Imam Khomeini and His Enduring Legacy: A Look at His Life, Leadership, and Writings
Ruhollah Mousavi Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, remains one of the most influential religious and political leaders of the 20th century. Through his remarkable leadership, he not only overthrew Iran’s monarchy but also established a new model of Islamic governance that continues to inspire Islamic and anti-colonial movements worldwide. This article explores his life, the Islamic Revolution, his writings, and the enduring legacy he left behind.
Biography and Early Activities
Born in 1902 in the city of Khomein, Iran, Imam Khomeini lost his father at an early age and was raised in a religious household. He began his religious studies early and quickly became a prominent scholar in Islamic philosophy, jurisprudence, and mysticism. Settling in Qom, he taught and wrote extensively while advocating for Islamic values and resisting the growing influence of Westernization and secularism during the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi.
In the 1940s and 50s, Imam Khomeini emerged as a prominent critic of the Pahlavi regime. His objections intensified in 1963 when he openly condemned the Shah’s policies, including the White Revolution, leading to his arrest and subsequent exile in 1964. From exile in Turkey, Iraq, and later France, Imam Khomeini continued to guide a growing movement within Iran against tyranny and foreign domination.
Role in the Islamic Revolution
Imam Khomeini’s leadership was central to uniting various social and political groups—from traditional clerics and bazaar merchants to secular intellectuals and students—around the goal of overthrowing the Shah. His messages, smuggled into Iran via cassette tapes and letters, galvanized millions. The revolution culminated in February 1979 with the fall of the Pahlavi monarchy and the establishment of the Islamic Republic.
His strategy was unique in that it fused religious principles with popular activism, creating a broad-based revolutionary movement. Imam Khomeini emphasized unity among all strata of society, including the poor, the clergy, and intellectuals, to achieve the shared goal of Islamic governance. After the revolution, he sought to create harmony among Muslims through the concept of Islamic unity, promoting cooperation between Sunni and Shia communities.
Writings and Scholarly Works
Imam Khomeini was also a prolific writer and thinker. His most notable works include:
“Sahifeh-ye Nur” – A 22-volume collection of his speeches, messages, and declarations spanning decades of political and spiritual guidance.
“Tahrir al-Wasilah” – A comprehensive book of Islamic jurisprudence, including innovative fatwas on contemporary issues.
“Forty Hadiths” – A mystical and ethical commentary on forty sayings of the Prophet Muhammad, reflecting his deep spiritual insight.
“Velayat-e Faqih” (The Governance of the Jurist) – His foundational political theory advocating for the leadership of Islamic jurists in a modern Islamic state, which became the theoretical basis of Iran’s current political system.
These works continue to be studied in seminaries and political circles across the Islamic world.
Aftermath of His Demise and Enduring Impact
Imam Khomeini passed away on June 3, 1989, marking the end of an era. Yet, his ideas and revolution live on. Under the leadership of his successor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Islamic Republic has continued to uphold the path set by Imam Khomeini.
Regionally, the Islamic Revolution has had vast influence, inspiring movements from Lebanon to Iraq and Yemen, collectively known as the “Axis of Resistance.” Imam Khomeini’s call to “export the revolution” was not through force, but through ideological inspiration, standing against imperialism and supporting oppressed nations.
Today, his legacy is not confined to Iran. His emphasis on independence, resistance against oppression, and spiritual revival continues to resonate with many across the Muslim world and beyond.
Imam Khomeini was not merely a political leader; he was a scholar, a spiritual guide, and a revolutionary whose vision reshaped the course of history. His life and teachings remain a beacon for those seeking justice, dignity, and Islamic governance in the modern era.
