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The Islamic Revolution in Iran and Its Trans-Regional Impacts
Introduction
The Islamic Revolution led by the late Imam Khomeini (may Allah bless his soul) caused great changes in the socio-cultural, economic, and political fields in Iran. It was also a ground for major developments and outstanding impacts in the world.
Though many revolutions have occurred throughout the world, the glorious Islamic Revolution in Iran is unmatched due to its religious nature, struggle against oppression and arrogant powers, and providing support for the underprivileged groups.
The Islamic Revolution of Iran is also considered unique in all aspects especially for revival of religious identity, putting forward the idea of an Islamic government, and defending the sacred cause of Palestine.
The Islamic Revolution has been supported, welcomed, and analyzed by many thinkers and revolutionists worldwide. It has also been glorified in form of poems and written eulogies and caused a new understanding of Islam in the contemporary world.
The present article tries to describe the deep cultural impacts of the Islamic revolution of Iran at different trans-regional levels and show the hearty love of millions of truth-seeking people throughout the globe towards the late Imam Khomeini and the Islamic Revolution.
The victory of Islamic Revolution in Iran on February 11th, 1979 is considered a great event in the second half of the 20th century at international and regional arenas, which attracted the attention of people all over the world. It not only caused great changes in the socio-cultural, economic, and political fields in Iran but also was a ground for major developments and outstanding impacts in the world.
History has witnessed revolutions in Russia (1917), France (1789), Algeria (1954) etc. but none is comparable to the Islamic Revolution of Iran due to its unique characteristics. Charismatic personality of Imam Khomeini, people’s obedience to him, deep belief in Islam as the exalted religion, and unity of all social classes were specific features that overthrew one of the most powerful pro-America puppet regimes in the region.
From the very beginning, there were many people from east to west who were profoundly impressed by the Islamic Revolution. The Islamic Revolution proved that it was not confined to the Iranian territory but its impacts had gone far beyond the borders.
Nizar Qabbani, the great Arab poet (1923-1998), has composed:
The almond trees in Shiraz blossomed;
And the oppressed people broke their fasting;
Iranians overthrew the King;
They shook the pillars of idols after a long rage;
Khomeini has the divine power in his hand like a sharp sword;
He has the wordings of Islam & the Holy Prophet (s.a.) on his tongue …..
Many people, including non-Muslims, who had not a deep understanding of Islam, expressed their solidarity and support for the Islamic Revolution in Iran and were encouraged to learn more about Islam.
People in Africa, South & North America, Southeast Asia, Pacific Area, Middle East, Arab countries, occupied Palestine, and Lebanon were positively impressed by the Islamic Revolution’s power and its propounded values.
Expressing deep love and interest in Imam Khomeini and his revolution by millions of people was an unprecedented phenomenon which was not seen in any other revolution, and attested to the deep influence of Islamic Revolution’s doctrine on the souls of people all over the world.
Strong morale of Islamic Resistance in Lebanon, Hezbollah, and the Palestinian youth who are firmly standing against Israeli occupation forces are outstanding examples of the impact of Imam Khomeini’s thoughts on awakening Muslims and freethinkers throughout the globe.
The spiritual influence and great impact of the Islamic Revolution is not hidden to anyone. Here we point out some cultural impacts of the Islamic Revolution of Iran in international arenas:
1) Revival of Religious Identity
At a hard time, when basics of the religion were being gradually consigned to oblivion by the attempts of tyrannical governments and secular leaders; when materialistic and atheistic schools introduced religion as the opium of the people; when religiousness and religious identity were being weakened day by day and many people were ashamed of being known as religious individuals and concealed their faith; and when piousness was being ridiculed, Imam Khomeini’s revolution caused a major development at global level. Through his faith in Allah and relying on Allah’s power, Imam Khomeini succeeded to convert the secular identity to the Islamic one.
Muhammad Al-Asi, Friday Prayer’s Leader at Washington Mosque, believes that the Islamic Revolution not only produced numerous changes inside Iran but also revived the religious thought at an international level so that today we have both Muslim & Christian fundamentalists.
With the blessing of the Islamic Revolution, Muslim people in Iran and other countries found out that the only solution to all problems at Muslim world is to return to Islam and the Holy Quran’s teachings.
