Ruhollah Khomeini | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 22, 2025

Who is Ruhollah Khomeini?

Ruhollah Khomeini, born on September 22, 1902, in Khomein, Iran, was a prominent Shiite cleric and the political leader of the Iranian Revolution of 1979. He emerged as a vehement critic of Shah Pahlavi’s regime, advocating for a return to Islamic principles and opposing Western influences in Iran. After years of exile, Khomeini returned to Iran amid widespread protests against the Shah, eventually becoming the Supreme Leader of the newly established Islamic Republic. His vision for Iran was shaped by his belief in Velayat-e faqeeh, a governance model rooted in Islamic principles led by clergy.

Khomeini’s leadership was marked by significant political and social upheaval, including the Iranian Hostage Crisis and the Iran-Iraq War. He was known for enforcing a stringent interpretation of Islamic law and promoting his ideals through various means, including educational reforms and political mobilization. His controversial fatwa against author Salman Rushdie in 1989 further solidified his legacy, portraying him as a polarizing figure in the context of global politics. Khomeini passed away on June 3, 1989, but his influence continues to shape Iran’s theocratic governance and sociopolitical landscape.

Early Life and Education

Ruhollah Khomeini was born on September 22, 1902, in Khomein, a small village in Iran, into a family of esteemed Shiite religious scholars. His given name, Ruhollah, translates to "inspired of God," reflecting the profound religious lineage from which he came. Tragically, Khomeini’s father was murdered just five months after his birth, leading him to be raised by his mother and aunt, both of whom died of cholera when he was only 16. This loss thrust Khomeini's older brother, Mourteza, into the role of family leader, fostering Khomeini’s education in religious studies.

Khomeini showed promise as a young boy, excelling in both physical activities and academics. He was known not only for his athletic skills—winning local leapfrog competitions—but also for his extraordinary memorization of religious texts and classical poetry. His educational journey began at a local maktab, where he focused on mastering the Quran. By 1920, his scholarly accomplishments led his brother to send him to Arak, where he studied under the respected Islamic scholar Yazdi Ha’iri. Khomeini's thirst for knowledge drove him to follow Ha’iri to Qom in 1923, where he dedicated himself to further theological studies and began teaching younger students, solidifying his role in the religious community.

Political and Religious Leader Rising to Prominence

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini emerged as a prominent political and religious figure in Iran by the early 1960s. Initially, he was a follower of respected Islamic scholars like Ayatollah Boroujerdi, who advocated for keeping religion separate from government. However, as dissatisfaction with the Shah's regime grew, Khomeini began to vocalize his opposition, especially against laws that undermined Islamic principles, such as the cessation of swearing in officials on the Quran. His public protests escalated after he delivered an incendiary speech in June 1963, leading to his arrest and subsequent imprisonment. Khomeini's resilience during this period galvanized the Iranian populace and began to cultivate a substantial following.

In 1964, after being arrested for his critiques of the Shah's Western alliances, Khomeini was exiled to Turkey and subsequently to Iraq, where he further developed his ideological framework of Velayat-e faqeeh, advocating for a government led by Islamic clerics. His teachings and videotaped sermons spread throughout Iran, cementing his status as the leader of the opposition against the Shah. By the late 1970s, widespread protests erupted against the Pahlavi regime, culminating in Khomeini’s triumphant return to Iran in 1979. Recognized as the Supreme Leader, he laid the foundation for an Islamic Republic, fundamentally reshaping Iranian society and politics in alignment with his vision of governance rooted in Islamic principles.

The Iranian Revolution and Establishment of the Islamic Republic

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini emerged as a pivotal figure during the Iranian Revolution of 1979, which culminated in the overthrow of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. Khomeini had long been critical of the Shah's regime, particularly his secular policies and association with Western influence. Following years of exile, Khomeini returned to Iran amidst a wave of popular support, uniting diverse groups—including students, religious leaders, and the disillusioned middle class—against the Shah. His charismatic leadership and powerful rhetoric galvanized the public, facilitating the transition from a monarchy to an Islamic Republic grounded in Shiite Islamic principles.

Upon the Shah's departure from Iran, Khomeini quickly established himself as the Supreme Leader, shaping the new state according to his vision of governance based on Islamic law, or Sharia. He advocated for a political system known as Velayat-e Faqeeh, where clerics would play a central role in state affairs. Khomeini's leadership marked a shift towards an authoritarian regime that suppressed opposition, curtailed civil liberties, and mandated Islamic values in all aspects of Iranian life. His efforts to solidify control included the drafting of an Islamic constitution and the promotion of state-sanctioned ideology throughout educational institutions, fundamentally altering Iran’s political landscape.

