Fighting Global Arrogance from the Perspective of Imam Khomeini

2024-11-01

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Arrogance from the Islamic Worldview Imam Khomeini’s Viewpoint on Global Arrogance References

The concept of “global arrogance” is a key theme in the political and ideological teachings of Imam Khomeini, the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Rooted in his revolutionary philosophy, global arrogance refers to the imperialistic behaviors of powerful nations, primarily the United States and its allies, whom the Imam believed perpetuated oppression and exploitation worldwide. In Imam Khomeini’s view, combating this arrogance required a united resistance, not only through political struggle but also by fostering spiritual and moral strength within Muslim societies. This article explores Imam Khomeini’s perspective on global arrogance, and through his teachings, Khomeini sought to awaken a spirit of independence and resilience, urging oppressed nations to reclaim their sovereignty and confront global injustice.

Arrogance from the Islamic Worldview

In the first instance, the terms “arrogance” and “the oppressed” are concepts used in contemporary Muslim literature to describe an oppressive system and the downtrodden individuals of a society respectively. In Islam, the arrogant ones have been described as existential threats, the major causes for the weakening of the nations and the forerunners in depriving the people of their freedom.

According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, the term “arrogance” is defined as the “behavior of a person when they feel that they are more important than other people so that they are rude to them or do not consider them[1].” According to Merriam-Webster, it is defined thus: “an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or presumptuous claims or assumptions[2].”

However, it is pertinent to say that the intended meaning of arrogance in the context of this article is a set of people or a government who treats others cruelly and unjustly, while the term “global arrogance” is used to describe the cultural and economic hegemony of powerful nations over other countries.

The Qur’an in a clear term strongly opposes colonialism, exploitation, and oppression and it does not condone arrogance from any creature. Thus, the Muslims are therefore enjoined to stand uprightly against any form of oppression on the earth and to assist their brethren, who were entangled in the shackles of the oppressors. It is the religious duty of the Muslims to fight for the liberation of the defenseless people and the people in bondage; whoever the captive or the oppressed might be. The Qur’an says: “Why should you not fight in the way of Allah and the oppressed men, women, and children, who say, ‘Our Lord, bring us out of this town whose people are oppressors, and appoint for us a guardian from Yourself, and appoint for us a helper from Yourself’?” (Qur’an 4: 75)

In the same vein, all the Apostles of God without any exception were commanded to fight against every form of oppression and injustice and to establish justice on the land: “Certainly, We raised an apostle in every nation [to preach:] ‘Worship Allah, and shun fake deities.’ Among them were some whom Allah guided, and among them were some who deserved to be in error. So, travel over the land and observe how was the fate of the deniers.” (Qur’an 16: 36)

The biographies of those chosen servants of God are a living testimony to this, as they stood against the tyrants or the oppressive governments in their respective periods. Similarly, the pure members of the Prophet’s household (i.e., Ahl al-Bayt) followed the footsteps of the Messengers of God, as every one of them fought to the last drop of their blood the oppression and injustice in their era. In this regard, Imam Khomeini said: “…All the heavenly religions have arisen from among the masses and with the help of the oppressed, have attacked the arrogant oppressors. Throughout history, the oppressed have arisen with the help of the prophets and placed the arrogant oppressors where they belong. In Islam, the honorable Prophet rose from the ranks of the weak, and with the help of the downtrodden either he enlightened the oppressors of his own era or he defeated them…[3].”

Imam Khomeini’s Viewpoint on Global Arrogance

In the contemporary era, Imam Khomeini is the shining radiance of the light of guidance, hope, and liberation for the world, which is full of cruelty and oppression. He, while explaining the concepts of arrogance and the oppressed said: “The arrogant are not solely the autocratic ruling kings and presidents or oppressive regimes. There is a general meaning for the term arrogant. One good example of the arrogant is those foreigners, who consider all other nations weak and therefore they subject them to aggression and oppression[4].”

Imam Khomeini’s approach towards the tyrants and the arrogant powers springs from the pivotal principle of monotheism; which negates every form of submissiveness to others than God. He said: “The root and base of all those beliefs- which is the most significant and valuable of our beliefs- is the principle of monotheism [tawhid]. …This principle teaches us that man should surrender only to the sacred essence of the Absolute Truth and must not obey any human being unless his obedience is tantamount to obedience to God. Therefore, no man has ever any right to force other human beings to surrender to him. And we learn the principle of freedom of man from this principle…[5]”

Meanwhile, Imam Khomeini’s viewpoint on the arrogant powers was practically demonstrated throughout his blessed lifestyle and this could also be found in some of his literary works and messages delivered at different occasions during his lifetime. However, for the sake of brevity, a few instances shall be highlighted under the following headings in this article:

1: Negation of Foreign Interference

Imam Khomeini believed that freedom is not just a privilege but a fundamental right of every human being. Thus, in the same way he strongly condemned domination over others, he likewise opposed submission to domination. It is on this basis that he stood firmly against and fought those arrogant powers who oppressed and exploited Iran in particular and the Muslims globally. In one of his messages, he said: “…Ours is the logic of Islam, a logic which says that Muslims should not be ruled by foreigners, they should not be dominated by others. We do not want to be subservient to others…[6]”

2: Negation of an inclination to the oppressor

In accordance with a clear Qur’anic injunction, Imam Khomeini opposed in a strong term any form of inclination towards arrogant powers and oppressors. He strongly opposed the aliens’ interference in the domestic affairs of other nations. This was clearly manifested in his popular slogan of neither East nor West. He received no financial or political support from any of those powerful nations. In one of his speeches, he categorically declared thus: “…We will never reach a compromise with any of the superpowers; we will neither be under American domination nor Soviet Union’s. We are Muslims and want to live. We want to live a humble life, but be free and independent…[7].”

3: Principle of ‘No Retreat, No Surrender’

Imam Khomeini throughout his struggle against the tyrants and arrogant powers believed in the principle of not succumbing to the oppressors; rather, he believed that the oppressed should continue to fight until freedom is finally achieved. And this, he demonstrated in his struggle against the powerful Pahlavi regime of Reza Shah until the Islamic government was achieved in Iran and likewise during an eight-year-imposed war by the regime of Saddam Hussein of Iraq. He said: “…Were we to compromise with America and other superpowers, we would not suffer these misfortunes. However, our nation is no longer ready to submit to humiliation and abjection; it prefers a bloody death to a life of shame. We are ready to be killed and we have made a covenant with God to follow the path of our leader, the Lord of the Martyrs[8]” Likewise, he said in one of his addresses thus: “Even if they threaten to hang Khomeini, he will not compromise. Reforms cannot be made at gunpoint; nor will the country be reformed by writing” Khomeini, the traitor” on the walls of Tehran![9]”

4: Staging an Economic Boycott

Imam Khomeini strongly believed that adhering to the thoughts and patronizing the products of the oppressors is an indirect way of promoting their ideologies and empowering them financially. Thus, he always invited the people to abandon Western thoughts and boycott their products to be saved from their domineering power. Imam Khomeini in one of his speeches to the Iranian people, said: “It is for you, the nation, to boycott a pharmacy that carries a foreign name and boycott its products unless it has changed its name. …Do not read their books. They bring those books for you to read; they want to change you (from your Eastern state to becoming a Westerner) and yet in its worst forms of dictatorship; they want to impose the worst forms of dictatorship on you. Do not buy those books[10].”

5: Principle of ‘No silence’ against the oppressors

Imam Khomeini believed that the oppressed should never remain silent in the face of tyrants and arrogant powers. This is because silence is tantamount to satisfaction and consent to the injustice and crimes being committed by the oppressors. Imam Khomeini in his 1987 Hajj message, said: “Alas! It is far, very far, that Khomeini would stand still and remain silent while the demons, the pagans, and those who join (associated) others with Allah violate the sanctity of the Qur’an, and the Ummah of Muhammad and…[11]”

6: Uprising for Freedom

Imam Khomeini’s thought is that for meaningful growth and development to occur in any nation, such a nation should have its own freedom and sovereignty; without the interference of the aliens in her cultural, political, economic affairs, etc. However, he believes that freedom and independence do not come overnight; rather, it comes with steadfastness and sacrifice. In his speech, Imam Khomeini said: “…The Iranian people witness so much injustice, they sacrifice so many lives yet still they resist they persevere, and this perseverance will bear fruit. There is no doubt that when a nation awakes when even its women rise against the government and against these oppressors, it will be victorious, God willing[12].” Likewise, he said: “Sacrifice is part of a revolution. Martyrdom and preparedness for martyrdom are prerequisite of a revolution. Sacrifice in the cause of revolution and its victory is inevitable, particularly a revolution that is accomplished for God and His religion, for the emancipation of the oppressed and shattering the hope of world-devourers and arrogant powers…[13]”

Conclusion

Imam Khomeini’s stance against global arrogance remains a cornerstone of his ideological legacy, emphasizing a comprehensive struggle against oppression and imperialism. His vision extended beyond political independence, calling for a moral and spiritual revival within oppressed nations to resist domination by powerful states. Through his teachings, Khomeini inspired a generation to seek justice, sovereignty, and unity in the face of external pressures. Today, his ideas continue to resonate among those who challenge global hegemony, reminding them of the enduring importance of resistance grounded in faith, resilience, and collective action.