Sheikh Abdul-Aziz Awda, the spiritual leader of Islamic Jihad Movement of Palestine, believes that the most important cultural effect of the Islamic Revolution was the Islamic Awakening in many countries. He has the opinion that the Islamic Revolution led by Imam Khomeini made the religious faith penetrate into the hearts of younger generation; and thus made them acquainted with the vitalizing teachings of Islam. Awda says: “The Islamic Revolution revived the lost hope within the hearts of Muslims. Today, Muslims are not like orphans anymore. A huge power has now emerged to support them. The Islamic Revolution proved that Muslim nations can achieve victory, regain their glory and grandeur, and defeat their enemies”.
In fact, by harming the economic and socio-cultural pillars of the West, the Islamic Revolution succeeded to shatter the global hegemony and grandeur of Western Imperialism which was the main cause for demolishing the exalted values of the oppressed people.
The Islamic Revolution proved that people can emancipate themselves from the hegemony of the East and the West and live independently. Imam Khomeini could restore all that was consigned into oblivion among the Islamic Ummah; and brought back Islam to the context of people’s life.
Colonialists, hegemonic states, and all other internal and external enemies spared no effort to make conspiracies against the Islamic Revolution since its victory in 1979. They tried different plots to isolate Iran and imposed military and media wars against Iran but with Allah’s will, the Islamic Revolution still enjoys popular supports and continues its way.
Failure of enemies, despite all their sabotage, plots, and opposition, is the best proof to show the spiritual influence of the Islamic Revolution and its positive consequences in the world.
2- Putting forward the Idea of Establishing an Islamic Government
Many Islamologists, Muslim scholars, and non-Muslim thinkers reconsidered their viewpoints after the Islamic Revolution of Iran because before that, establishment of an Islamic Government seemed impossible to them. Some of them said that any struggle against arrogant powers is a useless act and is equal to playing with fire. That was why the victory of Islamic Revolution and establishment of the Islamic Republic in Iran surprised the world. It changed the political equations in the region and in the world and paved the way for establishment of Islamic governments in other countries.
Imam Khomeini proved that it is possible to rely on Allah and Islamic values and be successful in founding an Islamic state which could be independent in all political, economic, and social fields.
Imam Khomeini also taught other oppressed people of the world how to be brave and dare to confront dictators and tyrants. Many groups, associations, and popular/Islamic movements in different countries took lessons from the Islamic Revolution in combating oppressors through rallies, demonstrations, resistance, unity, self-confidence, and solidarity.
Ahmad Versi, Editor-in-Chief at Muslim News magazine in London, highlights the universality of Islamic Revolution’s goals and says: “The Islamic Revolution of Iran changed the thoughts of Muslims and proved that such a revolution is practically possible. It proved that Muslim Ummah is able to manage its affairs independently. Today, it is not anymore the time for Muslim clerics to sit in mosques. Now it is the time to rise up. A Muslim cleric must think of both this world and the hereafter. The famous motto: ‘No East! No West!’ made the Islamic Republic of Iran independent from superpowers. Imam Khomeini taught everyone that Islam is a dynamic power, which can lead Muslim communities at a modern or super-modern age.”
3- Defending the Sacred Cause of Palestine
The Islamic Revolution in Iran achieved its victory at a time when the shameful Camp David Accords was signed between Israel & Arab traitors by the attempt of the United States.
Western colonialists supposed that other Islamic countries, too, will soon be under their influence, but the victory of Islamic Revolution frustrated their plots.
Imam Khomeini’s guidelines and firm stances resulted in combating Israel in a new form. The very last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan was publicly announced as the International Quds Day (or International Jerusalem Day).
On the other hand, the Embassy of Israel in Tehran was closed and turned into the Embassy of Palestine.
Jerusalem was focused on by Muslim world as a holy place for Muslims and other divine religions.
The Islamic Republic of Iran donated self-confidence to Palestinian people and combatants. Supporting Intifada of Palestine (i.e. popular resistance to oppression) was ranked first at the Islamic Republic’s foreign policy. Iran was considered the vanguard of the revolutionary movement for inviting the world to support the oppressed people of Palestine spiritually and materially.
Iran also encouraged the leaders of Palestine in their combat against Israel.
Shahid Dr. Fathi Shaqaqi, the former leader of Islamic Jihad Movement of Palestine, says: “The Islamic Revolution in Iran made us understand that our victory is dependent upon following the path of Imam Khomeini. That’s why all mosques in the occupied lands were decorated with the posters of Imam Khomeini. Today, too, Imam Khomeini’s successor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, continues the same way and highlights the issue of Palestine among the major issues of Muslim World.”
