Examining the Idea of Resistance from the Perspective of Imam Khomeini (ra) part 3

Imam Khomeini
Examining the Idea of Resistance from the Perspective of Imam Khomeini (ra) part 3

The Goals of Resistance Based on Imam Khomeini’s Views 

 

Resistance has many forms and methods - from fighting against one’s egos to armed struggle - but due to its generality and inclusiveness, no specific form can replace another. In fact, resistance is formed against oppression, aggression and occupation, anti-religiosity and the domination of arrogant powers and their allies. Its purpose is to preserve rights, repel oppression, remove occupation, preserve independence, prevent domination and preserve assets according to the teachings and rules of religion. The centrality of justice, not submitting to cruelty, defending the oppressed and negating the rule of infidels are among the most important components in this framework.

 

Imam Khomeini (ra) believed that because Islamic rulings, including economic, political and legal laws, remain in force until the Day of Judgment, this eternality of Islamic rulings is not possible unless Islamic governance is established; therefore, it can be said that establishing a government is a necessity, aimed at promoting justice. education and maintaining the order of the society; in addition to eliminating oppression, protecting the borders of the country and preventing the encroachment of foreign powers. Accordingly, resistance aimed at protecting the borders of the Islamic country and preventing the aggressors, which is an obvious need for the Muslims,  is a logical and legal obligation. This important matter will not be realized unless the nation wants it.

 

Imam Khomeini (ra) argued that the involvement of people in protest and resistance is not something mandated by man, rather, Allah and Islam command us to stand up against disbelief, oppression and the oppressors. He said: “Many undertake a task but lose their composure and resoluteness on encountering difficulties… Allah has instructed the Muslims to remain firm and steadfast in the assignments entrusted to them”.

Also, he said: “Islam wants you to stand up against disbelief, falsehood, oppression and the oppressors.”

 

Regarding the necessity of people's cooperation in the administration of the country, according to their divine duty, Imam Khomeini (ra) said: “They are able to do things only if people join them. This is our human responsibility to help each other to improve the situation, God willing”.

“What is of importance to Islam and also to me is brotherhood and not leadership. God, the Exalted and the Blessed, has called us brethren in the Glorious Quran ‘The believers are but brethren’. Islam is concerned with brotherhood and equity.”

 

Therefore, since Imam Khomeini's views are based on Islam, he does not consider any differences between people, and for him the only criterion for the superiority of people in the eyes of God is piety. Moreover, he believes that unity is necessary for progress and development.

 

“All the woes that befall a country are because of the differences that arise among the people. If all the people of a country say the same thing, nobody will be able to oppress them.”

 

“We can steer this country toward the sublime goals of Islam through unity and peace… If there is no peace, there will be no agriculture. And without peace, industry will not gain momentum.”

 

“With reliance on Allah, establishing unity and the endeavors of our people we will rebuild the country together.” “The entire nation should take part in rebuilding Iran. All classes of people should cooperate and join hands to reconstruct the ruin that has been left with us: the farmers, the laborers, the businessmen. People in the government and non-governmental organizations should also cooperate in a brotherly way and build upon the ruins that we have been left with.”

 

Resistance Politics

 

According to the Glorious Quran and Hadith, monotheism and perseverance are interrelated. This is not only the case with individuals, but also includes structures and systems that are based on monotheism. So, if a political system declares monotheism and divine sovereignty as its base, it must also emphasize its persistence on monotheistic foundations as a requirement. The Islamic Republic of Iran is a monotheistic system. Therefore, the second article of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic states: “The Islamic Republic is a system based on belief in the One God (as stated in the phrase ‘There is no god except Allah’), His exclusive sovereignty and the right to legislate, and the necessity of submission to His commands.”

 

As this system is based on monotheism it should negate all forms of oppression, both the infliction of and the submission to it, and of dominance, both its imposition and its acceptance. Likewise, the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is based upon the rejection of all forms of domination, both the exertion of it and submission to it, the preservation of the independence of the country in all respects and its territorial integrity, the defense of the rights of all Muslims, and non-alignment with respect to the hegemonic superpowers. Therefore, resistance is an integral part of this political system, such that it serves as the core and identity of this government, as well as its distinguishing feature. 

 

Any structural weakness resulting from the lack of a culture of resistance provides the necessary grounds for foreign political groups to exert influence. In such a situation, domestic threats to the government cannot be separated from the influence of foreign governments, and in this sense, the domestic security problems of countries that lack a culture of resistance would be increased, as they are clearly linked to the agendas of hegemonic powers to control the political authority of countries. 

 

Following the outbreak of the imposed war and Saddam's desire for power and the unreserved support he received from the arrogant powers, Imam Khomeini (ra) fought against the leaders of oppression, refused to submit to them and did not accept the cowardly suggestions of some about ending the war. According to him, defense is something that is obligatory on everyone, based on their power and ability, while “those who are saying that there must be a compromise, should know that we will be destroyed once we compromise!” Accordingly, “There is no question of making peace or coming to a compromise with them. We will never negotiate with them. They are corrupt; they are corrupters; we will not negotiate with these people.”

 

In the view of Imam Khomeini (ra), fighting against arrogant powers is the motto of Islam. Therefore, his call to all Muslim nations and to all the oppressed, was for them to rise up for their honor. He invites them to learn from the uprising of the Iranian nation and its victory. An uprising that a nation carried out with empty hands and without relying on the East and the West. Explaining the policy of resistance in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Imam Khomeini (ra) said: “Firmly and decisively, I declare to the entire world that if the world devourers venture to stand against our religion, we will stand against all of them and will not rest until their destruction. Either we shall attain freedom, or achieve the greater freedom of martyrdom!”

 

Resistance Economy

 

The resistance economy is a theoretical basis for formulating a special form of economy that has made its proponents more prepared to face sanctions. In the resistance economy, economic mechanisms, business environment, foreign trade, financial and intermediary institutions, etc., are designed based on the assumption that the country is in a permanent ideological confrontation with the domineering system and at any moment the country might encounter economic problems created by the West. 

 

Imam Khomeini (ra) emphasized economic independence as a necessity, even if it causes the country to pay a price and face an economic blockade. He said: “I believe that these economic sanctions, which many people dread, are like a gift to our nation, because it means that we will no longer be dependent. It is only when this dependency stops that we will learn to stand on our own two feet and work independently.” 

 

He also said: “I believe that it is a hundred times better to live under all kinds of adversity and hardship and have a life of freedom and independence and eat whatever one has, rather than living in grand apartments with hands spread out toward others for help.”

 

In addition, Imam Khomeini (ra) said: “Is it not a disgrace for the Muslims of the world to give in to the hegemony of arrogant powers, bandits and pirates despite commanding all these human, material and spiritual resources, and having such a progressive school of thought and divine support?” 

 

“Muslims should not be under the rule of infidels. Allah has never provided the faithless any way to prevail over the Muslims and they should not accept such domination.”

 

From Imam Khomeini's (ra) point of view, in the resistance economy, dignity, as a basis, is a state in which the economy of a country will have honor, the power to prevail and develop with the hard work of economic activists. This form of economy enjoys impenetrability when facing problems, and at the same time, it is not easy to defeat. Observing this framework in all policies will prevent the faithless from dominating the Islamic society.

 

Reference: Islamic Revolution Research Quarterly. Vol 11, No 1, Spring 2022, Pp 215-235.

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