Ali Khamenei, A Scholar committed to Demystifiying Islam

Ali Khamenei, A Scholar Committed to Demystifying Islam

By Jan Freidun Taravosh December 2nd 2009

Introduction: 

Sayyid Ali Khameni, Supreme  leader and guide of the Islamic Revolution and former President of the Islamic Republic of Iran. since a very young age, has been very committed to Islamology studies. He was a student in Qum, and also around the time of the 60’s and mid  70’s he was a frequent lecturer in Mashad and under places. His lectures raised the politically interested students, yet his commitment to lecturing the youth on the revolutionary aspects of Islamic Thought. While theses lectures were popular among youth, students and common people in general.  they were not appreciated by the Imperialist, pro U.S and notoriously  fascist Shah Regime, and thus Khamenei was imprisoned by the Shah’s secret service SAVAK no less than 6 times, while in prison he was often tortured.  this didn’t stop Khamenei from lecturing with zeal, with the aim of sending a clear message of Islam to the People of Iran and especially to the youth. 

 The publishing of “The General Pattern of Islamic Thought in the Qur’an” - a review

One of his profound lectures is known as “The General Pattern of Islamic Thought in the Qur’an” it’s a thesis which was first written in 1972, was published in the time of the fifth anniversary of the victory of the Islamic Revolution  the founding of the independent state The Islamic  Republic of Iran, which was celebrated in the mid 80’s. In this pamphlet which is only 78 pages long, Khamenei still succeeds in proving a deep understanding to the reader on the concept of Islamic thought, by bringing clarity to a selection of Qur’anic verses and demystifying Islam and always keeping a clear perspective correlating the concept of thought with social environment and practical reality of regular human beings.

Khamenei speaks with clarity from start, pointing out that: “Islamic learning's, teachings and system of thought, should rid of abstraction [...] Islam like other schools of thought, should apply to practical responsibilities and social life of man moreover.”

Faith arises from understanding, intellect and knowledge

Khamenei also explains how the concept or Islam thought appeals in particular to the human intellect, and in one stroke he thus explains how Islamic Thought is incompatible with ignorance. 

“Faith arises from understanding, intellect and knowledge” (see page 19) and furthermore that ““true faith is inseparable from action” 

(see page 21)

Khamenei also shows how spiritual awareness can be a powerful driving force in the transformation of society, and Khamenei furthermore clarifies that Islam,   contrary to the general belief in the west, is indeed relevant in today’s world:

“ in this school of thought(Islam) battle against man’s domineering commands. class privileges, exploitation and tyranny in any form is something natural in the same way that in an ideal social system it is natural to care about freedom, man’s reverence, social justice, public welfare and abolishment of tyranny and oppression. Therefore the direction and the aim of the prophets’ school of thought is quite clear.”

A Perfect Introduction to The Holy Qur’an

Although “The General Pattern of Islamic Thought” is a relatively short Pamphlet Reading it, provided me with a most dynamic understanding of Islamic Thought and  indeed this work really succeeds in getting rid of abstraction and serves everyone well.  The language is not complicated and everyone can relate to the social character of the published text. 

For anyone who is curious in reading the Qur’an, the above mentioned work is a perfect introduction and I think the Pamphlet is as relevant today as it was when it was published - if not more. 

Khamenei’s commitment to demystifying and revitalising the true core concepts of Islam, is well appreciated and works well as a means for dispelling Islamophobic sentiments among people in general. 

An Essential Read for Muslims and non Muslims alike 

It’s an essential read for Muslims and non Muslims alike. I am  especially convinced that  anti imperialist youth and progressive students will be positively surprised, as this book clarifies the true dynamics of Islamic Thought, which is genuinely unheard of in the west. 

The quest for clarity and the  aim to dispel all sorts of confusion is ever present in this Pamphlet, or as Khamenei himself explains it: “To get rid of confusion and anxiety is one of the most important characteristics of the faithful, the Qur’an promises to provide the faithful with this valuable spiritual state.”

Don’t let prejudice or Islamophobia scare you, “The General Concept of Islamic Thought in The Qur’an” is as easy accessible as it is profound, My advice is that you should go and ask you local library for it!