Khomeini's Legacy: Shaping Modern Iran

Prof. Waino Jacobi PhD 19 Jun 2025

The name Ruhollah Khomeini resonates deeply within the annals of 20th-century history, inextricably linked with the profound transformation of Iran. His pivotal role in orchestrating the 1979 Islamic Revolution not only redefined the political landscape of a nation but also introduced a new paradigm of governance to the world. For ten years, from 1979 until his passing in 1989, Ayatollah Khomeini stood as the foundational Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, a period marked by radical change, consolidation of power, and significant international shifts.

His journey from a revered religious scholar to the architect of a theocratic state is a compelling narrative of resistance, conviction, and revolutionary fervor. This article delves into the life and impact of Ayatollah Khomeini, exploring how his vision and leadership fundamentally reshaped Iran, establishing the world's first Islamic Republic and leaving an indelible mark on its future trajectory.

Biografi Ayatollah Khomeini: A Life of Revolution
Early Life and Religious Awakening
The Path to Exile and Resistance
The Triumphant Return and the 1979 Revolution
Establishing the Islamic Republic of Iran
- The Concept of Vilayat-e Faqih
- Consolidation of Power
Khomeini's Leadership and the Iran-Iraq War
The Legacy of Khomeini in Iran
- A Lasting Impact on Iranian Politics and Religion
- The Mausoleum of Ruhollah Khomeini
Succession and the Future of the Islamic Republic
Conclusion: Khomeini's Enduring Influence

Biografi Ayatollah Khomeini: A Life of Revolution

Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini, an Iranian Islamic revolutionary, politician, and religious leader, was born in Khomeyn, Iran. His life was one of profound dedication to religious scholarship and, eventually, political activism that would forever alter the course of his nation. He rose through the ranks of the Shi'ite clergy to become an Ayatollah, a high-ranking title given to leading Shi'ite clerics. His deep understanding of Islamic jurisprudence and his unwavering commitment to his beliefs laid the groundwork for his eventual leadership of the Iranian Revolution.

Early Life and Religious Awakening

Born into a family with a strong lineage of religious scholars, Khomeini's early life was steeped in traditional Islamic education. He drew inspiration from the spiritual path of his grandfather, Ahmad Hindi, whose move from India to Iran would go on to leave a lasting impact on Iranian politics and religion. This familial background instilled in him a profound sense of religious duty and a critical perspective on secular governance. As he matured, his studies led him to become a prominent scholar in Qom, a major center for Shi'ite learning, where he taught Islamic law, ethics, and philosophy. It was during these years that his political consciousness began to sharpen, as he witnessed the growing influence of Western powers and the autocratic rule of the Pahlavi dynasty.

Data Pribadi Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini

Nama Lengkap	Grand Ayatollah Seyyed Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini
Nama Lain	Imam Khomeini, Seyyed Ruhollah Musavi Hendizadeh
Lahir	24 September 1902 (menurut kalender Gregorian) di Khomeyn, Iran
Meninggal	3 Juni 1989 (umur 86 tahun) di Tehran, Iran
Gelar Agama	Ayatollah, Grand Ayatollah, Imam
Jabatan Politik	Supreme Leader of Iran (1979-1989)
Pasangan	Khadijeh Saqafi
Anak	Termasuk Ahmad Khomeini (putra kedua)

The Path to Exile and Resistance

Khomeini's outspoken criticism of the Shah's Western-backed policies and his perceived abandonment of Islamic principles led to his increasing confrontation with the Pahlavi regime. He condemned Iran's close cooperation with Israel and its capitulations, or extension of diplomatic immunity, to American government personnel in Iran, viewing these as affronts to Iranian sovereignty and Islamic values. This defiance resulted in his arrest and subsequent exile in 1964. For 14 long years, Ayatollah Khomeini lived in exile, primarily in Iraq and later in France. However, his physical absence did not diminish his influence. From abroad, he continued to galvanize the opposition movement within Iran, utilizing audio cassettes and clandestine networks to disseminate his messages of resistance against Shah Pahlavi. His persistent calls for an Islamic government resonated deeply with a population increasingly disillusioned with the Shah's modernization efforts and repressive tactics. This period of exile was crucial in solidifying his image as a fearless leader and a beacon of hope for those seeking fundamental change.

The Triumphant Return and the 1979 Revolution

The culmination of years of resistance and popular unrest finally erupted in 1979. The widespread protests and strikes against Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the country's last Shah, reached a fever pitch. On February 1, 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini returned to Iran, marking a key moment in the revolution's success, paving the way for Iran to recast its regional role and alliances. His return was met with an ecstatic welcome by millions, a testament to his immense popularity and the people's desire for change. This momentous event signaled the definitive end of the Pahlavi dynasty and the dawn of a new era. The 1979 Iranian Revolution resulted in the toppling of the Pahlavi dynasty and the creation of the Islamic Republic, a radical departure from centuries of monarchical rule.

Establishing the Islamic Republic of Iran

Following the revolution, Imam Khomeini became Grand Leader of Iran — the paramount figure in the political landscape. He swiftly moved to establish a new political system based on Islamic principles, transforming Iran into a theocratic state. This marked the creation of the world's first Islamic Republic, a unique blend of democratic elements with theocratic oversight from Islamic clerics of the Twelver Shiʿi sect. Ayatollah Khomeini, in his 10 years of leadership, established a theocratic rule over Iran, fundamentally altering its societal, political, and legal structures.

