Was Khomeini preparing for the Islamic Mahdi?

Introduction

In Shi’a Islam, the concept of the Mahdi—also known as the "Guided One" or "the Awaited One"—is deeply significant, with profound theological and eschatological implications. Shi’a Muslims believe that the Mahdi is a divinely chosen leader who will return in the end times to restore justice, peace, and true Islamic governance on Earth. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the Iranian Revolution in 1979, profoundly shaped modern Iranian politics and influenced Shi’a thought globally. Many observers and scholars have asked whether Khomeini’s revolution and his subsequent political philosophy were driven by a preparation for the coming of the Mahdi. This article explores the relationship between Khomeini’s ideology and the belief in the Mahdi, examining his speeches, policies, and writings for insights into his intentions.

Understanding the Role of the Mahdi in Shi’a Islam

In Shi’a theology, particularly among the Twelver branch, the Mahdi is believed to be the 12th Imam, who went into occultation (a state of hidden existence) in the 9th century. This concept of occultation holds that the Mahdi will reappear in the future as a messianic figure to end corruption and oppression, establish justice, and lead the world toward a true Islamic state.

This belief in the Mahdi’s return underpins much of Shi’a eschatology and is a core tenet for millions of believers. Throughout history, various movements have risen with leaders claiming to either be the Mahdi or working to hasten his appearance by creating an environment where Islamic values thrive. Ayatollah Khomeini’s revolutionary philosophy and his establishment of an Islamic government in Iran have led many to question if he was actively preparing the world, or at least Iran, for the Mahdi’s return.

Khomeini’s Vision of Islamic Government

Khomeini’s ideology centered on the concept of Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist), which posits that in the absence of the Mahdi, an Islamic government should be led by a qualified jurist (faqih) who upholds Islamic law and principles. This idea was a departure from traditional Shi’a thought, which often advocated for political quietism—keeping a distance from political authority until the Mahdi’s return.

Khomeini argued that the moral and social decay he observed in Iran and other Muslim societies demanded immediate intervention by religious leaders, as he considered the vacuum of religious guidance to be a catalyst for injustice and immorality. Establishing an Islamic government, in his view, was essential to creating a society aligned with divine laws and capable of withstanding external pressures and moral decay.

According to Khomeini, the Islamic Republic would not only serve as a model for governance in the Muslim world but could also potentially hasten the Mahdi’s return by establishing a society that was spiritually and morally prepared for his leadership. His vision of the Islamic government, therefore, reflected both a practical approach to governance and a theological preparation for an eventual divine intervention.

Signs of Preparing for the Mahdi’s Return

Some elements of Khomeini’s rhetoric and policies suggest that he saw his government as aligned with the prophetic tradition and thus part of a larger divine plan. For example, Khomeini frequently spoke of the Mahdi in his public addresses, urging the people of Iran to adhere to Islamic values as a means of preparing for the Mahdi’s return. He often framed the revolution as a step in the battle against oppression and injustice, themes closely associated with the Mahdi’s future mission.

Khomeini also emphasized the need for a global Islamic awakening, indicating his ambition to see the Islamic Republic as a precursor to a larger spiritual revival that could prepare the world for the Mahdi. Through policies aimed at promoting Islamic unity, Khomeini attempted to position Iran as a spiritual leader among Muslims worldwide. He supported Islamic movements outside Iran and envisioned an “export” of the revolution to inspire Muslims to adopt similar values and systems of governance.

This approach reflects his belief that a universal struggle against injustice and tyranny was necessary to establish a society that aligns with the Mahdi’s eventual goals. He emphasized that Muslims had a duty to create just societies in preparation for the Mahdi, showing that Khomeini considered the Iranian Revolution and its Islamic state as part of a broader spiritual mission.

The Establishment of the Islamic Republic and Shi’a Eschatology

The Islamic Republic’s institutions were heavily influenced by Khomeini’s beliefs, with policies emphasizing Islamic education, strict adherence to Sharia law, and an Islamic moral code. The Iranian government institutionalized religious beliefs within the state apparatus, and the concept of Velayat-e Faqih became central to Iran’s legal and political system.

Through these structures, Khomeini aimed to create an environment where Islamic teachings and law would govern every aspect of life. Some scholars argue that this Islamic system, with its focus on virtue, morality, and justice, is intended to serve as a prototype of governance aligned with the Mahdi’s mission. In this view, Khomeini was not claiming that his government was the ultimate or final Islamic state but rather one that would be part of a continuum leading up to the Mahdi’s arrival.

Support for Global Islamic Movements

Another aspect of Khomeini’s mission that aligns with the preparation for the Mahdi’s return was his support for Islamic resistance movements across the world. Khomeini encouraged Muslims in Palestine, Lebanon, Afghanistan, and beyond to rise against oppression and strive for self-governance under Islamic principles. He saw this as a transnational effort to empower Muslims globally and resist Western influence and secularism, both of which he viewed as obstacles to a truly Islamic society.

Through financial support, military training, and ideological guidance, Khomeini promoted what he called an “Islamic awakening,” aiming to bring Muslims worldwide closer to Islamic governance. This effort was rooted in a belief that a collective Islamic uprising could create conditions that align with the expectations of the Mahdi’s eventual rule.

Khomeini’s Writings and Statements on the Mahdi

Khomeini’s speeches, writings, and public statements consistently reaffirmed his belief in the Mahdi’s return as both a certainty and a hope. He often spoke of the Mahdi as the ultimate savior, whose arrival would herald the end of corruption and usher in an era of divine justice. His speeches reveal a profound sense of responsibility among Shi’a Muslims to prepare for this momentous occasion by upholding their faith and creating societies grounded in Islamic justice.

In his speeches to the Iranian people, Khomeini reminded them of their spiritual duty to contribute to a world where the Mahdi’s ideals could flourish. He often used phrases like “awaiting the Mahdi” and “preparing for the Mahdi,” language that implies he saw his revolution as a necessary prelude to the Mahdi’s ultimate mission.

Conclusion

Ayatollah Khomeini’s vision for an Islamic state was deeply intertwined with Shi’a eschatology and the belief in the Mahdi’s return. His establishment of an Islamic government in Iran, his emphasis on moral and social justice, and his support for global Islamic movements all suggest that he viewed his mission as more than just political. Instead, Khomeini seemed to see his efforts as part of a divine plan, one that would pave the way for the Mahdi’s eventual emergence.

While Khomeini did not claim to know the timing of the Mahdi’s arrival, his revolutionary goals and governance philosophy reflect a commitment to creating conditions that could prepare his followers—and the world—for the Mahdi’s appearance. In doing so, he infused the Iranian Revolution and its political ideology with a sense of divine purpose, making his legacy one that continues to influence Shi’a thought and politics across the globe.

In essence, while Khomeini did not position himself as a herald of the Mahdi, his actions and teachings aimed to prepare his followers for a world in which the Mahdi’s principles of justice and Islamic governance could one day be fully realized.