The Revolutionary Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran
โ Full Name:
Sayyid Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini
๐ Born:
September 24, 1902 โ Khomein, Iran
๐ฏ๏ธ Died:
June 3, 1989 โ Tehran, Iran
๐ก Early Life & Background:
Imam Khomeini was born in the town of Khomein, Iran, into a religious family descended from the Prophet Muhammad ๏ทบ (hence the honorific Sayyid). His father, Ayatollah Mustafa Musavi, was also a religious scholar but was assassinated when Khomeini was just 5 months old.
From a young age, Khomeini was immersed in Islamic studies, particularly Fiqh (Islamic law), Akhlaq (ethics), and philosophy.
๐ Education:
- Studied in the major religious centers of Arak and then Qom, Iran.
- Became a respected Shia scholar (Ayatollah).
- Mastered subjects including:
- Islamic jurisprudence
- Theology
- Mysticism (Irfan)
- Philosophy and logic
By the mid-20th century, he had become an influential Marjaสฟ (religious authority) in Shia Islam.
๐ Opposition to the Shah:
In the 1960s, Khomeini strongly opposed the rule of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, who was closely allied with the West and whose policies Khomeini considered anti-Islamic and oppressive.
- In 1963, he publicly criticized the Shahโs “White Revolution” reforms, which included land redistribution and womenโs suffrage.
- He was arrested, sparking protests, and later exiled to Turkey, then Iraq, and finally France (in the city of Neauphle-le-Chรขteau).
From exile, he continued to write, preach, and lead the opposition.
๐ 1979: The Islamic Revolution
In February 1979, after years of growing opposition, the Shah fled Iran. Khomeini returned from exile to a heroโs welcome.
Later that year, he led the founding of the Islamic Republic of Iran, replacing the monarchy with a theocratic system governed by Islamic law.
โ๏ธ Leadership and Legacy:
๐ท Title: Supreme Leader of Iran (1979โ1989)
As Supreme Leader, Khomeini held ultimate authority over:
- Religious affairs
- Politics
- Judiciary
- Military
He introduced the doctrine of Wilayat al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist), which gave Islamic scholars the right to rule over society based on Shia Islamic principles.
๐๏ธ Key Beliefs & Policies:
| Area | Khomeiniโs Vision |
|---|---|
| ๐ Islamic Law | Implemented full Shariah-based governance |
| ๐ฎ๐ท Anti-Imperialism | Opposed both Western capitalism and Soviet communism |
| ๐๏ธ Justice | Called for justice for the oppressed (mustad’afeen) |
| ๐ณ๏ธ Governance | Created a system blending religious leadership and public voting |
๐ฃ Global Impact:
- Inspired Islamic movements across the Muslim world
- Became a symbol of resistance to Western domination
- Deeply admired by some and controversial to others due to his strict policies and anti-Western rhetoric
๐ Writings:
Khomeini was also a prolific author. His major works include:
- Kashf al-Asrar (Unveiling of Secrets)
- Tahrir al-Wasilah (a book of jurisprudence)
- Islamic Government: Governance of the Jurist (theoretical foundation of Iranโs system)
๐ชฆ Death and Funeral:
- Imam Khomeini passed away on June 3, 1989, in Tehran.
- His funeral was attended by millions of Iranians, making it one of the largest funerals in history.
- He is buried at the Imam Khomeini Shrine in southern Tehran.
๐งญ Summary:
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| ๐ Origin | Khomein, Iran |
| ๐ Role | Islamic scholar, political leader |
| ๐บ๏ธ Legacy | Founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran |
| ๐ Belief | Shia Islam, anti-imperialism, Islamic governance |
| ๐ Known For | Wilayat al-Faqih theory, 1979 Islamic Revolution |
๐ Final Thoughts:
Imam Khomeini remains one of the most influential and controversial figures in the modern Islamic world. Whether seen as a revolutionary hero or a strict theocrat, his impact on Iran, Islamic politics, and global Muslim consciousness is undeniable.
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