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Khamenei’s predecessor Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini was highly influenced by his grandfather’s teaching. Thus, changing a liberal Iran to a theocratic state.
If you visit Iran, you’ll notice Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s image on banknotes and in school textbooks. (File Photo: AP)
Can Ayatollah Ali Khamenei be killed amid conflict with Israel? The Israeli officials have refused to rule out the possibility, days after Israel’s strike killed Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander.
Those interested in world affairs, since then, have been wondering who’d succeed Khamenei in case something untoward happens. While understanding the Iranian politics may require a deeper study, one thing the experts are sure of is that his son will not lead the country.
Why can’t Khamenei’s son lead the country? Even as a BBC Persian survey of 30 Iranian experts stated that there is an overwhelming belief that Khamenei’s second son, Mojtaba, will be his successor, the rules of the country may not let this happen.
The country reportedly believes hereditary governance to be “un-Islamic”. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the figurehead of the 1979 revolution that overthrew the Shah, consistently condemned hereditary rule, equating it to an illegitimate monarchy.
His stance was documented in the 21-volume compilation Sahifeyeh Imam Khomeini, which includes his speeches, messages, interviews, decrees, religious permissions, and letters.
Khamenei, who took over from Khomeini in 1989, has similarly described hereditary governance as being incompatible with Islamic principles.
ALSO READ: Is Israel Eyeing Regime Change In Iran? What Netanyahu Is Aiming For
Who Is Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, Who Discouraged Hereditary Governance?
If you visit Iran, you’ll notice Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s image on banknotes and in school textbooks, often depicted in black and white as a symbol of the 1979 Islamic Revolution that overthrew the shah and permanently transformed the country.
Khomeini’s memory, who passed away in 1989 at 86, is very prominent in Tehran today. His golden-domed mausoleum in southern Tehran is a notable landmark for those driving into the city from the airport that bears his name.
The 1983 analysis by America’s Central Intelligence Agency recognised that Iran’s revolution would have been impossible without his influence. In the lead-up to the shah’s departure, his tape-recorded sermons, which resonated with Iran’s struggling masses, advocated for the support of the poor, striking a populist chord.
His approach reflected his belief that “Islam is politics.”
The CIA noted his use of repetition, rhythm, vivid imagery, and sharp political humour to emphasise his points. He would vary his vocabulary—but never his delivery—to convey heightened emotion. His monotonous tone had a hypnotic effect, amplified by strategically placed supporters in the audience who led chants and slogans.
“He uses repetition, rhythm, exaggerated images and cutting political jokes to drive his message home and alters his vocabulary — but not his delivery — to show increased emotion,” the CIA wrote. “His monotone exerts a hypnotic effect that is heightened by supporters placed among the audience to lead chanted slogans.”
Iran Was Liberal When Khomeini Was Growing Up. Then What Changed?
During his childhood, Khomeini developed a deep connection to the Shia faith, influenced by the spirituality and traditions passed down from his grandfather, Syed Ahmad Musavi Hindi.
Khomeini, who preceded Ayatollah Khamenei, transformed Iran into a strict Shia state and a significant power in the Middle East. Iran serves as a counterbalance to the alliance between the US and Saudi Arabia, a Sunni nation.
How Iran Changed Due To Influence By A Man From UP’s Barabanki
Ruhollah Khomeini was highly influenced by the spiritual teachings of his grandfather, Ahmad Hindi, who was born near Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh.
Ahmad Hindi’s journey from Barabanki to Iran, and his teachings significantly influenced the course of Tehran’s history. Khomeini emerged as the first Supreme Leader of Iran, transforming it into a theocratic state.
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s Connection With India
Khomeini’s grandfather Syed Ahmad Musavi, a Shia cleric, was born in the small town of Kintoor near Barabanki in Uttar Pradesh. BBC journalist Baqer Moin noted that to signify his connection to India, Syed Ahmad used ‘Hindi’ as his surname.
Hindi moved from Barabanki to Iran in 1830. His father, Din Ali Shah, had previously migrated from central Iran to India in the 18th century. Ahmad Hindi was born around 1800 near Barabanki, roughly 30 kilometres east of Lucknow, during the period when British colonial power was rising after the Mughal defeat.
Ahmad Hindi was among the clerics inspired by the notion of an Islamic revival and believed that Muslims needed to reclaim their rightful place in society.
Ruhollah Khomeini’s Grandfather Married 3 Women In Iran
Ahmad Hindi embarked on a journey seeking a better life and the opportunity to further his faith. In the early 19th century, he travelled to Iran through Iraq, which was then known as Persia. In 1830, he left India to visit the Tomb of Ali in Najaf, Iraq.
After four years, the Shia cleric arrived in the Iranian city of Khomeyn. He purchased a house and started a family there, driven by his devotion to his faith and his commitment to fostering it.
In Khomeyn, he married three women and had five children. One of his sons, Mostafa, would later become the father of Ruhollah Khomeini, who was born in 1902, according to journalist Baqer’s book.
During this time, Iran was under the Qajar dynasty and experiencing considerable turmoil. The ruling class struggled to maintain their power amid growing public dissatisfaction and increasing foreign pressure.
Ahmad Hindi, who passed away in 1869, retained the title ‘Hindi’ throughout his life as a reminder of his roots in India. He is buried in Karbala.
Although Ahmad Hindi passed away before Khomeini was born, his teachings, which were handed down through his family, ultimately shaped his grandson and, in turn, altered the trajectory of Iran’s history.
Sumedha Kirti is a Chief Sub Editor with over eight years of experience — both at the desk and reporting. She is a graduate from Delhi University’s Miranda House. Kirti has previously worked with news agency PT…Read More
Sumedha Kirti is a Chief Sub Editor with over eight years of experience — both at the desk and reporting. She is a graduate from Delhi University’s Miranda House. Kirti has previously worked with news agency PT… Read More
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