The Iranian Revolution of 1979, led by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, marked a transformative moment in the history of the Middle East and reshaped the social, political, and religious landscape of Iran. Though the revolution initially garnered support from diverse groups eager to oust the Shah, it soon became clear that Khomeini’s vision for an Islamic Republic was one of strict Shiite dominance, leaving little room for dissenting voices—including those of the Sunni minority. Over the years following the revolution, Sunni Islamic scholars became targets of systematic repression, and many faced imprisonment, persecution, and even execution. This article delves into the history and motivations behind the targeting of Sunni scholars in Iran under Khomeini’s rule, exploring how this crackdown shaped Sunni-Shiite relations and continues to affect Iran’s Sunni communities today.
The Political and Religious Climate in Revolutionary Iran
Before the 1979 revolution, Iran was a monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, whose secular, pro-Western policies often alienated religious conservatives and traditionalists. The Shah's rule, however, maintained a relative tolerance toward both Sunni and Shiite religious leaders, and although the Sunni population was often marginalized, it was not subject to organized religious persecution.
The revolution sought to dismantle the secular monarchy and replace it with an Islamic government, but Khomeini’s vision of an Islamic Republic was explicitly Shiite in nature, with little consideration for Sunni beliefs or practices. Khomeini and his followers established the “Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist” (Wilayat al-Faqih), a governance structure that put ultimate authority in the hands of a Shiite supreme leader. This structure sidelined Sunni perspectives and made any dissent appear as a direct challenge to the very essence of the new regime. Sunni leaders and scholars who opposed or critiqued the regime faced severe reprisals, and many were accused of working with “foreign enemies” to destabilize Iran.
Sunni Scholars as Targets of Persecution
After the revolution, Sunni scholars who questioned Khomeini’s policies or called for religious and cultural rights were often labeled as threats to the state. The Sunni minority, which constitutes roughly 10-15% of Iran’s population and is concentrated in regions like Kurdistan, Baluchistan, and Khuzestan, faced additional scrutiny for their ethnic identities, as many Sunnis in Iran belong to ethnic minorities, including Kurds, Baluchis, and Arabs. This ethnic and religious combination made Sunni leaders even more susceptible to being branded as separatists or traitors.
Several Sunni scholars became prominent figures in the struggle against religious oppression in Iran. These leaders called for equal representation in government, the right to build mosques, and the freedom to educate Sunni children according to their traditions. However, Khomeini’s regime viewed these demands as subversive. Sunni scholars who were vocal about these issues faced constant harassment, and many were arrested on charges of “anti-revolutionary activities” or “spreading propaganda against the Islamic Republic.” In numerous cases, these accusations led to executions or assassinations of prominent Sunni figures.
Notable Sunni Scholars Persecuted Under Khomeini
One of the most significant examples of persecution was the treatment of Mawlawi Abdul Aziz Mollazadeh, a highly respected Sunni scholar and leader in Baluchistan. Mollazadeh was a renowned figure in Iran’s Baluch Sunni community and a prominent advocate for Sunni rights. His calls for religious equality and fair treatment for Iran’s Sunnis brought him into direct conflict with the Khomeini regime, which sought to quell any form of dissent. Despite his peaceful approach, Mollazadeh faced severe intimidation and surveillance. Though he was not executed, the constant state repression he and his followers endured had a chilling effect on Sunni activism, discouraging others from speaking out against the regime.
Another key figure was Sheikh Mohammed Rigi, a Sunni cleric and social leader who championed the rights of Sunnis in the Sistan-Baluchistan region. Rigi was outspoken in his criticism of the regime’s discrimination against Sunnis and called for religious freedoms, particularly the right to establish Sunni schools and mosques. Rigi was eventually arrested and executed, a clear message to other Sunni scholars that any resistance to Shiite rule would be met with harsh consequences.
