The Islamic Republic of Iran, established in 1979 under the leadership of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, marked a significant shift in the country’s political and religious landscape. While it championed the Shia interpretation of Islam as its guiding principle, this shift came at the expense of religious diversity, particularly for the Sunni Muslim minority. Sunni scholars, as pivotal figures within their communities, bore the brunt of the systemic marginalization and persecution that characterized the post-revolutionary era. This article explores the plight of Sunni scholars in Iran during Khomeini’s rule, shedding light on the historical, social, and political factors that contributed to their repression.
The Sunni Minority in Iran
Sunnis represent a significant religious minority in Iran, comprising approximately 10-15% of the population. Concentrated mainly in regions such as Kurdistan, Baluchistan, and parts of the Persian Gulf coast, Sunni Muslims have long coexisted with the Shia majority. However, this coexistence has often been marked by tension and unequal treatment. The 1979 revolution, which sought to unify Iran under the banner of Shia Islam, exacerbated these divisions.
The Revolutionary Ideology and Sunni Marginalization
Ayatollah Khomeini’s vision for the Islamic Republic was deeply rooted in Shia theology and jurisprudence. The doctrine of Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist), which underpinned the political structure of the new regime, vested ultimate authority in a Shia cleric. This Shia-centric framework left little room for the recognition of Sunni religious and cultural rights.
Sunni scholars, who played a crucial role in preserving their communities' religious identity, were viewed with suspicion by the regime. Their calls for religious freedom and equal treatment were often interpreted as threats to national unity and the ideological foundations of the Islamic Republic.
Systemic Discrimination and Legal Restrictions
Under Khomeini’s leadership, Sunni scholars faced a range of discriminatory policies and legal restrictions. These included:
Exclusion from Key Positions: Sunni scholars were systematically excluded from high-ranking political, judicial, and religious positions. The Iranian constitution, while nominally guaranteeing freedom of religion, effectively sidelined Sunnis by restricting key offices to Shia Muslims.
Restrictions on Religious Education: Sunni seminaries and schools were closely monitored and often subject to arbitrary closures. Scholars who attempted to establish independent religious institutions faced harassment and imprisonment.
Suppression of Religious Practices: Sunni mosques were subjected to stringent controls, and the construction of new mosques in major cities like Tehran was often prohibited. Scholars who defied these restrictions risked severe reprisals.
Repression of Sunni Activism
The early years of the Islamic Republic witnessed a wave of Sunni activism, as scholars and community leaders sought to assert their rights. Organizations such as the Sunni Council of Iran emerged to advocate for greater autonomy and representation. However, these movements were met with harsh crackdowns.
Prominent Sunni scholars were targeted for their activism. Some were imprisoned on charges of sedition or espionage, while others were executed or disappeared under mysterious circumstances. The regime’s heavy-handed tactics sent a chilling message to the Sunni community, effectively stifling dissent.
Case Studies of Persecution
The persecution of Sunni scholars during Khomeini’s rule can be illustrated through several notable cases:
Molavi Abdolaziz Mollazadeh: A respected Sunni scholar from Baluchistan, Mollazadeh was a vocal critic of the regime’s discriminatory policies. He faced repeated harassment and was ultimately forced into exile.
Shaykh Ahmad Muftizadeh: A Kurdish Sunni leader, Muftizadeh advocated for Kurdish autonomy and religious freedom. Arrested in 1983, he spent over a decade in prison under harsh conditions, which severely impacted his health.
Molavi Abdulhamid Ismaeelzahi: Though he survived the initial wave of persecution, Molavi Abdulhamid, the current spiritual leader of Iran’s Sunnis, has faced constant surveillance and restrictions on his activities. His mosque in Zahedan remains a focal point for Sunni grievances.
The Impact on Sunni Communities
The persecution of Sunni scholars under Khomeini had far-reaching consequences for their communities. The erosion of religious leadership left many Sunnis feeling marginalized and alienated from the state. The suppression of Sunni identity also contributed to a sense of cultural and political disenfranchisement, fueling unrest in Sunni-majority regions.
In Baluchistan and Kurdistan, this discontent occasionally boiled over into open conflict. Armed groups such as Jundallah emerged, framing their struggle as a defense of Sunni rights against Shia domination. While these groups’ actions were condemned by many Sunni scholars, their rise underscored the depth of Sunni grievances.
International Reactions and Criticism
The treatment of Sunni scholars in Iran did not go unnoticed by the international community. Human rights organizations documented numerous cases of religious persecution, calling on the Iranian government to uphold its commitments to religious freedom. Sunni-majority countries, particularly in the Arab world, also criticized Iran’s policies, accusing it of exporting sectarianism.
Legacy of Persecution
The years of persecution under Khomeini left a lasting legacy for Sunni Muslims in Iran. While the intensity of repression has fluctuated over time, systemic discrimination persists. Sunni scholars continue to face significant challenges, from restrictions on religious education to surveillance and harassment.
Despite these obstacles, Sunni leaders and communities have shown remarkable resilience. They have worked to preserve their religious and cultural identity, often under difficult circumstances. The story of Sunni scholars in Iran is one of struggle and perseverance, a testament to their unwavering commitment to their faith and community.
Conclusion
The persecution of Sunni scholars during Ayatollah Khomeini’s rule reflects the broader challenges faced by religious minorities in the Islamic Republic of Iran. Rooted in a vision of Shia dominance, the regime’s policies marginalized Sunnis and suppressed their religious and cultural expression. While these policies aimed to consolidate power and maintain ideological purity, they deepened sectarian divisions and fueled resentment among Sunni communities.
As Iran continues to grapple with its identity and role in the region, addressing the grievances of its Sunni population remains a critical challenge. Recognizing the contributions and rights of Sunni scholars and their communities is not only a matter of justice but also essential for fostering national unity and stability. The legacy of Khomeini’s era serves as a poignant reminder of the costs of exclusion and the enduring importance of religious pluralism.
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