Ruhollah Homeini The leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran since 1979, Ayatollah (the highest spiritual rank of Shiites). In 1979 he led the revolution that led to the overthrow of the Shah's regime and the establishment of an Islamic republic. Date of Birth: 17.05.1902 Country: Iran

1. Ruhollah Khomeini: Biography of an Iranian Political Leader
2. Early Life and Education
3. Political Activism
4. Khomeini's Reaction and Exile
5. Return to Iran and Leadership
6. Khomeini passed away on June 3, 1989, and was buried in Tehran.

Ruhollah Khomeini: Biography of an Iranian Political Leader

Ruhollah Khomeini, also known by his full name Ruhollah Al-Musavi Al-Khomeini, was an Iranian political leader, a great Ayatollah, and the leader of the Islamic Revolution in Iran in 1979.

Early Life and Education

Khomeini was born on September 24, 1902, in the town of Khomein, located in the central part of the Iranian plateau, about 300 kilometers south of Tehran. His name itself carries significant meaning for an Iranian Shia Muslim. "Ruhollah" means "Divine Spirit," while "Musavi" signifies his lineage tracing back to the seventh holy and infallible Imam, Musa al-Kazim, and ultimately to the Prophet Muhammad.

At the age of five, Khomeini's father was killed, leaving him under the care of his mother and his paternal aunt. However, tragedy struck again when his mother passed away when he was fifteen years old.

Khomeini received his basic education in local schools and then went on to study Arabic grammar and logic under his older brother, Ayatollah Pasandideh. In 1920, he moved to the city of Arak to attend a religious school led by Ayatollah Sayyid Abdul-Karim Haeri. By 1926, he had completed all levels of education and earned the title of Mujtahid, allowing him to teach in the city of Qom.

Political Activism

Khomeini's extensive political activity began in 1962 when the Shah of Iran, Amir Asadollah Alam, approved a government bill on regional and local societies. This law, which had secularist characteristics, sparked a widespread struggle led by Khomeini and other knowledgeable religious figures. They opposed the requirement for elected deputies to take an oath on the Holy Scripture rather than the Quran.

In 1963, the Shah called for a referendum on the reforms of the so-called "White Revolution." Khomeini boycotted the referendum, considering it against Islamic norms and the country's constitution. His rejection of the referendum led to massive demonstrations, which were violently suppressed by the police. However, the Shah proceeded with the referendum on January 25, 1963.

The Shah's regime intensified its pressure on the clergy following the referendum. Khomeini was secretly arrested by the SAVAK (the country's intelligence and security organization) and detained for two months. After his release, he was put under police surveillance. In September 1964, the Iranian government, influenced by increased American presence and expanding activities of U.S. military advisors, passed a law granting extraterritorial rights to American citizens.

Khomeini's Reaction and Exile

On October 25, 1964, the day of the Shah's birthday, Khomeini publicly condemned these actions by the government. As a result, he was arrested once again and sent to Tehran. Subsequently, he was expelled to Turkey, marking the beginning of a fifteen-year exile from his homeland. His son, Seyed Mostafa Khomeini, was also arrested and sent to Turkey shortly after a brief period of imprisonment.

In 1965, Khomeini and his son traveled from Turkey to Iraq, where he continued his struggle against the Shah's regime. Notably, he refused to engage in any dealings with the regime, despite receiving offers from the Shah's government. The archives of SAVAK indicate multiple attempts to establish collaboration, all of which were rejected by Khomeini.

On October 22, 1977, Khomeini's son, Mostafa Khomeini, died under mysterious circumstances, causing a significant outcry in the country. To undermine Khomeini's growing influence, on January 6, 1978, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the Shah of Iran, ordered the publication of an article filled with insults and false accusations against Khomeini in the newspaper "Ettelaat." The people could not tolerate such disrespect towards their spiritual leader, and widespread protests erupted.

In search of a safe haven, Khomeini initially sought refuge in Kuwait, but the government refused to accept him. Following the advice of his comrades, he settled in the Parisian suburb of Neauphle-le-Chateau in France. The revolutionary breakthrough in Iran became evident, leading the Shah to leave the country under the pretext of vacation.

Return to Iran and Leadership

This circumstance provided an opportunity for Khomeini's return to Iran. On January 31, 1979, after years of exile, Khomeini returned to his homeland with a group of supporters. His arrival had a tremendous impact on the country, leading to the collapse of the Shah's regime within ten days. On February 11, 1979, all pillars of the monarchy fell, and the revolutionary forces took control of all governmental institutions.

Following the victory of the Islamic Revolution, a nationwide referendum was held to establish the Islamic Republic of Iran (the Islamic Republic of Iran). Various commissions and committees were formed to address critical governance issues. By Khomeini's decree, the "Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps" was established.

Khomeini became the first Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI). His residence was situated in the Shiite holy city of Qom. However, in 1980, after suffering a heart attack, he moved to a suburb of Tehran.

Khomeini passed away on June 3, 1989, and was buried in Tehran.