Imam Khomeini was the pre-eminent figure of recent Islamic history. He has also reverberated throughout much of the Muslim world and helped to transform the worldview and consciousness of many Muslims.

IBNA: Rouhollah Mousavi Khomeini was born into a learned and pious family on Jamdi ul-Sanni 20, 1321 (AH), which coincides with the birth anniversary of Fatemeh (AS), the only daughter of Prophet Muhammad (AS). When he was five months old, his father Mostafa was martyred by local bandits because of supporting the oppressed. Rouhollah was brought up by his kind mother, Hajar. She also passed away when the Imam was only 15.

Despite these personal disasters, Imam remained resistant and began using his talent and intelligence in learning Islamic sciences. He went to the theological school in Arak where he attended the classes of the prominent scholar of his time, Haj Sheikh Abdulkarim Haeri Yazdi. He also mastered Arabic literature.

After top theologians moved from Arak to the holy city of Qom, the Imam intensified his studies and completed the highest level of theology by 1927, and soon later was pronounced a mujtahid, qualified jurist, by his senior tutors. He specialized in various fields other than Fiqh (jurisprudence), including Philosophy, Irfan and Ethics.

On June 3rd 1963Imam made a historical speech against the dependence of the Shah's regime on foreign powers and its support of Israel. He also stressed on the role of the Ulema in society.

He immediately arrested on June 5th. But his powerful speech brought the people of Qom out into the streets. News reached other cities and for two days people in several major cities including Tehran, demonstrated against the Shah and in support of the Imam.

On June 5th, troops supported by tank were deployed crush the growing movement. Many are massacre and the Shah's dictatorial regime appeared to have achieved victory. But the seed of the Islamic Revolution had been planted.

In Exile

Following Imam's arrest, the regime came under sever pressure from the Ulema and the massage. On November 4th, Imam was sent into exile. He was first deported to Turkey and then to Iraq where he took up residence in Najaf.

Still determined to act according to his religious responsibility Imam escalated his political struggle. This further added to the religious and political awareness and maturity of the Iranian people that was demonstrated by their angry and massive response to the murder of Haj Mostafa Khomeini, Imam's eldest son, in the winter of 1977 by the agents of the Shah's secret police, the SAVAK.
Imam was expelled on 3 October 1978.

Migration 

Imam Khomeini set out for Kuwait on October 3rd 1978 but was denied entry by the government. After consulting with his son, Ahamad, Imam decided to go to France where he arrived on October 5th and a few days later took up residence in the small village of Neuphle le Chateau.

Mass protests were made in Iran against the regime and the continued exile of the Imam grew to such an extent that it become impossible to control and suppress completely.

The ruling regime was facing a serious crisis. The West forced the Shah to leave Iran to allow the newly formed "liberal" Bakhtiar government to gain legitimacy in the eyes of the people. But Imam still held the initiative: he was determined to return to Iran. The nation prepared for the greatest home coming ceremony in history. Imam left Paris for Tehran on 1 February 1979.

Tehran's streets were packed with millions of people, waiting enthusiastically to great the Imam.

The Plane carrying Imam landed safely at Tehran's Merababd Airport. 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 everywhere. The regime unleashed its last bullets. Love, courage, and martyrdom in the struggle led every step of the monarchical regime. The Islamic Revolution triumphed and true Mohammadan Islam spread its wings over Iran.

The Islamic Republic of Iran

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 have done wrong and lost their way. He was loved, even by the poor, the deprived and freedom fighters of other nations.

Farewell and Mourning

After ten years, at 22:22 Saturday night June 3rd, 1989, Imam passed away. Following morning the news was broadcast; the sense of loss was unbearable. Millions poured in from all part of country to participate in the biggest farewell in the history. The similar ceremonies were held, as well as in many Islamic countries and communities around the world.

Apart from philosophy, Khomeini was also interested in literature and poetry. His poetry collection was released after his death. Beginning in his adolescent years, Khomeini composed mystic, political and social poetry. There is one of them —Mass of the Drunk:

In circles mystic I found not
The pleasantness I sought
In monastery was not audible
The music which love wrought

In school I did not find to read
Any book to be from the friend
In minaret it was hard to find
The voice to be of him to tend

In love of books I could not see
That veiled beauty's face
In sacred writs I could not get
The destination's trace

In idol-house my life's span
Was wholly spent in vain
In rivals' gathering I saw
Neither remedy nor pain

The lover's ring now must I join
Haply to find for solace
From the rose- garden of the beloved
A pleasing breeze or a trace

"We" and "I" are both from reason
That are used as ropes to bind
In mass of those who are drunk
Neither "I" is nor "We" to find.

He authored commentaries on Qur'an, Islamic jurisprudence, the roots of Islamic law, and Islamic traditions. He also released books about philosophy, Gnosticism, poetry, literature, government and politics.Some of his books:

Wilayat al-Faqih

Forty Hadith (Forty Traditions)

Adab as Salat (The Disciplines of Prayers)

Jihade Akbar (The Greater Jihad)

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