A Critical Introduction to Khomeini

by Arshin Adib-Moghaddam

Overview

As the architect of the Iranian Revolution of 1979, Ayatollah Khomeini remains one of the most inspirational and enigmatic figures of the twentieth century. The revolution placed Iran at the forefront of Middle East politics and of the Islamic revival. Twenty years after his death, Khomeini is revered as a spiritual and political figurehead in Iran and in large swathes of the Islamic world, while in the West he is remembered by many as a dictator and as the instigator of Islamist confrontation. Arshin Adib-Moghaddam brings together both distinguished and emerging scholars in this comprehensive volume, which covers all aspects of Khomeini's life and critically examines Khomeini the politician, the philosopher, and the spiritual leader. The book details Khomeini's early years in exile from Iran, the revolution itself, and events that took place thereafter including the hostage crisis and the Iran-Iraq war. Lastly, the book considers his legacy in Iran – where Khomeini's image has been used by both reformist and conservative politicians to develop their own agendas – and further afield in other parts of the Islamic world and in the West. Written by scholars from varying disciplinary backgrounds, the book will prove invaluable to students and general readers interested in the life and times of Khomeini and the politics of Islam that he inspired.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781107012677
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	02/17/2014
Pages:	346
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.10(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Dr Arshin Adib-Moghaddam is a Reader in Comparative Politics and International Relations and Chair of the Centre for Iranian Studies at the University of London's School of Oriental and African Studies. Cambridge educated, he held the first Jarvis Doctorow Fellowship at the University of Oxford.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Ayatollah Khomeini: a clerical revolutionary? Arshin Adib-Moghaddam; 1. Khomeini and the 'White Revolution' Fakhreddin Azimi; 2. The rise of Khomeinism: problematizing the politics of resistance in pre-revolutionary Iran Mojtaba Mahdavi; 3. Wilayat al-Faqih and the meaning of Islamic government Amr G. E. Sabet; 4. Ayatollah Khomeini's rule of the guardian jurist: from theory to practice Ali Rahnema; 5. Khatt-e imam: the followers of Khomeini's line L. A. Reda; 6. Khomeini and the West Mehran Kamrava; 7. Gendered Khomeini Azadeh Kian; 8. Hidden Khomeini: mysticism and poetry Lloyd Ridgeon; 9. The divine, the people, and the Faqih: on Khomeini's theory of sovereignty Behrooz Ghamari-Tabrizi; 10. Khomeini's legacy on women's rights and roles in the Islamic Republic of Iran Arzoo Osanloo; 11. To rule, or not to rule? An alternative look at the political life of Ayatollah Khomeini between 1960 and 1980 Sadegh Zibakalam; 12. Khomeini and the decolonization of the political S. Sayyid; 13. Contentious legacies of the Ayatollah Babak Rahimi.

Editorial Reviews

"This work is intended to provide advanced insight for students and researchers into the significance of Khomeini as a political innovator, religious leader, and historical figure in the establishment of the modern Islamic Republic of Iran. The essays cover topics such as Khomeini's role as a historical personality, his political philosophy and its application to the constitution and politics of Iran, his stance toward the West, and his attitudes toward issues of gender. Each contribution relates well to the theme, and the editor has done a remarkable job in integrating the work of various scholars. On the topic of Khomeini, this is one of the best works available. Summing up: highly recommended."
P. Rowe, Choice

From the Publisher