Greatness of the Islamic Revolution of Iran

Hussein Mansouri

Translated by: Fatemeh Khazaii

Any questions regarding the source of the greatness, strength and magnificence of the Islamic Revolution of Iran is indeed thought-provoking. This magnificence and greatness have been admitted on an all-embracing world scale. As per evidences, many world thinkers, intellectuals, sociologists and politicians have, in one way or another expressed their amazement at the achievements of the Islamic Revolution of Iran and their admiration for Imam Khomeini (ra). As an example, we can here cite parts of the remarks of the famous Western orientalist and Iranologist- professor Carsten Colpe : “The Islamic Revolution and it’s leader -  Imam Khomeini guided the world Muslims, including those living outside the Islamic world and placed them on the path to regaining their Islamic identity. This Islamic Revolution is no doubt the starting engine for the movement for the revival of Islamic life the influence of which has gone beyond national borders. After the victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran in 1979, the political developments caused various groups of people, both men and women, students, religious figures and even police officers and civil servants from both Muslim and non-Muslim faiths, including the Catholics and Protestants to repeatedly demand to be given comprehensive and perfect information about Islam and the Islamic Revolution.”

Also Dr. Francisco Escudero, the head of the Federation of Spain's Islamic Societies has remarked about the Islamic Revolution thus: “Imam Khomeini revived Islam. The Islamic Revolution of Iran led by Imam Khomeini brought about great changes and developments in the Islamic world and Imam Khomeini presented a fresh portray of Islam. The Islamic Revolution of Iran taught the lesson of struggle against injustice and fighting against oppressive, inhuman and dictatorial governments.”

Though some might hold that the greatness of the Islamic Revolution can be attributed to its success in overthrowing a regime and establishing another regime, but it stands to reason to believe that a revolution with such greatness as to receive the admiration and homage of the world cannot be regarded as confined to just that one success, because regime changes have repeatedly occurred in the world and history is replete with accounts of government changes and replacements.

Even the fact that the Islamic Revolution of Iran uprooted the 2500 year, old monarchial rule in this country and replaced it with a republic system cannot be regarded as the main cause of this Revolution’s greatness, since in some other countries, such as Russia and France too, regime changing revolutions have taken place which revolutions have not gained such attention. So, we can conclude that the greatness and admirability of Iran’s Revolution should be attributed to other causes. To those whose attitudes and worldviews are materialistic and secular and who are deprived of the blessing of Divine outlooks, such questions are very confusing, yet those possessed of faith in Divine help and in the teachings of Allah's Messengers(AS), do believe that the source of the unique magnificence, greatness and all-embracing influence of the Islamic Revolution of Iran has been its Divinely inspired root,  and Qur’anic goals, namely the establishment of a just rule based upon pure, unadulterated Divine teachings which has been the  goal of all Divine Messengers (AS) throughout human history. So, the Islamic Revolution of Iran became an amazing, unique phenomenon because of its Divine  base, Divine origin, Divine goals and Divinely-guided leadership, following the commands and manners presented by Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) and his Infallible successors, in various areas, in particular concerning justice for all, benevolence towards all and unshaking, persistent resistance and fight against all oppressors.

As we know, unfortunately for many centuries Muslim nations have been mostly under the impious, incapable domination of unworthy rulers who did not care the least bit about justice and the fulfillment of Divine commands, the Iranian nation before the Islamic Revolution included. Yet, by Allah’s grace, a great man from the progeny of Allah’s last Messenger (PBUH) rose and urged the people to rise and relying on God, fight for their God-given rights.