Who was Ayatollah Khomeini?

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini (1902–1989) was an Iranian religious leader, political revolutionary, and the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran. As the leader of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, he played a pivotal role in overthrowing the Pahlavi monarchy and establishing a theocratic state governed by Islamic principles. His influence extended beyond Iran, shaping modern political Islam and redefining the relationship between religion and state in the Muslim world. This article explores his early life, rise to power, revolutionary ideology, and enduring legacy.

Early Life and Education

Ruhollah Khomeini was born on September 24, 1902, in the small town of Khomein in central Iran. His family was of clerical lineage, and his father, Seyyed Mostafa, was a respected Shi'a scholar. After the death of his father when he was an infant, Khomeini was raised by his mother and aunt, who instilled in him a strong sense of religious devotion.

Khomeini’s education began with traditional Islamic studies, including Quranic interpretation, jurisprudence (fiqh), and philosophy. He studied under prominent clerics in Qom, a major center of Shi'a scholarship. By the 1930s, he had gained recognition as a distinguished scholar and wrote extensively on Islamic philosophy, mysticism, and ethics. His teachings emphasized the spiritual and political dimensions of Islam, laying the groundwork for his revolutionary ideology.

Opposition to the Pahlavi Dynasty

Khomeini’s political activism emerged during the reign of Reza Shah Pahlavi, who sought to modernize and secularize Iran. The Shah’s policies, including restrictions on Islamic practices and the clergy’s influence, alarmed religious leaders. Khomeini became a vocal critic of these reforms, viewing them as a threat to Iran’s Islamic identity.

Under Reza Shah’s son, Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, Khomeini’s opposition intensified. The Shah’s close ties to Western powers, particularly the United States, and his promotion of Western cultural values were seen by Khomeini as acts of subservience that undermined Iran’s sovereignty and Islamic heritage. In 1963, Khomeini delivered a fiery sermon against the Shah’s "White Revolution," a series of reforms that included land redistribution and women’s suffrage. His arrest and subsequent exile in 1964 marked the beginning of his transformation into a symbol of resistance.

Years in Exile

Khomeini spent 15 years in exile, first in Turkey, then in Iraq, and finally in France. During this period, he developed and articulated his revolutionary vision, which centered on the concept of velayat-e faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist). This theory argued that in the absence of the Twelfth Imam, a qualified Islamic jurist should lead the state to ensure adherence to Islamic principles.

Khomeini’s writings and taped sermons were smuggled into Iran, where they galvanized opposition to the Shah. His message appealed to a broad spectrum of Iranians, including religious conservatives, leftists, and nationalist groups, who shared a common desire to end the monarchy. By the late 1970s, widespread dissatisfaction with the Shah’s regime, coupled with economic struggles and political repression, created a revolutionary atmosphere.

The Iranian Revolution

In 1979, the Iranian Revolution reached its climax. Massive protests, strikes, and demonstrations paralyzed the country, and the Shah fled Iran in January. On February 1, Khomeini returned to Tehran to a hero’s welcome. Within weeks, the monarchy was abolished, and Khomeini declared the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran following a national referendum.

Khomeini assumed the role of Supreme Leader, the highest authority in the new theocratic system. The Iranian Constitution institutionalized velayat-e faqih, granting the Supreme Leader extensive powers over both the government and religious institutions. Khomeini’s leadership marked a profound shift in Iran’s political structure, replacing secular nationalism with an Islamic governance model.

Domestic Policies and Governance

Under Khomeini’s rule, Iran underwent significant transformations. The government implemented policies to align society with Islamic principles, including mandatory hijab for women, restrictions on Western cultural influences, and the establishment of religious courts. Education and media were heavily regulated to promote Islamic values.

Khomeini’s governance was marked by both popular support and harsh repression. Many Iranians welcomed the Islamic Republic as a rejection of foreign interference and corruption. However, political opponents, including secularists, liberals, and leftists, faced imprisonment, exile, or execution. The consolidation of power often involved purges and crackdowns on dissent.

