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Imam's Childhood
Born in 1901 AD, his birthday coincides with the anniversary of the auspicious birth of Hazrat Fatimah az-Zahraa (s.a.), the most revered and highly respected woman in Islam. The Imam was born into a religious family; his father, Ayatullah as-Sayyed Mustafa al-Moosavi was educated in an-Najaf and Samarraa, and later returned to his birthplace, Khomayn, where he was the religious leader of the people until his death at the age of 42. Imam Khomayni's mother also had a religious background for she was the daughter of Ayatullah Mirza Ahmad, an exalted theologian. Due to the early death of his father, the Imam was brought up under the loving care of his mother and his aunt Sahibah, however, when he was at the early age of fifteen his aunt died, and shortly afterwards his mother also passed away. The loss of his dear ones was a severe blow to one so young but it also served to strengthen the will of the Imam and cemented his faith in Allah, the Almighty, all the more.
The Imam studied literature at the center for theological studies in Arak and later in the Holy Qum, and became an mujtahid on theological law.
He began to teach philosophy at the age of 27, and he has written many books on various aspects of religion. At the age of 30, Imam married the daughter of a religious scholar and their marriage was blessed with two sons and three daughters.
The Imam has always spoken out against the oppression and tyranny in the world with a resonant voice. His constant protest against the former tyrannical regime in Iran stirred fire in the hearts of the Pahlavi regime and their hatred was openly displayed when. after imprisoning the Imam, they eventually exiled him from his native land.
The Imam's Arrest
On the night of the 15th of Khordad, troops besieged Qum , rushed to the Imam's home and took him to Tehran where they held him in custody in the Qasr prison. He was later transferred to the Ishrat Abad Garrison. The next day the people in Qom took to the streets and led by Haj-Mustafa i, the Imam's son, shouted the slogan: "Either Death or Khomeini!". In Tehran the people demonstrated, shouting for his immediate release from prison. The bazaar and the university in Tehran were closed down. Troops opened fire on the people; casualties were heavy. Despite the security crackdown, the next day, (the 16th of Khordad), there were again demonstrations in Tehran in support of Imam. In many other cities and towns of Iran the people went out on strike. There was no casualty list available, but some 15,000 and 400 people were reported killed in Tehran and in Qom respectively. The Shah felt so threatened by the power of the Imam that he arranged for his exile.
The Imam's Life in Exile
On the night of Aban 13, 1343 (November 1964) Qom was again occupied by troops. They arrested the Imam and drove him to Mehrabad Airport to send him into exile in Turkey. In the morning the people of Qom were not allowed to leave their homes and troops surrounded the houses of religious leaders. Haj Mustafa Khomeini was arrested and imprisoned in Tehran. He was likewise sent into exile in Turkey some two months later. The top religious figures were jailed and nearly all other leaders were under police surveillance at their homes.
The exile of Imam to Izmir, Turkey, is the worst of all violating Article 14 of the Constitution of Iran to the effect that no Iranian shall be sent into exile or forced to leave his residence to reside elsewhere, unless otherwise stipulated by the law. Charged with revolt, the Imam has been under police surveillance since 1962. The Turkish government under pressure was obliged to transfer the Imam to Iraq with collaboration of the Iranian regime. The Iraqi government agreed with such a transfer, provided that Iran had no right to intervene in the Imam's fate, freedom of activities of length of his exile in Iraq.
Exile to Iraq
The Imam lived in exile in Turkey only for a short period during which he was engaged in writing books. In Najaf, Iraq, he resumed his activities, but in an announcement he pointed out that the resumption of his activities should not be considered as termination of his exile and the public should be enlightened accordingly. They were! For fifteen years in exile, Imam, wrote, spoke out, lectured, informed and amassed public fervor against tyrannical regime in Iran. He returned fifteen years later bringing the 'Dawn of an Islamic Revolution.
At a meeting of the foreign ministers of Iran and Iraq in New York a decision was made to deport The Imam i from Iraq. On the 2nd of Mehr, 1357 (Sept 24, 1978), Iraqi troops put siege to the Imam 's house in Najaf. The news of the siege angered the Muslims in Iran, Iraq and in other countries. In his visit to Imam, Iraqi security chief, had said that if Imam wished to stay in Iraq he must give up his political oppositions, and the Imam had strongly replied that, due to the responsibility not willing to remain Quiet nor is he willing to make a compromise.
Return to Home
Early in Bahman, 1357 the news concerning Imam Khomeini's decision to return to the country was spread. Whoever heard this news shed tears of joy. The people had been waiting for 14 years Immediately after his triumphant return he visited the shuhadaa first and foremost and addressed the multi-million gathering at Behesht-e-Zahraa cemetery.
The Islamic Republic of Iran, having followed the guidance of Imam, now has a strong and powerful system both at the national and international level. Islamic tenets and laws are referred to when policies and decisions are made in government and this at all times ensures that any activities or proposals carried out are in the interest of the people..
Contrary to the views expressed by the Western media. the people of Iran have gained a new respect and dignity. They can proudly say that what they have is self-achieved that their modest dress is proper and is their cultural identity (and not an outdated custom), and that their values are Islamic and pure.
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