Imam Khomeini: The Herald of Muslim Unity across the World

Imam Khomeini (1902–1989), the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, is widely recognized as a herald of Muslim unity across the world. His political and religious thought emphasized solidarity among Shi’a and Sunni Muslims, opposing sectarian division and foreign intervention in the Islamic world.

Core principles of Islamic unity

Imam Khomeini argued that Muslim unity was both a religious duty and a political necessity. He frequently referenced the Qur’anic verse, "Hold fast, all together, to Allah’s cord, and do not be divided [into sects]" (Quran 3:103), as a divine command against sectarianism (Khomeini, 1999, vol. 9, p. 131). According to Khomeini, shared principles among Islamic schools of thought could serve as a foundation for strength against external adversaries.

He conceptualized unity in three dimensions: national unity (among all ethnic groups within Iran), Islamic unity (between Shi’a and Sunni Muslims), and international unity (a united front against global imperialism).^[1]

Qur’anic foundations

Khomeini’s call for unity was rooted in his interpretation of two key Qur’anic verses:

Quran 3:103: "Hold fast, all together, to Allah’s cord, and do not be divided."
Quran 21:92: "Indeed this community of yours is one community."

He argued that these verses abrogated any justification for sectarian violence or takfir (excommunication) (Khomeini, 1999, vol. 12, p. 78).

Historical context

Khomeini’s pan-Islamic vision emerged during the Cold War and the decline of pan-Arabism after the 1967 Six-Day War. While in exile in Najaf, Iraq (1965–1978), he developed his theory of Islamic governance, Wilāyat al-Faqīh, which provided a political framework for achieving Muslim unity through the establishment of an Islamic state.^[2]

Key initiatives

Quds Day

In 1979, Khomeini inaugurated Quds Day (Jerusalem Day), held annually on the last Friday of Ramadan. The day calls for Muslim solidarity in support of the Palestinian people and in opposition to Israel. It remains one of the most prominent symbols of Khomeini’s unity discourse.^[3]

Avoiding sectarianism

Unlike sectarian leaders, Khomeini strategically employed symbols shared by both Sunnis and Shi’a. He referred to the era of the Prophet Muhammad and the Rightly-Guided Caliphs as "the golden age of Islam" — a formulation acceptable to Sunni Muslims — while also emphasizing Imam Ali’s role in governance, which legitimized this era for Shi’a (Khomeini, 1999, vol. 7, p. 45).

Obstacles to unity

In his speeches, Khomeini identified several obstacles to Muslim unity:

Pessimism and mutual excommunication (takfir) among Muslims
Friendship with the enemies of Islam
Nationalism and ethnic divisions promoted by superpowers
The influence of foreign powers in Islamic lands

In a speech on December 27, 1980, Khomeini stated: "The plan of the great powers and their affiliates in Islamic countries is to divide up the various Muslim groups […] to create hostility among them in the name of the Turkish, Kurdish, Arab or Persian nation. This is in direct contravention with the course of the Holy Quran" (Khomeini, 1999, vol. 15, p. 122).

Legacy

Khomeini’s call for Muslim unity has continued to influence Iranian foreign policy. The Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Iran embeds this principle, stating that the goal of the Islamic state extends beyond Iran’s borders to support oppressed Muslims worldwide. The annual International Islamic Unity Conference, held in Tehran on the week of the Prophet Muhammad’s birth, brings together Sunni and Shi’a scholars from across the world.^[4]

References

↑ Abrahamian, E. (2008). A History of Modern Iran. Cambridge University Press, p. 162.
↑ Abrahamian, E. (2008). A History of Modern Iran. Cambridge University Press, p. 165.
↑ Abrahamian, E. (2008). A History of Modern Iran. Cambridge University Press, p. 168.
↑ Abrahamian, E. (2008). A History of Modern Iran. Cambridge University Press, p. 180.