The Role of Spirituality and Justice in Imam Khomeini’s Discourse: A Path Toward Global Transformation
In a speech at the commemoration ceremony marking the anniversary of the glorious victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, held at the mausoleum of Imam Khomeini (r.a.), the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly stated, “The manifestation and emergence of spirituality in society require artistic mastery. Imam Khomeini (r.a.) possessed the great art of inviting people to the realm of meaning. This is a prophetic endeavor, and not everyone can undertake it.”
According to the official information website of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly -On Sunday, February 2, 2025, marking the anniversary of the glorious victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, the Secretary-General and staff of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly visited the mausoleum of Imam Khomeini (r.a.) and the martyrs of the Islamic Revolution. During this ceremony, the Assembly’s officials and staff paid tribute to the late Imam by offering a wreath, and renewed their allegiances to the ideals of the great architect of the Islamic Revolution.
In his speech at the ceremony, while commemorating the divine days marking the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution’s victory and expressing gratitude to Ayatollah Sayed Hassan Khomeini, the esteemed custodian of the mausoleum, as well as other attendees, Ayatollah Reza Ramezani, Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, stated, “Much has been said about Imam Khomeini. In various domestic and international seminars and conferences, his philosophical, mystical, jurisprudential, theological, and literary thoughts have been examined in different dimensions. The late Imam had a comprehensive personality, to the extent that some scholars believe that few in the contemporary era have possessed such a comprehensive character.”
Referring to “Imam Khomeini’s (r.a.) prophetic-like duty,” Ayatollah Ramezani remarked, “The late Imam played a role similar to that of a divine prophet in his era. The transformations in the intellectual framework of seminaries led people to view Islamic scholars as sources of authority. This authority was previously confined to jurisprudence, but with Imam Khomeini, its scope expanded.”
He continued, “The role of an Imam in society is one of reform and guidance, which necessitates the development of perspectives and functions of the religion. Imam Khomeini (r.a.) brought about this semantic development in both approaches and functions.”
“At that time, the function of religion was not one that played an active role in society,” he added. “Imam Khomeini pointed out in his thoughts that the divine prophets had two key responsibilities: inviting people to religious and accountable spirituality and establishing justice. We believe that the Imam fulfilled these two roles in the present era.”
Emphasizing that spirituality is the liberation from the captivity of the self, he stated, “All the problems that arise for human beings stem from attachment to the self and worldly desires. Imam Khomeini (r.a.) repeatedly expressed in his speeches, ‘These disputes and conflicts are certainly not for God, but rather originate from worldly desires.’ At times, he used this expression specifically for his close audience.”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly emphasized that spirituality creates a spiritual atmosphere within a person, giving meaning to human life and attributing a divine purpose to it. “This is the significant mission entrusted to the divine prophets to call humanity to the realm of human values and meaning and to elevate them beyond material existence. This world has a Creator who is the Manager and Sustainer of all existence. One must understand this Lordship. Imam introduced this mystical perspective in the Four Journeys and trained disciples who were not merely seminary students.”
Ayatollah Ramazani, a member of the Assembly of Leadership Experts, added, “The manifestation and emergence of spirituality in society require an artistic approach. Imam Khomeini (r.a.) possessed the great art of inviting people to the world of meaning. This is a prophetic task, and not everyone and not everyone can undertake it. The mission, aspiration, and ultimate goal of all divine prophets have been the realization of justice. The overall objective of their mission is that people have relations based on just social order.”
