Charisma and Revolution: The Role of Ayatollah Khomeini in the Iranian Revolution 1979

Author

• Munir Ahmad Dar
  • Research Scholar at Department of Centre of Central Asian Studies (CCAS), University of Kashmir
  • Email: [email protected]

Introduction

• Charismatic Leadership: Concept rooted in Max Weber's writings.
• Charisma Origin: Derived from Greek meaning "gift of grace."
• Max Weber's Authority Types:
  1. Traditional Authority: Based on traditions.
  2. Rational/Legal Authority: Based on legal rules.
  3. Charismatic Authority: Based on individual’s exceptional qualities.
• Charismatic leaders inspire devotion and awe.

Concept of Charisma

• Weber's Definition: Special quality setting an individual apart, considered possessing divine or exceptional powers.
• Charisma is value-neutral; can lead to good or evil.
• Three senses of charisma (Weber):
  1. Supernatural endowment.
  2. Sacred property of groups/roles.
  3. Secular personal qualities.
• Trice and Beyer's Five Elements of Charisma:
  1. Gifted person.
  2. Social crisis.
  3. Radical solution ideas.
  4. Followers believing in the leader’s transcendence.
  5. Successes validating the leader’s gifts.

Charisma, Revolution, and Social Change

• Weber's Analysis: Charisma as a force for social change.
  • Innovative and revolutionary nature.
  • Contrasts with stable rational-legal and traditional authority.
• Revolution Definition by Scholars:
  • Theda Skocpol: Rapid societal and class structure transformation.
  • Samuel Huntington: Fundamental, violent domestic change.
  • Zimmerman: Overthrow of current elite by new elite.
• Charisma is seen as a revolutionary force, capable of significant social transformation.

Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini

• Background:
  • Born 1902, died 1989.
  • Prominent figure in the Iranian Revolution.
  • Lineage traced back to Imam Mousa al-Kazim.
• Education and Rise to Power:
  • Islamic law, philosophy, and mysticism studies.
  • Became a Marja-e-taqlid (highest Shiite clergy position).
  • Exiled for 14 years due to opposing the Shah.
• Return and Leadership:
  • Returned to Iran in 1979 post Shah's departure.
  • Led the revolution resulting in the establishment of the Islamic Republic.
  • Became Supreme Leader of Iran.

Iran before 1979 Revolution

• Pahlavi Dynasty:
  • Founded by Reza Khan Pahlavi.
  • Combined modernization with centralized, secular rule.
• Mohammad Reza Pahlavi (Shah):
  • Continued modernization efforts.
  • White Revolution: Reforms met with resistance.
• Economic and Social Crisis:
  • Unemployment, oil price issues, urban migration.
  • Rise of opposition under Ayatollah Khomeini.

Revolution and Aftermath

• Revolution:
  • Khomeini's exiled leadership and communications spurred opposition.
  • Shah left Iran in 1979; Khomeini returned, greeted with public adulation.
  • Establishment of the Islamic Republic through referendum.
• Khomeini’s Charisma:
  • Charismatic appeal rooted in Shiism and Irfan.
  • Established a new Islamic order, dismantling existing monarchy.

Conclusion

• Impact of Khomeini:
  • Central to the Iranian Revolution.
  • Demonstrated the power of charismatic leadership in social change.
  • Created a new political and social order in Iran based on Islamic values.

References

• Various scholarly works and historical studies cited, reflecting on the Iranian Revolution and charismatic leadership.