Somewhere else, Dr. Shaqaqi says: “Intifada is a fruit of Islamic Awakening raised by Imam Khomeini in the region in general, and in Palestine in particular. Therefore, Intifada is moving forward towards the Islamic horizon and Islamic slogans; and we must avoid all other solutions for our freedom from the hegemony of Zionists. We must adhere to the principles suggested by Imam Khomeini for fighting Israel and the enemies of Islam.”
The Islamic Revolution proved that the only tool, which can equip Muslims and oppressed people against superpowers and restore their rights, was the ideology of pure Mohammedan Islam.
Today, the oppressed people of Palestine, after long years of homelessness, are inspired by the Islamic Revolution of Iran and know how to stand against the Zionist occupation forces. They know that the only way for their salvation is putting trust in Allah, obedience to the commandments of the Holy Quran, and following the stances of the late Imam Khomeini. They repeat the slogans of Iranian nation against Israel in their demonstrations. By the blessing of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, Palestinians are now enjoying an overall support of the Muslim World and all freethinkers.
Nayef Hawatmeh, Secretary-General of Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine, describes the extraordinary impact of the Islamic Revolution of Iran on the progress of Intifada in Palestine: “The stances of the Islamic Revolution of Iran led by Imam Khomeini on the issue of Palestine and combating the Zionist regime has strengthened and broadened the confrontation against Israel’s aggressions. The Islamic Revolution converted the ‘Arab-Israeli War’ into a war between ‘Islamic nations and Israel’ although governments of some Islamic Nations were allies of the United States and collaborators of Israel.”
4- Promotion of Islamic Unity and Solidarity
Another positive achievement of the Islamic Revolution was creation of friendship, solidarity and brotherhood among the followers of monotheistic religion of Islam.
The Islamic Republic of Iran invited all Muslims in Asia, Africa, Middle East, America, Europe, and other regions to come under one umbrella and safeguard their solidarity in order to defend their integrity and dignity.
Before the Islamic Revolution, no special attention was paid to the unity of Muslims despite all potentialities in Muslim world. The Islamic Revolution succeeded to invite the whole Muslim communities all over the world to gather under the banner of monotheism regardless of their slight sectarian or religious differences in order to withstand conspiracies of colonialists, Zionists, and those who sowed the seed of discord among Muslims.
The Islamic Revolution warned Muslims of the consequences and harms of discord and division among themselves.
An encouraging achievement after the victory of Islamic Revolution in Iran was the establishment of World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought by the order of Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, with the aim of bringing various Islamic sects closer to each other and promoting the universal unity of Muslims. Here are some measures taken by this organization:
- Publication of a journal entitled Risalat al-Taqreeb in Cairo;
- Holding several Vahdat (Unity) conferences and panel discussions in Tehran or holy Mecca during Hajj;
- Hundreds of sessions for dialogue among Muslim scholars and thinkers
- Publishing thousands of articles, books, magazines, and university theses in different languages
Another positive action after the Islamic Revolution for removing division among Muslims was the announcement of Unity Week on the occasion of auspicious birth anniversary of the Holy Prophet of Islam (s.a.) when Shiites and Sunnites in different countries hold on fast to the Strong Rope of Allah.
Sheikh Saeed Sha’ban, the late Leader of Islamic Unity Movement in Lebanon, says: “Imam Khomeini founded an Islamic government as vast as one billion Muslims’ territory. He actualized the unity between Shiah and Sunni. It is now incumbent upon all Muslim scholars to preserve this precious treasure so that arrogant powers do not dare to penetrate into their rows. Imam Khomeini actualized the dreams of great personalities like Seyed Jamaleddin Asadabadi, Sheikh Muhammad Abduh, and Shahid Navab Safavi.”
The most important results of unity among Muslim Ummah at international level may be summarized as follows:
1- Solidarity among Islamic schools of thought and bringing them closer to each other.
2- Relationship and cooperation among Muslim scholars and thinkers through panel discussions and consultations on different theological, Islamic Jurisprudential and comparative issues.
3- Holding magnificent Friday Prayers in different countries as an outstanding sign of unity and solidarity.
4- Organizing academic and cultural seminars at Ayatollah Khamenei’s Head Office in Mecca during Hajj attended by scholars of various Islamic sects.
5- Promotion of basics of Hajj as the international congress for Islamic unity.
6- Establishment of the University of Islamic Schools of Thoughts in Tehran and admission of foreign students.