Referring to the Islamic Republic’s movement towards comprehensive justice, which will ultimately be fulfilled by Imam Mahdi (a.s.), Ayatollah Ramezani stated, “A foundation must be laid for achieving this goal, and its prerequisites can be realized in the present time. Attaining justice requires sacrifices. Justice is a crucial matter because many people oppose it, and the arrogant powers and hegemonic system are in serious confrontation with it. Justice, like certain concepts such as human rights, has been neglected and oppressed, oppression that, unfortunately, deserves mourning.”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly further remarked, “Today, we are paying the price for justice realization through the discourse of the Islamic Revolution. All the sanctions, pressures, and challenges imposed on the Islamic Republic stem from its pursuit of justice, and the Supreme Leader of the Revolution continues on this path. The great individuals we have lost were part of the cost for nurturing a sapling that has grown into a stout tree. Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran ranks among the most powerful and advanced nations in military and numerous scientific fields.”
“Inviting people to spirituality as a means of overcoming egoism and the pursuit of justice were two prophetic and imam-like responsibilities of the late Imam Khomeini,” Ayatollah Ramezani continued. “Imam Khomeini lived with sincerity to achieve these two crucial objectives, and we must adopt his lifestyle as a model and introduce it to today’s world. His prophetic invitation to spirituality and justice was genuine, and our officials must follow the same path.”
The member of the Assembly of Experts emphasized, “One who intends to enter politics can play a positive role by upholding the principle of sincerity and safeguarding the Government’s republic. We must speak honestly with the people and stand alongside them, just as Imam Khomeini did. The ultimate manifestation of sincerity was evident in Imam Khomeini. He was truthful with the people, and even in his will, he remained sincere. This sincerity made Imam Khomeini beloved both in Iran and in other countries. Today, the world takes pride in Imam Khomeini’s discourse, and we must safeguard this discourse, which, with a prophetic and imam-like vision, brought about a transformation in the international system.”
Regarding the evolution of political discourse worldwide, Ayatollah Ramezani stated, “Today, the language and discourse of political systems around the world have changed. The officials of the Islamic government of Iran must take Imam Khomeini’s discourse and language as their model to pave the way for the Reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.).”
In conclusion, referring to the activities of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in the field of publication, the Secretary-General of the Assembly stated, “The most important responsibility of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly is to expand Imam Khomeini’s discourse.”
In a speech at the commemoration ceremony marking the anniversary of the glorious victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, held at the mausoleum of Imam Khomeini (r.a.), the Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly stated, “The manifestation and emergence of spirituality in society require artistic mastery. Imam Khomeini (r.a.) possessed the great art of inviting people to the realm of meaning. This is a prophetic endeavor, and not everyone can undertake it.”
According to the official information website of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly -On Sunday, February 2, 2025, marking the anniversary of the glorious victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, the Secretary-General and staff of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly visited the mausoleum of Imam Khomeini (r.a.) and the martyrs of the Islamic Revolution. During this ceremony, the Assembly’s officials and staff paid tribute to the late Imam by offering a wreath, and renewed their allegiances to the ideals of the great architect of the Islamic Revolution.
In his speech at the ceremony, while commemorating the divine days marking the anniversary of the Islamic Revolution’s victory and expressing gratitude to Ayatollah Sayed Hassan Khomeini, the esteemed custodian of the mausoleum, as well as other attendees, Ayatollah Reza Ramezani, Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly, stated, “Much has been said about Imam Khomeini. In various domestic and international seminars and conferences, his philosophical, mystical, jurisprudential, theological, and literary thoughts have been examined in different dimensions. The late Imam had a comprehensive personality, to the extent that some scholars believe that few in the contemporary era have possessed such a comprehensive character.”
Referring to “Imam Khomeini’s (r.a.) prophetic-like duty,” Ayatollah Ramezani remarked, “The late Imam played a role similar to that of a divine prophet in his era. The transformations in the intellectual framework of seminaries led people to view Islamic scholars as sources of authority. This authority was previously confined to jurisprudence, but with Imam Khomeini, its scope expanded.”
He continued, “The role of an Imam in society is one of reform and guidance, which necessitates the development of perspectives and functions of the religion. Imam Khomeini (r.a.) brought about this semantic development in both approaches and functions.”