Sheikh Ahmad Moftizadeh, an influential Sunni cleric from Kurdistan, was another victim of the post-revolution crackdown. Moftizadeh led a movement calling for the rights of Kurdish Sunnis and was known for his efforts to promote non-violence and religious tolerance. Despite his peaceful stance, Moftizadeh’s calls for autonomy and recognition of Sunni rights were viewed as a threat. He was arrested, imprisoned, and subjected to severe mistreatment. Moftizadeh’s health deteriorated in prison, and he ultimately died shortly after his release, raising suspicions of deliberate neglect and abuse.
The Ideological Justification for Suppressing Sunni Scholars
Khomeini’s persecution of Sunni scholars was rooted in a combination of theological and political factors. At the theological level, Khomeini’s vision for an Islamic state was distinctly Shiite, and his doctrine of Wilayat al-Faqih implied that only a Shiite scholar could legitimately govern an Islamic society. This viewpoint left little room for Sunni leaders and institutions, which were seen as potential competitors to the authority of the Shiite clerical establishment.
Politically, Khomeini’s regime was highly suspicious of any dissenting religious voices, viewing them as potential collaborators with foreign powers. Iran’s Sunni communities, particularly the Baluchis and Kurds, have historical and cultural ties to Sunni-majority countries, such as Pakistan and Iraq. The regime often accused Sunni leaders of being proxies for these foreign powers, which justified the harsh crackdown on any form of Sunni activism or advocacy. This narrative allowed the regime to frame its persecution of Sunni scholars as a matter of national security, rather than a sectarian issue.
Long-Term Implications of Persecution
The systematic targeting of Sunni scholars under Khomeini had a lasting impact on Sunni communities in Iran. Fear and distrust toward the Iranian government became deeply ingrained within these communities, which saw their leaders and religious figures silenced or eliminated. This persecution also stymied the development of Sunni religious and educational institutions in Iran, as the regime severely restricted the establishment of Sunni schools, mosques, and seminaries. As a result, many Sunnis in Iran lack access to religious education that aligns with their beliefs, leading some to travel abroad to pursue religious studies.
The repression of Sunni leaders also created an environment where Sunni identity became a form of resistance. In regions like Baluchistan and Kurdistan, the Sunni identity became intertwined with calls for greater autonomy and cultural rights, fueling tensions between these communities and the central government. Over time, this dynamic contributed to the marginalization of Sunnis in Iran, as they remained underrepresented in government and faced economic and social disadvantages.
Contemporary Sunni Discontent and Khomeini’s Legacy
Khomeini’s legacy of persecuting Sunni scholars has continued to affect Iran’s political and social landscape, as successive Iranian leaders have largely maintained this policy of repression. While there have been periods of relative calm, the distrust between Sunni communities and the government persists, with sporadic outbreaks of violence and protest in Sunni-majority areas. Iran’s government continues to keep a tight grip on Sunni religious activities, often censoring sermons, limiting Sunni media, and closely monitoring Sunni clerics.
Today, Sunni communities in Iran still call for greater religious freedom, fair representation, and an end to discrimination. Although there have been attempts by some Iranian officials to integrate Sunni voices into the broader political landscape, these gestures are often seen as symbolic rather than substantive. Many Sunnis view the government’s approach as a continuation of Khomeini’s policies, with religious repression serving as a tool to maintain centralized Shiite control.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Persecution
The persecution of Sunni Islamic scholars under Khomeini’s regime represents a dark chapter in Iran’s history, highlighting the complex relationship between sectarian identity and state power. By systematically targeting Sunni religious leaders, the Iranian government sought to consolidate a singular Shiite identity that excluded and marginalized Sunnis, leaving a legacy of division and distrust.
The enduring impact of this policy is evident today, as Sunni communities continue to struggle for recognition and rights within a Shiite-dominated political system. The repression of Sunni scholars not only deprived these communities of spiritual guidance but also deprived Iran of a more inclusive and harmonious religious landscape. As Iran grapples with ongoing challenges, the legacy of Khomeini’s treatment of Sunni scholars remains a source of tension and a reminder of the consequences of religious intolerance.
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