Ketab Ruhollah: A Glimpse into Khomeini’s Thoughts

Ketab Ruhollah (کتاب روح‌الله), often translated as “The Book of Ruhollah,” is a collection of the writings, speeches, interviews, and edicts of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran. While not a single, cohesive book authored solely at one time, it represents a compilation of his significant pronouncements made over several decades, offering a crucial window into his ideology, political philosophy, and vision for an Islamic state.

Understanding Ketab Ruhollah is essential for comprehending the Iranian Revolution and its subsequent impact on the Middle East and the world. The collection covers a broad range of topics, from theological interpretations of Islam to practical guidelines for governance and social conduct. Khomeini’s views on subjects like the role of the clergy, the necessity of Islamic governance (Velayat-e Faqih), the relationship between religion and politics, and the rejection of Western influence are all prominently featured.

One of the most influential aspects of Khomeini’s thought, as expressed in Ketab Ruhollah, is the concept of Velayat-e Faqih, or Guardianship of the Jurist. This doctrine posits that during the absence of the Imam Mahdi (the Twelver Shia Messiah), qualified Islamic jurists (Faqihs) should exercise authority over the Muslim community. Khomeini argued that this was not merely a theoretical concept but a practical necessity for safeguarding Islam and ensuring justice. This principle became the foundation of the Iranian political system.

The collection also reveals Khomeini’s uncompromising stance against Western imperialism and secular ideologies. He saw the West as a corrupting influence that threatened the moral and spiritual well-being of Muslim societies. This anti-Western sentiment, rooted in his interpretation of Islam, fueled his revolutionary fervor and his commitment to establishing an independent and self-reliant Islamic state.

Ketab Ruhollah is not without its controversial aspects. Critics point to pronouncements that are seen as authoritarian, intolerant of dissent, and advocating for violence in certain circumstances. His views on the role of women, the treatment of religious minorities, and the suppression of political opposition have been particularly scrutinized and debated.

Despite the controversies, Ketab Ruhollah remains a significant historical and intellectual document. It provides invaluable insights into the mind of a pivotal figure of the 20th century and helps to explain the motivations and goals of the Iranian Revolution. Studying this collection allows for a deeper understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of Iranian politics and its enduring influence on the region.

Ultimately, Ketab Ruhollah serves as a testament to the power of ideas to shape history. Whether viewed as a source of inspiration or a cause for concern, it cannot be ignored by anyone seeking to understand the modern Middle East.