Ruhollah Musavi Khomeini was an Iran
ian religious leader and politician, and leader of the 1979 Iranian Revolution
which saw the overthrow of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi
, the Shah
of Iran. Following the revolution, Khomeini became the country's Supreme Leader
— a position created in the constitution
as the highest ranking political and religious authority of the nation — until his death.
Khomeini was a marja
("source of emulation", also known as a Grand Ayatollah) in Twelver Shi'a Islam
, author of more than 40 books, but is most famous for his political role.
If the ulema|religious leaders have influence, they will not permit girls and boys to wrestle together, as recently happened in Shiraz|Shiraz.
The people will not rest until the Pahlavi rule has been swept away and all traces of tyranny have disappeared. As long as the Shah's satanic power prevails, not a single true representative of the people can possibly be elected.
Women are free in the Islamic Republic in the selection of their activities and their future and their clothing.
Personal desire, age, and my health do not allow me to personally have a role in running the country after the fall of the current system.
In Iran's future Islamic system everyone can express their opinion, and the Islamic government will respond to logic with logic.
In the Islamic government all people have complete freedom to have any kind of opinion.
After the Shah's departure from Iran, I will not become a president nor accept any other leadership role. Just like before, I limit my activities only to guiding and directing the people.
Ayatollah, would you be so kind as to tell us how you feel about being back in Iran?Nothing. I don't feel anything. (Hichi. Hich ehsasi nadaram)