader struggle against colonialism and domination.

3. Social Justice: Khomeini emphasized the importance of addressing economic inequality and providing for the poor, viewing these as central Islamic principles.

4. Cultural Authenticity: Khomeini opposed the Westernization of Iranian society, advocating for a return to Islamic values and traditions.

Khomeini’s Legacy

Ayatollah Khomeini passed away on June 3, 1989, but his legacy continues to shape Iran and the broader Islamic world. The Islamic Republic he founded remains a unique political system, blending religious authority with elements of democracy. While many Iranians revere Khomeini as a revolutionary hero, others criticize his policies for their authoritarianism and the restrictions they imposed on political freedoms and women’s rights.

Internationally, Khomeini’s legacy is complex. His anti-imperialist rhetoric and support for Islamic movements inspired similar struggles across the Muslim world, but his confrontational stance toward the West and support for militant groups have also been sources of tension.

Conclusion

Ayatollah Khomeini was a transformative figure whose life and ideas reshaped Iran and left a lasting impact on global politics. As a religious scholar, revolutionary leader, and political architect, Khomeini’s influence extended far beyond the borders of Iran. While his legacy remains the subject of debate, there is no denying the profound effect he had on the course of modern history.