The Concept of Vilayat-e Faqih

Central to Khomeini's vision for the Islamic Republic was the concept of *Vilayat-e Faqih*, or "Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist." This doctrine posits that during the absence of the hidden Imam, a qualified Islamic jurist (faqih) should assume leadership of the state, overseeing all functions of government either directly or indirectly. This post was instituted as Rahbar (“leader”) in 1979 with the creation of Iran’s Islamic Republic. This principle enshrined the ultimate authority of the Supreme Leader, a position held by Khomeini himself, ensuring that all laws and policies conformed to Islamic law. This radical departure from traditional political systems cemented the ideology of political Islam as the guiding force of the new state.

Consolidation of Power

The early years of the Islamic Republic under Khomeini were characterized by intense efforts to consolidate power and suppress internal dissent. Revolutionary courts were established, and various political factions, including secularists, communists, and even other religious groups, were systematically marginalized or eliminated. Olivia Norbury acknowledges Khomeini's role in unifying the Iranian people and cementing the ideology of political Islam. This period was crucial for establishing the new regime's authority and ensuring its survival against both internal and external threats. The new constitution, approved by referendum, further solidified the Supreme Leader's absolute power, making him the ultimate arbiter of all state affairs.

Khomeini's Leadership and the Iran-Iraq War

Shortly after the revolution, Iran faced a devastating external threat: the Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988). This conflict, initiated by Saddam Hussein's Iraq, became a defining period for the young Islamic Republic and for Khomeini's leadership. Khomeini, the man who led Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, vowed never to relent in Iran’s “sacred” war against Saddam Hussein’s Iraq. He galvanized the nation, portraying the war as a holy defense of the revolution and Islamic values. Despite immense human and economic costs, Khomeini's unwavering resolve and his ability to rally the populace played a critical role in preventing Iraq from achieving a decisive victory. The war, while tragic, also served to further unify the nation under the banner of the revolution and its leader, reinforcing the theocratic state's narrative of resilience and divine protection.

The Legacy of Khomeini in Iran

On the night of June 3, 1989, Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the spiritual and political leader of Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, died after a long illness. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to shape Iran profoundly. His vision of an Islamic Republic, a state governed by religious principles and clerical oversight, remains the bedrock of Iran's political system. He fundamentally altered Iran's identity, transforming it from a monarchy with Western leanings into a unique theocratic state that champions Islamic values and often challenges the global status quo.

A Lasting Impact on Iranian Politics and Religion

Khomeini's impact extends beyond mere political structures. He re-energized Shi'ite Islam as a political force, not just within Iran but across the wider Middle East. His emphasis on independence from foreign powers and self-reliance continues to influence Iranian foreign policy. Domestically, his rule led to significant changes in law, education, and social norms, all brought into alignment with Islamic interpretations. The role of the Supreme Leader, a position he instituted, remains the most powerful office in Iran, overseeing virtually all functions of government either directly or indirectly. The principles of the Islamic Revolution, as articulated by Khomeini, continue to be taught and upheld, influencing generations of Iranians.

The Mausoleum of Ruhollah Khomeini

As a testament to his enduring significance, the Mausoleum of Ruhollah Khomeini (Persian: آرامگاه سید روح‌الله خمینی; Arabic: ضريح روح الله الخميني), also known as the Holy Shrine, or the Haram Motahhar, stands as a major pilgrimage site. This Shi'ite Islamic mausoleum houses the tombs of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, his wife Khadijeh Saqafi, and his second son Ahmad Khomeini, along with some other political figures. It serves as a powerful symbol of the revolution's continuity and Khomeini's revered status as the founder of the Islamic Republic.

Succession and the Future of the Islamic Republic

Upon Khomeini's death in 1989, Ali Khamenei, then 86, was chosen to succeed him as the Supreme Leader. Khamenei has led Iran since, maintaining the core principles established by his predecessor. Four decades ago, Khamenei was a loyal follower of Ayatollah Khomeini, the previous Supreme Leader, who vowed never to relent in Iran’s “sacred” war against Saddam Hussein’s Iraq. This continuity in leadership underscores the lasting institutional framework put in place by Khomeini. The transition of power, while not without its challenges, demonstrated the resilience of the system he designed. The future of Iran continues to be shaped by the foundational tenets laid down by Khomeini, even as the country navigates complex domestic and international challenges.

Conclusion: Khomeini's Enduring Influence

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was a figure of immense historical consequence, a revolutionary who not only led a nation but fundamentally reimagined its very identity. His ten years at the helm of the Islamic Republic of Iran were transformative, establishing a unique political and social order that continues to define the country today. From his early days of resistance against the Shah to his triumphant return and the establishment of a theocratic state, Khomeini's unwavering vision and leadership left an indelible mark. His legacy, enshrined in the constitution, institutions, and cultural fabric of Iran, continues to be debated, revered, and analyzed globally. Understanding Khomeini's role is essential for comprehending modern Iran and its complex position in the world.

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