#IR47: Long walk to freedom - Imam Khomeini and the Iranian nation’s epoch-making moment

By Syed Zafar Mehdi

What made Ayatollah Ruhullah Mosavi Khomeini, popularly known as ‘Imam Khomeini,’ such an enigmatic personality? What compelled millions to take to the streets in response to his calls from exile, upon his return on February 1, 1979, or when he passed away on June 3, 1989?

More than three decades since his passing and 47 years since the Islamic Revolution, the illustrious life and legacy of Imam Khomeini continue to serve as a source of inspiration for advocates of truth, justice, and freedom around the globe, including in Western countries.

Unlike many of his contemporaries who intentionally kept religion separate from politics, Imam Khomeini viewed both as inherently connected, to the extent that he developed the revolutionary concept of Vilayah-e-Faqih (guardianship of the Islamic jurist).

He implemented this principle, which is elaborated in great detail in his work Hukumat-e-Islami, through decisive action, after establishing a sovereign republic in place of a puppet monarchy.

The Imam was in a league of his own. Spiritually elevated and politically astute, his statesmanship was unmatched. From a modest residence in a northern Tehran village nestled in the mountains, he profoundly shook the world.

The Pahlavi regime ruler possessed nearly every material advantage, except for the crucial support and goodwill of the people. Here lay the Imam’s distinct advantage. He used the mass support to shake the foundation of the regime’s regime and eventually topple it.

While the Shah relied heavily on Western patronage, the Imam drew strength solely from his people. A leader of the masses, he boldly led from the front. This was precisely what unnerved the monarch, who derived his authority from foreign powers.

Imam Khomeini’s socio-political philosophy centered on the welfare of ordinary Iranians, particularly the underprivileged, and a resolute opposition to Western domination and hegemonic policies. He opposed the Pahlavi regime for being anti-Iranian and pro-Western, highlighting the stark disparity between the monarch’s wealth and the people’s suffering.

The founder of the Islamic Republic sought to reintegrate the populace into governance, restoring power and privileges to them, and transforming Iranian society from subjugation under Western influence to an independent, sovereign, and dignified nation.

During the 1960s, when opposition to the West-supported despot gained momentum, Imam Khomeini emerged at the forefront. As the Shah embarked on aggressive Westernization, Imam became a formidable obstacle. The playboy monarch was clearly outmaneuvered.

Imam’s powerful and thoughtful speeches at the Fayziyeh School in Qom instilled hope and direction among those resisting the imposed regime. He presented a worldview that resonated with followers, enabling him to unite diverse political and religious currents across the country.

In a landmark address in 1963, he urged citizens to “stand firm against the illegal measures of the regime,” adding that “no force, however great, can silence us.”

These words inspired courage and confidence, particularly among the youth.

When Imam was arrested, vast crowds filled the streets, chanting “Either death or Khomeini,” using their own blood to write “Death to the Shah.” This extraordinary popularity of the Imam, coupled with widespread hostility toward the monarch, caused alarm in the royal palace.

Imam was eventually forced into exile. He spent over 14 years away from Iran, moving from Turkey to Iraq to France, yet he remained undistracted from his mission. His protest calls from abroad mobilized streets across the nation.

The Shah relied extensively on SAVAK, his secret police, to crush popular opposition. Key aides of the Imam were imprisoned in Tehran, even as he lived in exile, yet the resistance persisted until the regime’s edifice collapsed completely.

Two weeks prior to Imam’s triumphant return, the West-backed despot Reza Shah Pahlavi fled the country, leaving his appointee Shahpour Bakhtiar to head a caretaker government. The popular uprising had forced Pahlavi’s departure.

Aboard a chartered Air France Boeing 747, Peter Jennings, a Canadian-American journalist and anchor of ABC World News, asked him: “What do you feel?” Imam answered simply: “Nothing!” When asked again, the response remained unchanged.

That brief and succinct reply reflected extraordinary inner strength of the founder of the Islamic Revolution. His detachment from emotion at that critical moment indicated that he sought closeness to Allah rather than worldly grandeur, power, or authority.

On February 1, 1979, Imam arrived at Mehrabad Airport in Tehran, ending his long exile. The airport reverberated with cries of “Allah is great” and “Khomeini is our leader.”

“We are succeeding, but this is only the first stage,” he told jubilant supporters at the airport. “The movement will only triumph when the roots of colonialism are completely removed,” he added, referring to the US-backed Pahlavi regime.

