Understanding The Life And Impact Of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's life offers a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of religion and politics in Iran. Born in 1902, Khomeini rose from humble beginnings to become the supreme leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. His journey is not just a tale of personal ambition but also a reflection of the socio-political upheavals that shaped modern Iran. Through his leadership, he profoundly influenced both the nation and the broader Islamic world.

Who Was Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini?

Ayatollah Khomeini became the supreme religious leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran in 1979, following years of resistance against the Shah. His rise to power was fueled by his opposition to the Shah's ties with Western nations. Khomeini's leadership marked a significant shift in Iran's political landscape, emphasizing the role of religious authority in governance. He remained Iran's political and religious figure until his death on June 3, 1989, at the age of 86.

Quick Facts

Below are some quick facts about Khomeini that highlight his life and legacy:

• Full Name: Ruhollah Khomeini
• Born: September 22, 1902
• Died: June 3, 1989
• Birthplace: Khomein, Iran
• Spouse: Khadijeh Saqafi (1931–1989)
• Children: Mostafa, Ahmad, Zahra, Farideh, and Sadiqeh
• Astrological Sign: Virgo

Early Life

Born on September 24, 1902, in Khomein, Iran, Ruhollah Mousavi was part of a family of Shiite religious scholars. Tragically, his father was murdered just months after his birth, leaving young Khomeini to be raised by his mother and aunt, both of whom died of cholera in 1918. He then became inseparable from his older brother, Mourteza. The family claimed descent from the Prophet Muhammad, and both brothers dedicated themselves to religious scholarship.

As a child, Khomeini was known for his physical prowess and was even celebrated as the leapfrog champion of his village. Beyond sports, he demonstrated exceptional intellectual abilities, excelling at memorizing poetry and studying at a local maktab, a school focused on teaching the Quran. His academic success led his brother to send him to Arak, where he began studying under prominent Islamic scholars.

Political and Religious Leader

After the death of his mentor, Ha’iri, in the 1930s, Khomeini aligned himself with Ayatollah Boroujerdi, the leading Islamic figure in Qom at the time. Notably, both leaders believed in the separation of religion from politics, which contrasted sharply with Khomeini's later actions. As the Shah's regime continued to weaken the power of religious authorities, Khomeini remained quiet, focusing on his teachings and preparing for future resistance.

When the political climate in Iran began to shift, Khomeini took a stand against the Shah's policies that he deemed detrimental to Islamic values. He began organizing protests and rallying support among the ulama, or religious leaders, marking the beginning of his public opposition against the Shah's government.

Years in Exile

In 1964, Khomeini was arrested and subsequently exiled to Turkey after he openly criticized the Shah's ties with the United States and Israel. His time in exile was spent in Najaf, Iraq, where he developed his influential political theories, notably the concept of Velayat-e faqeeh, suggesting a state governed by Islamic principles. Khomeini's teachings reached a wider audience through smuggled tapes of his sermons, garnering him a loyal following among Iranian expatriates.

By the late 1970s, Khomeini's ideas had sparked a massive movement against the Shah. Demonstrations erupted across Iran, and Khomeini's leadership became increasingly pivotal as he called for freedom from imperialism and the establishment of an Islamic state.

The Iranian Revolution

In 1979, Khomeini returned to Iran amidst the chaos of the Iranian Revolution, which saw the Shah flee the country. His return marked the culmination of years of activism and unrest, as various social classes rallied behind his vision for a new Islamic government. Khomeini was celebrated as the Supreme Leader, and he wasted no time in implementing his vision for an Islamic state.

During this transformative period, Khomeini oversaw the drafting of a new constitution and solidified his power, often suppressing dissenting voices. His authoritarian approach to governance soon became evident as he prioritized the establishment of a theocratic regime over democratic ideals.

Iranian Hostage Crisis

Amidst rising tensions between Iran and the United States, the Iranian Hostage Crisis began in late 1979 when Iranian students seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking over 60 American hostages. Khomeini leveraged this crisis to solidify his regime's power, framing the event as a stand against Western imperialism. The standoff lasted 444 days, significantly affecting U.S.-Iran relations and shaping future political developments.

Iran-Iraq War

The Iran-Iraq War, which began in 1980, further defined Khomeini's leadership. The conflict stemmed from territorial disputes and Khomeini's desire to spread the Islamic Revolution. The war was brutal, resulting in significant loss of life and economic hardship for both nations. Khomeini's refusal to accept a ceasefire until 1988, despite the devastating toll, reflected his commitment to his ideological beliefs, even at the expense of human lives.

Salman Rushdie Fatwa and Death

In 1989, Khomeini issued a controversial fatwa calling for the death of author Salman Rushdie due to his novel The Satanic Verses, which Khomeini deemed blasphemous. This act further entrenched Khomeini's legacy as a polarizing figure in both Iranian and international contexts. Just months after this declaration, Khomeini passed away on June 3, 1989, leaving behind a complex and contentious legacy that continues to influence Iran today.

Iran remains deeply influenced by Khomeini's ideology, and his life serves as a pivotal chapter in the story of the Islamic Republic. His impact resonates not only in Iran but also across the globe, highlighting the ongoing struggles between tradition and modernity, religious authority and political power.