Imam Khomeini A Role Model for Muslim Politicians: Sri Lankan Scholar
Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran passed away on June 3, 1989, at the age of 89. He was a political and religious leader who served as the first supreme leader of Iran from 1979 until his death in 1989. Many observers consider his leadership as a role model for Islamic politicians and leaders.
Ahead of 33th anniversary of the sad demise of the Imam Khomeini, Thaha Muzammil, a visiting lecturer at Sri Lanka College of Journalism, has sent IQNA an exclusive essay entitled "Imam Khomeini's Exemplary Lifestyle as A Ruler".
Following is the full text of his essay:
The most talked of person during 1979 - 1989 period was Late Ayatullah Rouhullah Khomeini of Iran, because he led a successful revolution against the powerful Shah (Mohammad Reza) Pahlavi who was called the policeman of the Persian Gulf.
This revolution, because of its nature, was identified as ‘The revolution to revolutionize revolution’ because it was based on unarmed people's struggle and totally free from foreign dependence.
Imam Khomeini was entrusted with almost total authority of the country's affairs but he opted for and established the republican system of government based on Islamic teachings by the will of the people.
There were so many plots hatched to bring down this revolutionary government from the day one, several of his colleagues lost their lives in bomb blasts carried out by the MKO. (Mojahideen Khalk Org) terrorists but the Imam stood firm against all these odds and succeeded in establishing the desired form of government.
Although Imam Khomeini was the Supreme Leader, he never interfered in the administration of government, except giving guidance when required. He allowed the elected representatives of the people to run the system.
Personal life of Imam
The personal life and conduct of this powerful ruler of a vast and affluent country was like that of a poor man. He ate only the food of the common man and his costume selection was minimal. He avoided all luxuries. He advised his contemporaries, colleagues and politicians to live a simple life and be example to people in accordance with the teachings of Islam.
There were a number of castles built by the Pahlavi. Imam could have lived a pompous life in one of them, but he did not like it. His house was modest and simple. His way of life was like that of a poor, humble man. That was the time when he was engaged in carrying the massive responsibility of a great nation and meeting world leaders.
His social conduct, administration of justice and liking and hatred were all seeking divine satisfaction. Any mind would really wonder why he should live such a life when he was at the helm of such magnificence and power.
The devotion of the late Imam, his personal conduct and the life he lived when he was powerful, and the worship he performed were unique. This illustrates his spiritual maturity. The spiritual states of the Imam, his monotheistic understanding, his act of worship, his intimacy with God and his purity were, in fact, the peak unattainable by ordinary persons. All the great scholars - including Shia and Sunni scholars and non-Muslim scholars - have said that it is difficult for them to understand this part of the personality of the late Imam. Although this part of the life of the late Imam and his exalted, enlightened activities caught everyone's eye, they could not easily comprehend the various dimensions of his life.
Administration of justice
It is clear from all events that he has always been committed to upholding justice, and in the face of the difficult trials of his life - the imposed war and economic sanctions on the nation - he faced all these with patience and courage.
The late Imam focused more on certain things in his eventful life. He always considered justice and unity to be the highest, and these were the most important of the things he focused on because he was convinced that many ills that the Muslim world faces today are due to (lack of) these. The Muslim world has great lessons to learn from this great leader.
An example for rulers of Muslim countries today
The present period is full of lessons for Islamic nations around the world. If the leaders of the Islamic world follow these lessons of the Imam, they will certainly move towards the path of prosperity, self-respect, and security. Imam Khomeini was firm on non-reliance on the East or the West. We must learn lessons from the life of the Imam if we are to regain the dignity that we have lost.
Unity of the Islamic Ummah
He always insisted on justice and himself followed it decisively. He gave up his own rights for the sake of God, the religion of Islam and the unity of Muslims. He did not want to engage in any conflict. He always valued the Islamic Ummah and Islamic unity. Opponents of Islam are trying to provoke dissent among various Muslim groups, they spend millions of dollars for this. These are facts that the Muslim world should be aware of.
Imam Khomeini declared the days between 12th and 17th of Rabiʽ al-Awwal the third month in the Islamic calendar as Islamic unity week. During these days scholars from all over the world and from all schools of thought in Islam are invited to not only share their ideas but also to ponder over current situation of the Islamic world and seek solution.
The Islamic community has been subjected to injustice for the last several centuries. It is true that this is caused by disunity, conflict and disputes among Muslims. The Islamic world is still plagued by these, it is a bitter truth. The more you refer to the history of Islam - especially the history of Islam in recent centuries, the clearer you can realize these facts. The late Imam always emphasized unity in the Islamic world as a focal point. The need of the hour in the Islamic world today is nothing but unity.