He attributed the revolution’s success to unity among all Iranians, regardless of religious or ideological or regional background. Among those welcoming him were representatives of the Armenian and Assyrian churches as well.

During the flight from Paris to Tehran, Imam had informed journalists that he would announce a provisional government and suspend nationwide protests if Bakhtiar agreed to resign.

The morning of his arrival, millions poured into the streets to welcome him, vocally supporting the Islamic Revolution and denouncing the Pahlavi monarchy.

Upon landing in Tehran, Imam drove directly to Behesht-e-Zahra Cemetery to honor revolution martyrs. Jubilant supporters lined the one-mile route from the airport to the cemetery.

In his first address, he offered condolences to the families of martyrs and vowed to uphold the principles of resistance and resilience against evil forces. He denounced Bakhtiar’s interim government and demanded his immediate abdication.

He soon announced the formation of a new government with Mahdi Bazargan as prime minister, forcing Bakhtiar into flight. Ten days later, on February 11, the Pahlavi regime collapsed.

Thus, the West-backed monarchy fell, marking the Islamic Revolution’s resounding success, followed by the US embassy takeover by revolutionary students in Tehran.

With Pahlavi’s ignominious downfall, the US lost a vital regional ally and influence over Iran, a grievance that endures. Yet, Iranians remained resolute then, and continue to do so today.

Imam Khomeini’s illuminating legacy continues to guide the Iranian nation, with his worthy successor, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, following in his footsteps, refusing to yield to so-called global superpowers despite various kinds of pressures and threats.

Imam’s socio-political ideology was firmly grounded in Islam. In *Kashaf-ul-Asrar*, he wrote that religion is “the only thing that dissuades mankind from treachery and crime.”

“Unfortunately, those who hold power in Iran possess either false faith or none at all,” he observed, referring to the Shah’s regime. “Demagogues who claim to serve the nation often prioritize self-interest.”

Imam inspired legions of followers. Martyr Murtaza Mutahhiri described him as “the greatest and dearest of all heroes and pride of the Iranian nation.”

Even Western intellectuals acknowledged his impact. Richard Falk wrote in 1979 that the core of Imam Khomeini’s movement promoted “social justice, equitable wealth distribution, a productive economy aligned with national needs, simplicity of life, and minimal corruption, narrowing gaps between rich and poor, rulers and ruled.”

Ayatollah Khamenei, on the first anniversary of Imam’s passing in 1990, described him as an “ever-living truth.”

“His name embodies this revolution, his path is the revolution’s path, and his goals are its goals,” Ayatollah Khamenei said, vowing to protect and preserve his legacy.

Imam Khomeini-led Islamic Revolution paved the way for a new world order and marked the beginning of Western imperialism’s decline. His unwavering faith and lofty spiritual values enabled him to challenge powerful adversaries, earning admiration worldwide.

The revolution’s reverberations extended far beyond Iran, from South Asia to Latin America. Imam Khomeini became a symbol of freedom for oppressed peoples and a source of national pride for Iranians.

Unlike other modern revolutions, this was one man’s struggle against global superpowers who had installed a puppet regime in Tehran. His inspiring leadership united people and overthrew the unpopular Pahlavi dictatorship, defeating its foreign backers in the process.

After Imam’s passing, the leadership baton passed to his most trusted aide, who had served in key government positions, including president and defense minister, and was well-positioned to continue the sacred mission.

Ayatollah Khamenei has maintained the same trajectory as his mentor, upholding identical principles despite the evolving global environment.

Imam described the United States as the “Big Satan,” a stance continued by Ayatollah Khamenei over the past more than three decades.

Today, Iran’s resistance strategy inspires other nations to challenge American hegemony, breaking the chains of subjugation, a lasting legacy of the Islamic Revolution.

Like Imam Khomeini, Ayatollah Khamenei stresses support and solidarity with oppressed peoples worldwide, from Gaza to Yemen to Afghanistan.

Domestically, he has encouraged continued progress in science, technology, military capabilities, and nuclear development, helping Iran become self-reliant in critical sectors.

Forty seven years since the Islamic Revolution, the torch of faith and wisdom continues to illuminate worldwide, with Imam Khamenei’a mission and principles kept alive by his worthy successor.

Syed Zafar Mehdi is a Tehran-based journalist.

(The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Press TV)

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