Ruhollah Khomeini: The Life, Thought, and Legacy of Iran’s Revolutionary Leader
Introduction
Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini (born 17 May 1900 or 24 September 1902 – died 3 June 1989) was an Iranian religious scholar, revolutionary leader, and the founding father of the Islamic Republic of Iran. As the architect of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, he played a pivotal role in reshaping Iran’s political and religious structure. His rise to power marked a profound transformation in the Middle East, giving birth to a new kind of political governance in the Muslim world: a theocratic republic. Khomeini served as Iran’s first Supreme Leader from 1979 until his death in 1989, wielding unparalleled influence over its domestic and foreign policy. Revered by some as a symbol of anti-imperialism and Islamic revival, and reviled by others for authoritarianism and repression, Khomeini remains one of the most polarizing figures in modern history.
Early Life and Education
Ruhollah Khomeini was born in the small town of Khomeyn, in what is now Markazi province of Iran. His exact date of birth is disputed, with most sources citing either 17 May 1900 or 24 September 1902. His father, Seyyed Mostafa Musavi, was a cleric and landowner, and his death—he was allegedly murdered by local authorities when Khomeini was still a toddler—had a lasting impact on young Ruhollah. Raised by his mother and extended family, Khomeini began religious studies at an early age, first learning the Quran and Arabic grammar under the tutelage of his relatives.