“At that time, the function of religion was not one that played an active role in society,” he added. “Imam Khomeini pointed out in his thoughts that the divine prophets had two key responsibilities: inviting people to religious and accountable spirituality and establishing justice. We believe that the Imam fulfilled these two roles in the present era.”
Emphasizing that spirituality is the liberation from the captivity of the self, he stated, “All the problems that arise for human beings stem from attachment to the self and worldly desires. Imam Khomeini (r.a.) repeatedly expressed in his speeches, ‘These disputes and conflicts are certainly not for God, but rather originate from worldly desires.’ At times, he used this expression specifically for his close audience.”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly emphasized that spirituality creates a spiritual atmosphere within a person, giving meaning to human life and attributing a divine purpose to it. “This is the significant mission entrusted to the divine prophets to call humanity to the realm of human values and meaning and to elevate them beyond material existence. This world has a Creator who is the Manager and Sustainer of all existence. One must understand this Lordship. Imam introduced this mystical perspective in the Four Journeys and trained disciples who were not merely seminary students.”
Ayatollah Ramazani, a member of the Assembly of Leadership Experts, added, “The manifestation and emergence of spirituality in society require an artistic approach. Imam Khomeini (r.a.) possessed the great art of inviting people to the world of meaning. This is a prophetic task, and not everyone and not everyone can undertake it. The mission, aspiration, and ultimate goal of all divine prophets have been the realization of justice. The overall objective of their mission is that people have relations based on just social order.”
Referring to the Islamic Republic’s movement towards comprehensive justice, which will ultimately be fulfilled by Imam Mahdi (a.s.), Ayatollah Ramezani stated, “A foundation must be laid for achieving this goal, and its prerequisites can be realized in the present time. Attaining justice requires sacrifices. Justice is a crucial matter because many people oppose it, and the arrogant powers and hegemonic system are in serious confrontation with it. Justice, like certain concepts such as human rights, has been neglected and oppressed, oppression that, unfortunately, deserves mourning.”
The Secretary-General of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly further remarked, “Today, we are paying the price for justice realization through the discourse of the Islamic Revolution. All the sanctions, pressures, and challenges imposed on the Islamic Republic stem from its pursuit of justice, and the Supreme Leader of the Revolution continues on this path. The great individuals we have lost were part of the cost for nurturing a sapling that has grown into a stout tree. Today, the Islamic Republic of Iran ranks among the most powerful and advanced nations in military and numerous scientific fields.”
“Inviting people to spirituality as a means of overcoming egoism and the pursuit of justice were two prophetic and imam-like responsibilities of the late Imam Khomeini,” Ayatollah Ramezani continued. “Imam Khomeini lived with sincerity to achieve these two crucial objectives, and we must adopt his lifestyle as a model and introduce it to today’s world. His prophetic invitation to spirituality and justice was genuine, and our officials must follow the same path.”
The member of the Assembly of Experts emphasized, “One who intends to enter politics can play a positive role by upholding the principle of sincerity and safeguarding the Government’s republic. We must speak honestly with the people and stand alongside them, just as Imam Khomeini did. The ultimate manifestation of sincerity was evident in Imam Khomeini. He was truthful with the people, and even in his will, he remained sincere. This sincerity made Imam Khomeini beloved both in Iran and in other countries. Today, the world takes pride in Imam Khomeini’s discourse, and we must safeguard this discourse, which, with a prophetic and imam-like vision, brought about a transformation in the international system.”
Regarding the evolution of political discourse worldwide, Ayatollah Ramezani stated, “Today, the language and discourse of political systems around the world have changed. The officials of the Islamic government of Iran must take Imam Khomeini’s discourse and language as their model to pave the way for the Reappearance of Imam Mahdi (a.s.).”
In conclusion, referring to the activities of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly in the field of publication, the Secretary-General of the Assembly stated, “The most important responsibility of the AhlulBayt (a.s.) World Assembly is to expand Imam Khomeini’s discourse.”