The question of whether Imam Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, was preparing for the advent of the Twelfth Imam—also known as Imam Mahdi, a central figure in Shia eschatology—has intrigued scholars, analysts, and religious thinkers. Imam Mahdi, according to Shia belief, is the hidden savior who will reappear in the end times to establish justice and bring about an era of divine rule. Khomeini’s political actions and spiritual rhetoric often carried undertones that hinted at his connection to Mahdism, raising questions about whether his revolutionary project was a precursor or preparation for the Mahdi’s return. This article explores Khomeini’s ideology, speeches, and policies to determine the extent to which his vision was informed by the belief in the imminent arrival of the Twelfth Imam.
The Role of Mahdism in Shia Islam
Mahdism is a doctrine central to Shia Islam, especially within the Twelver Shia tradition, which believes in twelve divinely ordained leaders (Imams). According to this tradition, the twelfth and final Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, went into occultation in 941 CE and is believed to be in hiding until the appointed time of his return. During his absence, no individual has divine authority equal to that of the Imams, but believers are instructed to remain vigilant, maintain justice, and prepare for his reappearance. Mahdism has therefore functioned not only as a religious belief but also as a social force that motivates political activism and the pursuit of justice.
Imam Khomeini's Spiritual Ideology and the Mahdist Framework
Khomeini’s political philosophy was deeply rooted in Shia theology. As both a cleric and revolutionary, he framed his mission as one that aligned with divine will and the principles of justice associated with Imam Mahdi. His concept of Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist) was a radical innovation in Shia political thought, arguing that in the absence of the Twelfth Imam, qualified jurists (faqihs) have the responsibility to govern in accordance with Islamic law.
This doctrine filled the void left by the Imam’s occultation by giving religious scholars the authority to act as his deputies. Khomeini’s system was not just a pragmatic response to governance but was deeply infused with eschatological themes. In many of his speeches and writings, Khomeini hinted at the need for pious governance to prepare society for the Imam’s return. For instance, in one of his addresses, he remarked:
“Our revolution is not confined to Iran; it is the beginning of the movement of the Mahdi’s army.”
Such statements reflect the notion that the Islamic Republic was not merely a nationalistic or political endeavor but part of a grand, divine plan to establish global justice in preparation for the Mahdi’s reappearance.
Political Activism as Preparation for the Mahdi
Khomeini’s actions also suggested a belief that humans have an active role in paving the way for the Twelfth Imam. Traditionally, some interpretations of Mahdism within Shia Islam have emphasized passivity—waiting for the Mahdi’s arrival to correct injustices. However, Khomeini rejected this passive approach, advocating instead for a form of “active waiting” (intizar-e fa’al), in which believers are required to fight oppression and establish justice to hasten the Mahdi’s return.
This shift from passivity to activism became the theological basis for Khomeini’s revolution. The overthrow of the Pahlavi monarchy and the establishment of the Islamic Republic were framed as part of a cosmic struggle between good and evil, mirroring the eschatological battle that the Mahdi is prophesied to lead. By leading a revolution rooted in Islamic values, Khomeini portrayed himself and his followers as participants in this sacred mission.
Furthermore, Khomeini’s rhetoric frequently invoked the struggle against the “arrogant powers” (the United States and its allies) as part of a broader, religious narrative. He framed the Iranian Revolution as the first step toward the global movement of oppressed peoples, a vision that resonated with Shia eschatological themes of divine justice. This revolutionary spirit—combined with the Islamic Republic’s support for resistance movements such as Hezbollah—can be interpreted as part of Khomeini’s attempt to establish the conditions necessary for the Mahdi’s advent.
The Islamic Republic as a Prototype for the Mahdi’s Governance
The structure of the Islamic Republic itself reflects Khomeini’s vision of a government that, while temporary, anticipates the Mahdi’s perfect rule. He viewed the Islamic Republic as a government that strives toward justice and moral order, two key aspects of the Mahdi’s future governance. Under this framework, the Guardian Jurist (Supreme Leader) acts as the Imam’s deputy, implementing Islamic law to the best of human ability in the Imam’s absence.
Khomeini’s insistence on the moral purity of leaders, his emphasis on social justice, and his vision of a theocratic state resonate with ideals traditionally associated with the Mahdi’s governance. This alignment suggests that Khomeini intended the Islamic Republic to serve as a prototype or preparatory phase for the ultimate divine rule. It is no coincidence that Khomeini often described the Islamic Republic not as an end in itself but as a means to establish a more just world.
Propagating the Mahdist Narrative
Khomeini’s government actively promoted Mahdism through various cultural, educational, and political programs. Religious ceremonies such as Nimeh Sha'ban (the birthday of the Twelfth Imam) were elevated to national celebrations, reinforcing the connection between the revolution and Mahdist ideology. Friday sermons and school curricula emphasized the need for vigilance and preparation for the Mahdi, shaping public consciousness in accordance with Khomeini’s eschatological vision.
This propagation of Mahdism also extended into Iran’s foreign policy. Khomeini encouraged the exportation of the revolution, framing it as a global struggle for justice that aligned with the Mahdi’s future mission. Iran’s support for liberation movements in Lebanon, Palestine, and elsewhere was justified not only as political solidarity but as part of the divine plan to prepare the world for the Mahdi’s return.
Criticism and Ambiguities in Khomeini’s Approach
Despite Khomeini’s clear invocation of Mahdism, there are ambiguities and criticisms surrounding his use of this doctrine. Some critics argue that Khomeini’s fusion of political power with religious authority compromised the spiritual essence of Mahdism, transforming a mystical belief into a tool for political legitimacy. Others contend that by framing the Islamic Republic as part of the Mahdi’s mission, Khomeini blurred the line between divine prophecy and political ambition, potentially leading to the misuse of eschatological narratives for political purposes.
Additionally, there is debate within the Shia community regarding whether Khomeini’s activism was in line with traditional interpretations of Mahdism. Some scholars maintain that no one can hasten the Mahdi’s return through political action, arguing that Khomeini’s approach risked undermining the divine nature of the Imam’s mission.
Conclusion
Imam Khomeini’s revolutionary vision was deeply intertwined with the Shia belief in the Twelfth Imam. His concept of “active waiting” and the establishment of the Islamic Republic reflect his belief that believers must work toward justice to prepare the world for the Mahdi’s reappearance. Through both domestic policies and foreign initiatives, Khomeini sought to align Iran’s revolutionary movement with the eschatological goals of Shia Islam.
While Khomeini did not claim to know the exact time of the Mahdi’s return, his speeches and policies indicate that he viewed his revolution as part of a larger divine plan. The Islamic Republic, in Khomeini’s view, was not the final destination but a preparatory stage for the establishment of ultimate justice under the Mahdi’s rule. Whether or not one agrees with his methods, Khomeini’s legacy demonstrates the profound impact that eschatological beliefs can have on political movements, shaping not only the trajectory of a nation but also the aspirations of millions who await the coming of their hidden Imam.
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