The Iran-Iraq War

One of the defining events of Khomeini’s leadership was the Iran-Iraq War (1980–1988). The conflict began when Iraqi President Saddam Hussein invaded Iran, seeking to capitalize on the post-revolutionary chaos. Khomeini framed the war as a sacred defense of Islam against external aggression, rallying Iranians to fight in the name of religion and national pride.

The war was devastating, resulting in hundreds of thousands of casualties and extensive destruction on both sides. Despite the immense human and economic cost, Khomeini rejected early ceasefire offers, insisting on achieving total victory. The war ended in a stalemate, with neither side achieving its objectives. For Iran, however, the war solidified Khomeini’s power and reinforced the Islamic Republic’s narrative of resistance.

Legacy and Impact

Khomeini’s death on June 3, 1989, marked the end of an era but not the end of his influence. His legacy continues to shape Iran and the broader Muslim world in several ways:

1. Political Islam: Khomeini’s ideology inspired Islamic movements worldwide, demonstrating that religion could serve as a powerful force for political change. His model of an Islamic state has been emulated by groups seeking to integrate religion into governance.

2. Iran’s Foreign Policy: Khomeini’s emphasis on resistance to Western imperialism and support for oppressed Muslims became central to Iran’s foreign policy. The Islamic Republic has supported groups such as Hezbollah and positioned itself as a leader of anti-imperialist and anti-Zionist struggles.

3. Cultural Transformation: Khomeini’s policies profoundly reshaped Iranian society, promoting a vision of Islamic authenticity while restricting individual freedoms. Debates over these changes continue to shape Iranian politics and culture.

Controversy and Criticism

Khomeini remains a polarizing figure. Supporters view him as a visionary leader who restored Iran’s dignity and independence. Critics, however, highlight the authoritarian nature of his rule, human rights abuses, and the suppression of dissent. The forced imposition of Islamic laws and the marginalization of women and minorities are enduring sources of contention.

Conclusion

Ayatollah Khomeini was a transformative figure whose impact extended far beyond Iran’s borders. His vision of an Islamic state challenged the dominance of secular ideologies and redefined the role of religion in modern governance. While his legacy is contested, there is no denying his profound influence on the course of Iranian and Middle Eastern history. The Islamic Republic he founded continues to navigate the tensions between its revolutionary ideals and the demands of a complex, changing world.

American Foreign Policy: The War against the Third World

This documentary reveals what you did not learn at school or see and hear on mainstream media.

It is about American state terrorism towards innocent civilians of Third World countries. This video shows illegal activities of The White House terrorists in submitting the whole Globe to their New World Order.

CIA in its 40 years of Global operations was responsible for the death of around 6 million innocent civilians. They are not perceived as 'terrorists' because they have power behind the American media to portray them as 'fighters of the free world'. Instead, much weaker terrorist Islamic groups are being exaggerated as threats to the free world and democracy. It is arguable that the rise of Islamic terrorists is a direct result of people like Bin Laden seeing their Muslim brethren being killed unjustly by 'real' terrorist groups like CIA, KGB and Mossad.

The U.S. media is under complete invasion of the Zionists, ever since the days of J.P. Morgan, under whose supervision, 12 most powerful media newspaper companies had been summoned to unite for the common goal of subverting free speech. J.P. Morgan is an agent of the Rothschild family.

CIA was involved in many Third World countries; political assassinations, takeovers of countries and massacre of the masses in Indonesia (helping Suharto to come into power), Iran (helping Shah Iran to throne), Vietnam, Nicaragua, Korea, Cambodia and various other Muslim countries.

The United States is in reality the Globe's greatest terrorist state! All oppressed people of the World! Let us unite in making our Globe a better place!

Please watch this amazing documentary here.