Iran-Iraq War and its Consequences

The Iran-Iraq War, which began on September 22, 1980, was a pivotal conflict that not only shaped the geopolitical landscape of the Middle East but also had profound consequences for Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s regime. The war was initiated by Iraq's leader Saddam Hussein, who sought to exploit Iran's post-revolutionary chaos. Hussein aimed to capture key territories and weaken a revolutionary government that had sparked fears of Islamic governance across the region. The initial advances by Iraq quickly devolved into a protracted stalemate, resulting in immense human and economic costs for both nations. Khomeini’s leadership during the war was defined by a commitment to resisting Iraqi aggression, as well as an effort to consolidate his power internally.

As the conflict dragged on, Khomeini's regime became increasingly authoritarian, suppressing dissent and fortifying the influence of clerics aligned with his ideology. The war resulted in hundreds of thousands of casualties on both sides and significant destruction. Khomeini viewed the war as a necessary struggle for Iran's Islamic revolution, coining the phrase that efforts would be made to “export” the revolution. This conviction led to a heightened sense of nationalism and religious fervor among Iranians but also meant that dissent regarding the regime’s policies was met with severe repression. The war's end in 1988 did not mark a return to normalcy; instead, Khomeini faced the daunting task of rebuilding a war-torn nation while maintaining strict control over its politic and society.

Personal Life: Married Life and Children

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini married Khadijeh Saqafi in 1931, a partnership that lasted until his death in 1989. Khadijeh stood by Khomeini through the many trials he faced, including his years of exile and his eventual rise to power in Iran. Their marriage was not only a personal bond but also a significant support system as Khomeini navigated the complexities of his political and religious ambitions. Khadijeh assisted with his household, and together they cultivated a family that would play roles in Khomeini's legacy.

Khomeini and Khadijeh had five children: Mostafa, Ahmad, Zahra, Farideh, and Sadiqeh. Among them, Ahmad Khomeini became notably involved in Iranian politics and administration during his father's rule. Khomeini emphasized the importance of family and traditional values, instilling in his children a deep sense of culture and responsibility. The Khomeini family maintained a prominent status, reflecting both Khomeini's legacy and the socio-political environment of Iran long after his death. The influence of his family continues to resonate within the fabric of Iranian society today.

Net Worth and Earning: Salary during Leadership

During his leadership as the Supreme Leader of Iran from 1979 until his death in 1989, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's official salary as a religious leader was not explicitly documented in terms of a classic "salary" structure. Instead, Khomeini relied on the financial support from the religious institutions like the Islamic charities and foundations, which collected funds from the Iranian populace for various religious and community activities. These funds under Islamic law, called "khums," played a significant role in Khomeini's overall income.

In addition to these religious collections, Khomeini also received funds from state-controlled entities following the Iranian Revolution. By establishing a theocratic regime, he could influence the allocation of government resources towards his vision of an Islamic state. This control over financial resources allowed him to ensure that his regime was well-funded, thus consolidating his power while promoting the Islamic ideals he championed. While exact figures on his net worth remain uncertain, one can infer that Khomeini wielded substantial economic control during his reign, shaping both religious and political landscapes in Iran.

FAQs

Who was Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini?

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was the supreme religious leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, who rose to power after leading the Iranian Revolution against Shah Pahlavi in 1979. He advocated for an Islamic state and established theocratic rule based on his interpretation of Islamic principles.

What were Khomeini's early influences?

Khomeini was born into a family of Shiite scholars and was deeply influenced by his early education in religious studies. He began his formal studies in Arak and later in Qom, where he became an esteemed religious teacher, which shaped his future leadership and political ideology.

What significant actions did Khomeini take during the Shah's rule?

Khomeini actively opposed the Shah's secular policies and Western influences on Iran, beginning in earnest in the early 1960s. After being imprisoned for his protests, he continued to inspire widespread dissent from exile, ultimately leading to the revolution that ousted the Shah.

How did Khomeini's leadership shape Iran after the revolution?

Once in power, Khomeini established a theocratic government and implemented policies that favored Islamic law. He sought to consolidate power by suppressing dissent, and his administration was marked by widespread purges of opposing groups, establishing a regime that would last for decades.

What role did Khomeini play in the Iranian Hostage Crisis?

Khomeini played a pivotal role during the Iranian Hostage Crisis when Iranian students seized the U.S. Embassy in 1979. This act was a symbol of defiance against Western influence and solidified Khomeini's position as a leader committed to resisting foreign intervention in Iran.

What was the significance of Khomeini's fatwa against Salman Rushdie?

The fatwa issued by Khomeini in 1989 calling for the death of Salman Rushdie over his novel "The Satanic Verses" highlighted Khomeini's extreme stance on blasphemy and the intersection of religious authority and literature, causing international outrage and controversy.

How did Khomeini's rule end?

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's rule ended with his death on June 3, 1989, at the age of 86. His legacy continues to shape Iran's political landscape, governance, and its relationship with the international community.