Imam Khomeini: A Leader Revered and Misunderstood
By: Sabzar Ali
Imam Ruhollah Khomeini, a towering figure in modern Islamic history, is often celebrated as a revolutionary leader who galvanized the Iranian people and spearheaded the Islamic Revolution of 1979. However, his legacy is multifaceted, viewed through diverse lenses by both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. Despite his profound impact on Iranian society and the Muslim world at large, Imam Khomeini remains a controversial figure, subject to both admiration and criticism.
In this article, we delve into the life, leadership, and enduring influence of Imam Khomeini. We explore the perspectives of non-Muslim leaders, examine the reasons behind the dissemination of negative portrayals of him, particularly in educational materials aimed at schoolchildren, and shed light on the complexities of his leadership.
Imam Khomeini’s Journey:
Born on September 24, 1902, in the small town of Khomein, Iran, Ruhollah Khomeini embarked on a journey that would reshape the course of history. From an early age, he displayed a deep interest in Islamic studies and theology, eventually becoming a prominent scholar and jurist within the Shia Muslim community.
Imam Khomeini’s leadership was characterized by his unwavering commitment to justice, resistance against oppression, and advocacy for the rights of the downtrodden. His revolutionary ideology, grounded in the principles of Islam, resonated with millions of Iranians who yearned for change in the face of tyranny and injustice.
The Islamic Revolution of 1979:
Imam Khomeini’s pivotal role in the Islamic Revolution of 1979 cannot be overstated. His fierce opposition to the autocratic regime of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, coupled with his powerful rhetoric and grassroots mobilization efforts, culminated in the overthrow of the Shah’s regime and the establishment of an Islamic Republic in Iran.
The revolution, which sent shockwaves throughout the Muslim world and beyond, marked a turning point in Iran’s history and had far-reaching implications for geopolitics in the Middle East. Imam Khomeini’s vision of an Islamic government based on principles of social justice and self-determination inspired millions, while simultaneously sparking apprehension and concern among Western powers.
Non-Muslim Perspectives on Imam Khomeini:
Despite his status as a revered figure among many Muslims, Imam Khomeini has been viewed with skepticism and even hostility by some non-Muslim leaders and commentators. However, there have also been voices of recognition and acknowledgment of his leadership and influence, here are some views about him.
Nelson Mandela:
Nelson Mandela, the iconic anti-apartheid leader and former President of South Africa, praised Imam Khomeini’s unwavering commitment to justice and liberation. Mandela lauded Imam Khomeini’s role in standing up against oppression and championing the rights of the oppressed, drawing parallels between the struggle for freedom in Iran and South Africa.
Mikhail Gorbachev:
Mikhail Gorbachev, the last General Secretary of the Soviet Union, acknowledged Imam Khomeini’s role in reshaping the political landscape of the Middle East. Gorbachev recognized the significance of the Islamic Revolution and its implications for regional dynamics, highlighting Imam Khomeini’s ability to mobilize popular support and challenge existing power structures.
Jimmy Carter:
Jimmy Carter, the former President of the United States, expressed mixed sentiments regarding Imam Khomeini’s leadership. While critical of certain aspects of the Iranian government under Imam Khomeini’s guidance, Carter acknowledged the legitimacy of the Islamic Revolution and emphasized the need for constructive engagement with Iran.
Why the Negative Portrayals?
In recent years, there has been a noticeable trend of negative portrayals of Imam Khomeini, particularly in educational materials targeted at schoolchildren. This phenomenon is driven by a combination of factors, including geopolitical interests, ideological differences, and historical revisionism.
Geopolitical Interests:
Western powers, particularly the United States and its allies, have a vested interest in shaping narratives about Iran and its leaders to advance their geopolitical agendas. Negative portrayals of Imam Khomeini serve to delegitimize the Islamic Republic and justify hostile policies towards Iran.
Ideological Differences:
Ideological adversaries of Imam Khomeini, including secularists and proponents of liberal democracy, view his brand of Islamic governance as regressive and incompatible with modernity. As such, they seek to discredit his legacy and promote alternative narratives that portray him as a radical ideologue.
Historical Revisionism:
In some cases, efforts to vilify Imam Khomeini are rooted in historical revisionism aimed at whitewashing the crimes of past regimes, particularly the Pahlavi dynasty. By demonizing Imam Khomeini, proponents of this narrative seek to downplay the atrocities committed under the Shah’s rule and undermine the legitimacy of the Islamic Revolution.
Imam Ruhollah Khomeini remains a polarizing figure whose legacy continues to shape the political landscape of Iran and the broader Muslim world. Revered by millions as a champion of justice and resistance, he is also vilified by detractors who seek to discredit his leadership and undermine the ideals for which he stood.
As we reflect on Imam Khomeini’s legacy, it is essential to engage with his ideas and principles critically, recognizing the nuances of his leadership and the complexities of the historical context in which he operated. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of the man behind the myth and appreciate the enduring impact of his revolutionary vision.
Kashmir Images is an English language daily newspaper published from Srinagar (J&K), India. The newspaper is one of the largest circulated English dailies of Kashmir and its hard copies reach every nook and corner of Kashmir Valley besides Jammu and Ladakh region.