Links:

CIA
Al-Qaeda
Iran-Contra Affair

The Secret Alliance between America, Iran and Israel during The Era of Khomeini

www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran%E2%80%93Israel_relations

www.wrmea.org/1988-april/khomeini-s-iran-israel-s-ally.html

www.arabnews.com/news/460157

www.thedailybeast.com/7-things-you-might-not-know-about-iranian-views-of-israel

www.iranicaonline.org/articles/israel-i-relations-with-iran

www.dw.com/en/iran-und-israel-the-best-of-enemies/a-17437981

www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/iran/MAGAZINE-how-israel-and-iran-went-from-allies-to-enemies-1.6049884

Khomeini and Israel Secret Marriage Resources (Discover Secret Alliance between Israel and Iran under Khomeini, the so-called 'Enemies in Public')

Resource 1

Resource 2

Resource 3

Resource 4

CIA responsible for the 1993 WTC bombing working with so-called Islamic fighters

This lecture was given by J.A. Calhoun, a Research consultant.

The video you are about to see has been banned and never to be re-aired or resold.

The insider research consultant revealed what really had happened behind the bombing, and who had been behind the event.

Please watch here.

The 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center in New York City marked a pivotal moment in the history of terrorism and international relations. While this tragedy is often attributed to radical Islamic groups, there are deeper geopolitical implications, including the possible involvement of international intelligence agencies such as the CIA. This article explores the intricate web of alliances, historical religious ideologies, and geopolitical strategies that have shaped the context of the bombing, particularly focusing on the CIA’s alleged ties to so-called Islamic fighters.

A Historical Perspective on the Kharijites

To understand the relationship between the CIA, Islamic militants, and the events surrounding the 1993 bombing, one must first look at the historical context of Islamic radicalism. In early Islamic history, the Kharijites were a group that emerged during the time of the Caliphs, known for their rigid application of Islamic law and extreme ideological positions. The Kharijites famously rebelled against the rightful Caliphs, believing that only those who adhered strictly to their interpretation of Islam were legitimate rulers.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) prophesied the return of the Kharijites in various forms throughout Islamic history. In a well-known narration, he mentioned that the last of these extremists would emerge in conjunction with the Antichrist (Al-Masih Ad-Dajjal) in the end times. This prediction remains significant to understanding the rise of various radical movements in the modern world, which claim to represent Islam but engage in violent, extreme acts that contradict the peaceful message of the religion.

These extremist groups, particularly those affiliated with the ideology of the Kharijites, are often depicted as being responsible for killings of fellow Muslims, with an ideological focus on purging “impure” Muslims while sparing non-Muslims. This kind of twisted interpretation of Islam continues to fuel radical movements today, especially within the context of the so-called "War on Terror."

The CIA’s Alleged Role in Supporting Islamic Militants

One of the most controversial and widely discussed aspects of the 1993 bombing is the possibility that U.S. intelligence agencies, particularly the CIA, played a role in facilitating the rise of radical Islamic groups. While many critics argue that such claims are speculative, there is a strong case to be made that U.S. foreign policy has, at times, supported militant groups that later went on to commit acts of terrorism, either directly or indirectly.

A key example of this can be found in the history of the Afghan-Soviet War in the 1980s. The CIA, through its covert operations, funded and armed groups of Afghan mujahideen fighters in their struggle against Soviet forces. Many of these fighters were radicalized Islamists who adhered to extremist ideologies, some of which were inspired by the Kharijites’ teachings of violence and strict interpretations of Islamic law.

The U.S. government’s support for these groups, although framed as a necessary action in the context of the Cold War, would later have far-reaching consequences. Some of these fighters, once trained and armed by the U.S., went on to form the core of organizations like Al-Qaeda, which carried out the 1993 bombing of the World Trade Center. This bombing, though not the same as the later attacks of 9/11, marked the first large-scale attack on American soil by Islamist extremists.

