Who was Ayatollah Khomeini?

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Iran and the broader Middle East, is best known for his pivotal role in the Islamic Revolution of 1979, which overthrew the Pahlavi monarchy and established the Islamic Republic of Iran. Khomeini's political, religious, and philosophical ideas had a profound impact not only on the governance of Iran but also on the course of Islamic politics, shaping the course of history in the region and beyond. His blend of revolutionary fervor, Islamic ideology, and anti-imperialism made him a unique figure in the global struggle for self-determination and sovereignty. This article delves into the life of Ayatollah Khomeini, his rise to power, his ideology, and his enduring legacy.

Early Life and Education

Ruhollah Khomeini was born on September 24, 1902, in the city of Khomein, located in central Iran. He was born into a family with deep roots in Islamic scholarship, and his early years were marked by a devout religious upbringing. His father, Mullah Mustafa, was a respected religious leader, and it was under his guidance that Khomeini began his formal education in Islamic studies. Khomeini’s family background played a significant role in shaping his ideological leanings, which would later contribute to his rise as a prominent religious figure.

Khomeini pursued his education in the holy city of Qom, one of Iran's most important centers for Shiite theological education. During his time in Qom, he studied Islamic jurisprudence, philosophy, and ethics, and he became deeply influenced by the teachings of great Shiite scholars, including the prominent Ayatollahs Abdul-Karim Ha'eri Yazdi and Muhammad Taqi Khansari. His advanced studies in Islamic theology and jurisprudence would later lay the groundwork for his influential role as both a religious leader and a political thinker.

Khomeini’s intellectual pursuits were not limited to traditional Islamic scholarship. He also became well-versed in the works of Western philosophers, including the writings of Friedrich Hegel, Karl Marx, and others. This combination of Islamic thought and a critical engagement with Western ideas allowed him to develop a distinctive and radical vision that would eventually challenge both the Shah's regime and Western imperialism in the region.

Opposition to the Shah and Early Activism

In the mid-20th century, Iran was ruled by Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who came to power after the 1953 CIA-backed coup that overthrew Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadegh, a nationalist leader who had sought to nationalize Iran’s oil industry. The Shah’s regime, backed by the United States, was characterized by autocratic rule, widespread corruption, and significant Western influence in Iran’s political and cultural life. This led to increasing dissatisfaction among many segments of Iranian society, including the clergy, intellectuals, and the working class.

Khomeini, who had been teaching at Qom's theological seminaries, quickly became a vocal critic of the Shah's regime. His opposition to the Pahlavi monarchy was grounded in both political and religious concerns. He denounced the Shah’s secular policies, which he believed undermined the Islamic character of Iran, and he criticized the regime's close ties with the West, particularly the United States. Khomeini’s early speeches and writings also expressed vehement opposition to the Shah’s modernization programs, which he viewed as attempts to Westernize Iranian society at the expense of Islamic traditions.

In 1963, Khomeini’s anti-Shah activism took a more public form. After delivering a series of speeches condemning the Shah’s policies and his suppression of Islamic values, Khomeini was arrested and exiled to Turkey. From there, he was moved to Iraq, where he continued his political and religious activities while living in Najaf, a major Shiite center of learning. It was during his exile that Khomeini began to gain a larger following, not just among clerics, but also among students, intellectuals, and workers who were dissatisfied with the Shah's regime.

The Islamic Revolution of 1979

The 1970s saw mounting dissatisfaction with the Pahlavi regime. Economic hardship, widespread corruption, and the Shah’s reliance on Western powers for support, combined with his increasingly repressive measures, contributed to growing unrest. In 1978, protests against the regime reached a tipping point, and the Shah’s efforts to suppress the opposition were met with widespread resistance.

While Khomeini remained in exile, his messages and writings circulated among Iranians, rallying support for the cause of overthrowing the monarchy. His ideology, which blended Shiite religious principles with revolutionary fervor, gained widespread resonance, particularly among the urban poor, students, and the growing intellectual elite. Khomeini's call for an end to Western imperialism, the return to Islamic values, and the establishment of an Islamic government resonated deeply with Iranians across various sectors of society.

In 1979, after a year of escalating protests and violent confrontations with the Shah's security forces, the monarchy collapsed. On February 1, 1979, Khomeini returned to Iran after 14 years of exile. His return was met with mass celebrations, and he was greeted as the leader of the revolution. On February 11, the Pahlavi regime finally fell, and Khomeini assumed leadership of the newly established Islamic Republic of Iran.

Establishment of the Islamic Republic and Khomeini’s Ideology

Khomeini's vision for Iran was rooted in the concept of Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist), a doctrine he developed to justify the rule of Islamic scholars. This doctrine held that, in the absence of the Imam, the Islamic community should be governed by a jurist (Faqih) who had both religious and political authority. Khomeini argued that the state should be a reflection of Islamic principles, and that religious leaders should guide the political and social life of the nation.

Under Khomeini’s leadership, the Iranian government underwent a radical transformation. The monarchy was abolished, and the country’s political system was reorganized to reflect the principles of Islamic law (Sharia). The new government, which combined religious and political authority, was characterized by its strong anti-imperialist stance, its efforts to nationalize Iran's oil industry, and its support for social justice programs aimed at reducing poverty and inequality.

Khomeini's government also took a firm stance on opposition to the West, particularly the United States, which had long been involved in Iran's internal affairs. The seizure of the U.S. embassy in Tehran in November 1979, and the subsequent hostage crisis, became a symbol of Iran’s defiance of American influence. The Islamic Republic also supported revolutionary movements throughout the Middle East and beyond, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Islamic militants in Afghanistan.

The Iran-Iraq War and Later Years

In September 1980, just over a year after the revolution, Iraq, under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, invaded Iran, sparking an eight-year conflict known as the Iran-Iraq War. Khomeini’s leadership during the war was marked by a mix of ideological fervor and pragmatic decision-making. Despite suffering heavy casualties and economic hardship, Khomeini and the Iranian leadership maintained their resolve to defend the revolution and its ideals.

Khomeini’s later years were also marked by an increasing focus on consolidating the Islamic state and purging the country of internal opposition. His regime implemented harsh measures against political dissidents, including executing thousands of political prisoners in the summer of 1988.

Khomeini passed away on June 3, 1989, after a long battle with illness. His death marked the end of an era for Iran, but his legacy lived on through his successors and the continuing influence of the Islamic Republic.

Khomeini’s Legacy

Ayatollah Khomeini’s legacy is complex and controversial. On one hand, he is regarded as a hero by many Iranians and others in the Muslim world for his role in overthrowing the Shah and establishing a government based on Islamic principles. His vision of an Islamic Republic, which emphasized social justice, anti-imperialism, and religious governance, continues to shape the political landscape of Iran.

On the other hand, Khomeini's regime was also marked by authoritarianism, repression of dissent, and violations of human rights. His leadership during the Iran-Iraq War, his purges of political enemies, and his emphasis on a theocratic state remain contentious aspects of his legacy. Furthermore, Khomeini's anti-Western rhetoric and support for revolutionary movements led to significant tensions with the West, particularly the United States, which continues to affect Iranian foreign policy.

In conclusion, Ayatollah Khomeini was a revolutionary figure who reshaped the political and religious landscape of Iran and had a lasting impact on the Middle East. His ideas, which combined Islamic theology with political activism, continue to influence Iranian politics to this day. Whether revered as a liberator or criticized for his authoritarian rule, Khomeini remains one of the most significant figures in modern Islamic history.