The Iranian Revolution and the Rise of Islamic Republic
Origins of Islam
Early Islam and Expansion
Islam, one of the world’s major monotheistic religions, originated in Saudi Arabia, a region inhabited by Bedouin Arab polytheists. In the seventh century AD, Muhammad, a political, religious, and military leader, emerged. He preached monotheism and a life devoted to God. His influence and leadership sparked nine centuries of Muslim expansion.
Islam encompasses not only a religion but also a code of honor, a legal framework, and a way of life. Its core spiritual duties are summarized in the Five Pillars of Faith:
- Shahada (profession of faith)
- Daily prayers facing Mecca
- Charity (Zakat)
- Fasting during Ramadan
- Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca)
The concept of “jihad” (struggle) is a controversial one, often misinterpreted as “holy war.” Some Muslims consider it a sixth pillar of faith. Following Muhammad’s death, a succession crisis led to a schism between Sunni and Shia Muslims.
The Quran and Islamic Expansion
The Quran, Islam’s holy book, contains God’s words as revealed to Prophet Muhammad by the Archangel Gabriel. Shia Muslims believe in interpreting the Quran in light of evolving global circumstances. Islam, a political faith with expansionist aspirations, has had a significant historical impact.
The Iranian Revolution of 1979
Background and the Shah’s Regime
In 1953, a coup in Iran overthrew the democratically elected government of Mohammad Mosaddeq, establishing a monarchy led by the Shah. Political parties were dissolved, and a secret police force (SAVAK) was created. The Shah’s regime faced legitimacy issues and sought support from the Shiite clergy.
The Shah initiated the White Revolution, a modernization program fueled by oil revenues and US aid. This included land reform, profit-sharing for employees, women’s suffrage, literacy campaigns, and attempts to create a form of Islam that aligned with the regime. However, these reforms had unintended consequences. A significant portion of the population became impoverished while the ruling elite prospered. Political control tightened, repression increased, and discontent grew.
Rise of Opposition and Ayatollah Khomeini
The Shiite clergy, opposed to the regime’s Westernization efforts, became a primary source of opposition. Secular organizations, such as the National Front and the Tudeh Party, also emerged. The clergy, with its hierarchical structure similar to the Catholic Church, enjoyed widespread support, particularly among the traditional Shia majority.
By the late 1970s, the desire for regime change intensified, leading to mass demonstrations and brutal repression. The Shah’s promises of political reform failed to quell the unrest, and demands for his resignation escalated. Ayatollah Khomeini, exiled to Iraq in 1964 and later to France, emerged as a prominent opposition figure, gaining media attention in the West.
The Shah’s Downfall and the Islamic Republic
The Shah’s regime relied heavily on SAVAK, a notorious secret police force accused of torture and disappearances. Intellectuals and dissidents were targeted. The oppressive atmosphere, coupled with social and economic inequalities, contributed to the Shah’s downfall.
According to journalist Ryszard Kapuscinski, the revolution began in Qom, a city south of Tehran, where Ayatollah Khomeini had criticized the Shah’s policies and Western influence. An article in the Etelat newspaper attacking Khomeini sparked protests in Qom, leading to a violent crackdown by the police. The resulting deaths fueled nationwide outrage and further demonstrations.
The protests spread to Tehran, and despite violent repression, the movement gained momentum. The Shah, facing mounting pressure, resigned and fled the country on January 16, 1979. Khomeini returned from exile on February 1, and under his leadership, the Islamists seized control of the revolution, suppressing other opposition groups.
On March 31, a referendum was held on establishing an Islamic Republic. According to official figures, the clergy’s proposal received overwhelming support (99.9%). The Iranian Revolution marked a significant turning point in the country’s history, ushering in an era of Islamic rule.