Imam Khomeini's, a Figure Remembered Forever

Zahra Motaqi

Imam Khomeini (RA), Iran`s spiritual leader passed away at the age of 86, just 12 days after he underwent surgery for bleeding in his digestive system (at 22:22 Saturday night on June 3rd, 1989). After the news was broadcasted by the Iranian media, millions poured into streets from all parts of the country to participate in the biggest farewell of the history, the sense of loss was unbearable. Similar ceremonies were held in many Islamic countries and communities around the world, as well. Imam Khomeini is still a very popular figure to Iranians. Each year on the anniversary of his decease, hundreds of thousands of people attend a ceremony at his shrine at the Behesht-e-Zahra cemetery. After setting up the Islamic Republic of Iran, Imam was no longer just a leader, but a caring, sincere, father. He even cared for those who had done wrong and lost their way. He was loved, even by the poor, the deprived and freedom fighters of other nations.

Of all the important revolutionary leaders of the 20th century, few produced the dramatic upheaval in international relations caused by Imam Khomeini. Little known outside Iran but already far advanced into old age, Imam Khomeini burst on the world stage in 1978 and in three short years overthrew the Shah of Iran, transformed the country into an Islamic Republic, questioned the United States, helped drive its president from office and opened a tide of religious and political concerns in the Islamic world.The success of his revolution deprived the United States of an important ally in one of the most sensitive areas of the world, the oil-rich Persian Gulf. By this he brought about lots of damage on the United States of America.

Imam Khomeini exerted a powerful attraction over the Iranian nation and many of his fellow Muslims, elsewhere. He was seen by his supporters as the man who removed from Iran the yoke of foreign tutelage and gave voice to a religious revival that promised a restoration of Islam had enjoyed in early centuries. Many believe that his early successes were due above all to his explicit determination and refusal to compromise with his enemies.

Prior to the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Imam Khomeini led the Iranian Revolution while in exile; however he came to Iran to fortify the movement against tyranny.

At early period of Revolution, when Imam Khomeini was entering Iran, the streets of Tehran were packed with millions of people, waiting enthusiastically to greet Imam.

The plane carrying Imam landed safely at the Mehrabad Airport in Tehran. The Imam set foot on the Islamic homeland for the first time in more than 15 years. His first move upon arrival was to go to Behesht-e Zahra Cemetery to pay tribute to the martyrs of the Islamic Revolution.

Confident of victory, people rejected shah's rules everywhere. Love, courage, and martyrdom in the struggle led every step of the Revolution. Thus the Islamic Revolution triumphed and true Islam spread its wings over Iran.

Everyday thousands of people rushed to see Imam. An interim government was formed. The new state was gradually taking shape. Imam insisted that the main institutions be set up. The people voted for the Islamic Republic and approved its constitution.

He led his revolution to triumph not with guns but with prayer books and recording tapes. His speeches were taped and smuggled into Iran, inspired his followers to bear pressure on the late Shah of Iran and to hurl themselves unarmed against the Shah`s powerful armed forces. May Allah bless his soul.