Fatawa of Muslim Scholars on Khomeini: A Critical Perspective

The legacy of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the architect of the 1979 Iranian Revolution and the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, remains a subject of intense debate among Muslim scholars worldwide. His political and theological innovations, particularly the doctrine of Wilayat al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), have elicited a spectrum of responses—from staunch support within Iran to vehement opposition from various Islamic scholars and institutions globally. This article delves into the critical fatwas (Islamic legal opinions) issued by prominent Muslim scholars regarding Khomeini's ideologies and actions, examining the theological and political dimensions of their objections.

1. The Doctrine of Wilayat al-Faqih

At the heart of Khomeini's political philosophy lies the concept of Wilayat al-Faqih, which posits that a qualified Islamic jurist should hold supreme authority over the state in the absence of the infallible Imam. Khomeini's assertion that this jurist could wield both religious and political power was revolutionary and controversial. Critics argue that this doctrine deviates from traditional Islamic governance, where political authority is not concentrated in the hands of a single jurist. The implementation of this theory led to the establishment of a theocratic regime in Iran, consolidating power under the Supreme Leader and sidelining other religious authorities.

2. Theological Controversies and Blasphemous Claims

Several of Khomeini's statements have been deemed blasphemous by his critics. Notably, he claimed that all prophets, including Prophet Muhammad, had failed to establish justice, a task he attributed to the awaited Mahdi. Such assertions challenge the fundamental Islamic belief in the infallibility and success of the prophets' missions. Additionally, Khomeini's elevation of the Shiite Imams above all angels and messengers contradicts mainstream Islamic teachings, which uphold the unique status of the prophets.

3. Fatwas Condemning Khomeini

In response to Khomeini's controversial views, numerous Islamic scholars issued fatwas condemning his ideologies:

• Grand Ayatollah Shariatmadari: A leading Shiite cleric, Shariatmadari opposed Khomeini's doctrine of Wilayat al-Faqih, advocating for a more consultative form of governance. His dissent led to significant political repression, including threats to his life and the suppression of his followers.

• Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Shaykh Muhammad ibn Ibrahim: He issued a fatwa declaring Khomeini's ideas as heretical and a deviation from authentic Islam, emphasizing the importance of adhering to traditional Islamic jurisprudence.

• International Union of Muslim Scholars (IUMS): This organization, representing Sunni scholars worldwide, has consistently criticized Khomeini's political theories, viewing them as innovations (bid'ah) that undermine the Islamic principle of consultation (shura) in governance.

4. The Fatwa Against Salman Rushdie

In 1989, Khomeini issued a fatwa calling for the death of British author Salman Rushdie, following the publication of his novel The Satanic Verses, which Khomeini deemed blasphemous. This fatwa sparked widespread international condemnation and highlighted the tension between freedom of expression and religious sensitivities. While some clerics supported Khomeini's decree, many scholars, including Ayatollah Montazeri, Khomeini's former successor, criticized the fatwa, arguing that it contradicted Islamic principles of justice and due process.

5. Legacy and Ongoing Debates

The theological and political implications of Khomeini's doctrines continue to influence Islamic thought. His supporters view him as a reformer who sought to revive Islamic governance, while his detractors see him as a figure who introduced divisive innovations into Islamic tradition. The ongoing debates reflect the broader struggle within the Muslim world between traditionalist and reformist interpretations of Islam.

6. Conclusion

The fatwas condemning Khomeini's ideologies underscore a significant rift within the Muslim scholarly community regarding the intersection of religion and politics. While Khomeini's supporters argue that his theories offer a path to an Islamic state, critics contend that his innovations have led to theological deviations and political authoritarianism. The diverse perspectives on Khomeini's legacy highlight the complexities of interpreting Islamic principles in the modern world and the enduring quest for a governance model that aligns with Islamic values.

---

References:

• "Fataawaa of Muslim Scholars on Khomeini" – Islaam.org.uk

• "Fataawaa of Muslim Scholars on Khomeini" – SunnahOnline.com

• "Ayatollah Khomeini Never Read Salman Rushdie's Book" – The New Yorker

• "A Fundamental Fight" – Vanity Fair

• "Rushdie Fatwa" – Wired

• "Hussein-Ali Montazeri" – Wikipedia

• "Mohammad Sadeq Rouhani" – Wikipedia

• "Mohammad Fazel Lankarani" – Wikipedia