Customer Reviews

Islam and Revolution: Writings and Declarations of Imam Khomeini (1941-1980)

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Actually reading these works of Imam Khomeini will bring you to one rather terrifying realization: it is probable that everything you've ever read about Khomeini and Iran was written by people who didn't bother to read what the Imam himself actually wrote about the revolution he led. The book is essential in this at least; that it will make you realize to what extent you have been hoodwinked and misled by people uninterested in grappling with the actuality of the revolutionaries' ideology.

There are fatal weaknesses here; the Western reader accustomed to political theory that is profoundly concerned with questions of sovereignty, exception, and checks on abuses of power will find Khomeini's Islamic Platonism extremely dangerous. And the egalitarian economics Khomeini preaches is unhappily sketchy -- he is good in his criticism of the rapacious regime of the Shah but not as good when it comes to suggesting real solutions to the problems of the Iranian people. Indeed, it is here -- in checks on clerical power, in economic development -- that Western readers will see the failure of the revolution.

But there is a lot here to be hopeful about. Khomeini is surprisingly inclusive; at every turn he rejects sectarian conflict and tries to include Sunnis (and even Jews and Christians!) in his revolutionary plan. He is surprisingly democratic in his appeals to the people of Iran. (And perhaps it is because the ulama is constituted in so 'populist' a way -- by reputation, prestige, and respect, rather than by an institutional hierarchy -- that he is so unconcerned with checks and balances.) What he writes about the role of the (Islamic) intellectual in opposing and overthrowing tyranny is as stirring as anything ever written on the scholar's role in society. I think you will probably leave this book shocked by how close Khomeini might have come to instituting something we would be happier in calling a 'Republic' -- Islamic or not. And shocked by how much richer Khomeini's ideology is than the intellectual bankruptcy of the Ba'ath or the Wahhabis.

The book also includes a lecture series Khomeini -- who originally gained acclaim for his exposition of gnostic doctrines -- delivered on the first surah of the Qur'an. It is in the sensitivity, subtlety, and insight of these lectures that I gained the most respect for this man; born and best fitted not to lead revolutions and give firebrand speeches but to talk about the mysteries of this world. "Everything," Imam Khomeini writes, "is a name of God. The winds that blow are a name of God."

A complex and ambivalent figure -- but no man who wrote this should ever be slandered by the word "fanatic."

This is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the revolution and the reasons for it. Exquisite translation of the speeches of the most singificant man in centuries!

For all the people out there who dont know khomeini but think they are an expert on him, or the islamic republic, or the mideast. His ideas, his words, translated by a great professor who did a superb translation (although things are often lost in translation). You have to read this book if you want to have an informed opinion on modern day Iran.

Iran - and Khomeini - are poorly understood by many in the West. _Islam and Revolution_ provides some insight to the man behind the 1979 revolution, and to the broader "Islamicist" movement of the present. The book is really broken into two parts - the first half is a series of essays written by the Ayatollah about politics and Islam, and were (to me) the most interesting section. The last half is a a broad overview of speeches, lectures, open letters and interviews.

With regards to Islam as a political movement, Khomeini makes some interesting points: that politics should be subservient to Islam (no real news here), that it is the duty of religious scholars to make this happen, and that government should be ruled by religious scholars (the "valiati fakhi".) The similarity to Plato's "Republic" ruled by "Philosopher Kings" was striking.

For those interested in a deeper understanding of the theocracy in Iran, or of the broader "Islamicist" movement throughout the Near East, I recommend the first half of this fascinating book.

I read this book shortly before I took a trip to Iran last year. I left Iran in 1975 and never returned till last year. What I saw was totally unexpected. I was amazed to see how people were actively engaged in political debates. From my days, I remember that only an insane person would engage in a political discussion, unless your political views were 100% pro Shah. I don't agree with Mr. Khomeini in all his views, no doubt that some of his stance caused damage to Iran. But from what I saw, I say his damage was temporary and the good he did is forever. He helped Iranian to gain their long lost self confidence and self reliance, and more importantly he rid Iran from a 25 century, obsolete system of government.

It is exactly as advertised - a decent, thorough collection of works by arguably the most important revolutionary thinker of the contemporary era. Could do without the tiresome laudatory epic introduction, but it comes with the territory, evidently.

After reading Khomeini's writings, I am struck by how much of his message would resonate in rural Alabama. He's against Washington, against corruption, against alcohol, against obscenity, in favor of tradition, etc.
He could have gotten elected to one term for almost any office. Of course, when Alabama voters found out that he actually meant all those things, instead of just saying them to get elected, he wouldn't have been re-elected.
It's amazing how time changes one's perspective. I was in college during the Iranian Revolution, & all I knew about Iran was what I learned from classmates whose fathers were senior officers under the Shah. That perspective was too limited to understand or appreciate the frustrations Khomeini was addressing.
I appreciate Dr. Algar translating these works. It helps shed light so we can better understand Iran & Shiism. If we can understand each other, maybe we can eventually reach the point where we can find common ground for coexistence, if not full cooperation.
I can understand why Muslims don't want to open their societies to the darker influences of Western culture. I'm not too thrilled about some aspects of our culture myself. That doesn't mean that the more extreme aspects of the Ayatollah's ideology appeal to me, but I can at least see now why it appealed to the Iranian people at the time.
Of course, they don't need my permission or my approval to decide how to govern themselves. That's why it is called self-government.
As I have tried to understand the theoretical underpinnings of Islamic governance, I have been struck by how much more willing Shiite scholars seem to be than Sunni scholars to adapt & to apply historic principles to new situations. (There are some exceptions to this generalization.)
The world does not stay the same, whether we want it to or not. Life can be messy, so it shouldn't be shocking that people who are trying to deal with real problems also face some unintended consequences as they try to solve those problems.
The Ayatollah offered some real innovations, and clearly strove to find practical solutions that were consistent with his understanding of moral principles. He does not need my approval, but his efforts gained my respect - even if I might have suggested doing some things differently, had he wanted my advice.
The bottom line is, no matter how tempting it may be to tell others how to live their lives, each individual is responsible to God for his own decisions, and each society is responsible for its own government. We can be good neighbors & try to cooperate with each other, but we need to resist the temptation to get too deeply involved in other peoples' right to self-determination.

An excellent compilation of the works of one of the greatest thinkers and leaders of the 20th century, Imam Khomeini. This book gives excellent insight into the thinking of this great man. Can't wait for Dr. Algar to finish his biography!

Khomeini represents one of the most importants leaders in Third World nations. Becuase of his political ideology, Iran isn't anymore the old colony exploited by foreign nations. Now they rule their lives.