The Role of Radical Ideologies in Modern Terrorism

The radical ideologies of the Kharijites are not confined to ancient history but are alive and well in modern times, particularly in the Middle East. These ideologies manifest in the form of extremist groups that interpret Islam in a way that justifies violence against both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. A key example is the rise of Al-Qaeda, whose founder, Osama bin Laden, was deeply influenced by radical interpretations of Islam.

The teachings of the Kharijites continue to shape modern radical groups, as their ideology emphasizes strict interpretations of Islamic law and the need to wage violent jihad against anyone considered an enemy of their version of Islam. However, it is important to note that these radical movements often misrepresent the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and Islamic scholars throughout history, particularly those who have advocated for a more moderate, inclusive, and just interpretation of the faith.

One such scholar was Ibn Taymiyyah, an influential Islamic scholar from the 13th and 14th centuries. His writings focused on purging innovations in religious practices and rejecting extreme interpretations of Islam, including the violent approach of the Kharijites. Ibn Taymiyyah’s ideas were widely respected among Islamic scholars, yet his more moderate views have often been overshadowed by the extreme teachings of figures like Ayatollah Khomeini, whose radical Shiite ideology played a significant role in the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and the subsequent rise of Islamic fundamentalism in the region.

The US-Iran Military Alliance: A Covert Collaboration

A particularly controversial aspect of U.S. involvement in the Middle East is the alleged alliance between the United States and Iran, particularly in regard to their shared interests in Afghanistan and Iraq. Despite Iran’s public rhetoric against the U.S., particularly under the leadership of the late Ayatollah Khomeini and his successors, there have been instances where the U.S. and Iran have cooperated in ways that contradict the animosity they profess.

During the 1980s, Iran played a significant role in supporting the mujahideen fighters in Afghanistan against the Soviet Union. Though the U.S. and Iran were ostensibly on opposite sides of the Cold War, their mutual interest in defeating the Soviet Union created a temporary alignment of goals. Similarly, in the post-9/11 era, the U.S. and Iran found themselves on the same side in certain situations, particularly in Iraq, where both countries had a vested interest in countering Sunni extremist groups like ISIS.

This covert collaboration has raised questions about the true nature of U.S. and Iranian relations, with critics arguing that the public image of enmity between the two nations is a façade. Instead, it is suggested that both powers, despite their apparent differences, have worked behind the scenes to further their geopolitical interests, even if it involves the use of radicalized Islamic fighters as pawns in their greater strategic games.

Extremism, Innovation, and the Islamic Tradition

One of the key concerns raised by Islamic scholars and critics of radical movements is the rise of religious innovation (bid'ah) and extremism in the Muslim world. As previously mentioned, figures like Ibn Taymiyyah warned against the dangers of extremism and the distortion of Islamic principles. However, the modern world has seen a troubling rise in groups that claim to represent Islam but instead promote violent, extremist ideologies that bear little resemblance to the peaceful teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.

These radical groups often overlook the rich tradition of Islamic scholarship, which has emphasized moderation, justice, and the pursuit of peace. Instead, they focus on interpretations of Islam that justify violence and intolerance, much like the Kharijites did in the past. This distortion of the faith has caused immense harm, not only to the Muslim world but to global security as a whole.

Conclusion: A Call for Authentic Islamic Understanding

In light of the complex geopolitical realities of the post-Cold War world, it is essential for Muslims to return to the original teachings of Islam, as brought by the Prophet Muhammad. Islam, in its purest form, is free from polytheism, religious innovations, and extremism. It is a faith that promotes peace, justice, and the well-being of all humankind, irrespective of their background or belief system.

The history of the CIA's alleged involvement in fostering radical Islamic groups, the reemergence of Kharijite ideologies, and the use of religious extremism for political purposes must serve as a cautionary tale for Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Only by returning to the core principles of Islam can the true spirit of the faith be revived, and only by rejecting extremism and violence can the Muslim world move forward in peace and harmony.