7- Holding Islamic Fiqh Council in Jeddah.
8- Establishing relations with researchers and reciters of the Holy Quran in different countries and promotion of Quranic culture.
9- Exchange of academic and cultural delegations among various Islamic sects.
10- Introducing the usurper regime of Israel as the leading enemy of Islam and Muslims.
11- Spreading the thoughts of the vanguards of Islamic unity such as Imam Khomeini, Ayatollah Khamenei, Seyed Jamaleddin Asadabadi, Hassan al-Banna, Seyed Qutub, Sheikh Mahmud Shaltut, Sheikh Muhammad Abduh, Allamah Amini, Ayatollah Modarres, Ayatollah Muhammad Hussein Kashif al-Ghita, Ayatollah Borujerdi, Iqbal Lahori, Ayatollah Mutahari, Ayatollah Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr, and others, in different languages.
5- The Effective Role of Dialogue at Global Level
Freedom of expression and discussion is a significant principle in Islam. Therefore, since the victory of Islamic Revolution, many free dialogues have been organized between Muslim scholars and thinkers of other religions, especially Christians. Such dialogues shall help promote justice, spirituality, moralities, peaceful coexistence, and mutual understanding and respect.
For the first time, the suggestion for Dialogue among Civilizations was put forward by the then Iranian President, Seyyed Mohammad Khatami, in the 53rd U.N. General Assembly. According to U.N. Resolution No. 53/22 in 1998, the Year 2011 was proclaimed as the “United Nations Year of Dialogue among Civilizations”, which was warmly welcomed by the followers of differentreligions and prominent tinkers and intellectuals all over the world who admired the Islamic Republic of Iran for this interesting and worthy initiative.
Academic dialogues and cultural relations with other religions have resulted in valuable effects, the most important of which are as follows:
1) Two courses of religious dialogue with the Russian Orthodox Church in Tehran and Moscow.
2) Four courses of religious dialogue with the Greek Orthodox Church.
3) One course of religious dialogue with the Orthodox Church in Vatican.
4) Two courses of religious dialogue with the World Council of Churches in Tehran and Geneva.
5) One course of religious dialogue with Agnelli Institute in Italy & Iran under the title of “Religion, Society, and Government”.
6) Two courses of religious dialogue with the Centre for Muslim-Christian Studies in the United Kingdom & Iran under the title of “Interpretation of God’s Words”.
7) Dialogue with Muslim-Christian Public Forum in France
8) Dialogue with the World Zoroastrian Organization
9) Two courses of religious dialogue with St. Gabriel Catholic Church in Austria & Iran.
… and many other seminars and conferences in different countries.
Conclusion:
The Islamic Revolution of Iran has left great consequences in the international arena in both positive and negative categories:
1) Positive Effects
It has had positive impacts on Muslim nations and Muslim minorities in particular, and on freethinkers and oppressed people in general.
2) Negative Effects
The Islamic Revolution of Iran has had negative impacts on arrogant powers, tyrannical governments, Zionists, hypocrites, international looters and their puppets in different countries.
On the other hand, the Islamic Revolution of Iran has brought precious achievements in various cultural, political, economic, and social fields.
The most important achievement is its cultural effects in the world, which may be briefly listed as follows:
1) Revival of religious identity
2) Formation of religious, cultural, and academic movements in the world
3) Islamic Awakening, promotion of awareness among Muslims, and revival of Islamic uprising
4) Presenting a role model for fighting evil powers and arrogant rulers
5) Putting forward the idea for establishment of an Islamic Government according to the experience of the Islamic Republic of Iran
6) Development of struggles against colonialism, and increase in self-confidence among Muslim nations
7) Proposing new ideas and topics in cultural, academic, and intellectual centers such as the Theory of Wilayat al-Faqih, Freedom & Democracy, Social Justice, International Islamic Law, Political Thoughts in Islam, Islamic Jurisprudence & Political Participation, etc.
8) Solidarity with Islamic liberation movements and supporting the Intifada of the oppressed Palestinian people
9) Creating practical unity & solidarity in Muslim World
10) Raising interest among other religions for knowing Islam and the Ahlulbayt’s school of thought
11) Positive reaction of other nations towards the project of Dialogue among Civilizations
12) Translation and publication of Imam Khomeini’s precious works and that of Ayatollah Khamenei and other intellectual and religious scholars of the Islamic Revolution in different languages worldwide
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