Formulated by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Velayat-e Faqih (Governance of the Jurist) is an innovation in Shia political thought, granting supreme authority to a religious jurist.
The doctrine is a compilation of 13 speeches delivered by Imam Khomeini during his exile in Najaf, Iraq from January 21 to February 8, 1970. The book was banned in Iran by the Shah’s regime, and people found in possession of copies of the book were thrown into prison. Despite all the restrictions, Imam Khomeini’s treatise on governance gained a widespread audience among revolutionary forces across Iran, and thus began the unstoppable march of the masses toward an Islamic form of government in the country.
Key Takeaways You Should Know
Need for an Islamic Form of Government
Religion cannot be separated from politics; it is only imperialist propaganda that says religious leaders must not be concerned about social matters.
Imperialistic and hegemonic powers covet Iran’s vast oil and mineral reserves, and seek to subdue Iran and turn its citizens into pliant workers.
Duty of Muslims
Ayatollah Khomeini exhorted unity among all Muslims in the world. Saving the oppressed is a religious duty of all Muslims. Muslim nations must unite and forge into a common front against the imperialist enemies. It is the duty of Islamic scholars and Muslims to join hands in overthrowing of corrupt, oppressive and criminal regimes.
It is the duty of every pious Muslim to save Islam from the imperialists. He called upon all Muslims to have confidence in themselves and struggle to establish an Islamic form of government. Muslims can live in peace and security only in a form of government based on Islamic law.
What is an Islamic Form of Government?
Islamic form of government is the rule of divine law over individuals, in that the rulers govern as per the conditions set forth in the Holy Qur’an. An Islamic form of government headed by a righteous, knowledgeable and trustworthy leader is necessary in order to preserve the Islamic order and make individuals follow the just path of Islam.
All government programs are formulated based on the framework of Islamic precepts. All must give one-fifth of their surplus income to the treasury, so it can be used for the proper functioning of the Islamic form of government.
A Few Basic Principles of Islam
Islam provides clear instructions on all aspects concerning human life, so citizens are shaped into morally upright individuals. Islam is against monarchy and hereditary succession. Conviction and morality are necessary for living a contented life. Religious scholars must be morally upright and must oppose tyrannical rulers who plunder people’s wealth.
Islam mandates that poverty must be eliminated and the oppressed must be given justice.
Everyone is subject to the decree of God Almighty. Justice must be swift and practical, and must not be hindered by bureaucratic delays. All people live in complete security under the provisions of Sharia.
In the treatise, Imam Khomeini quotes the statement of the Commander of the Faithful Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (PBUH) to his sons Imam al-Hasan and Imam al-Husayn from Nahj al-Balaghah – “Be an enemy to the oppressor and a helper to the oppressed”.
And that, verily, is the unshakeable foundation on which Iran’s Islamic form of government is built, which gives it the strength to endure assaults by hegemonic powers and emerge victorious in the battlefield.
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