Introduction
Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 Iranian Revolution, is a polarizing figure in modern Islamic history. While hailed as a hero by Shia Muslims for establishing the Islamic Republic of Iran, Khomeini's theological positions and statements have sparked intense condemnation from Sunni scholars. Many Sunni Islamic scholars regard Khomeini as a disbeliever (kafir) due to his deviation from core Islamic beliefs, his disrespect towards the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) companions, and his promulgation of doctrines seen as contradictory to the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah.
This article explores the reasons why prominent Sunni scholars have issued fatwas declaring Khomeini a kafir and examines the theological basis for their judgments.
1. Disrespect Toward the Companions of the Prophet (Sahabah)
One of the most controversial aspects of Khomeini’s ideology is his open criticism and denigration of the Sahabah, especially Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman (may Allah be pleased with them). Sunni Muslims hold the Sahabah in the highest regard as the best generation of Muslims, chosen by Allah to accompany and support the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Khomeini’s Statements:
In his writings, including Kashf al-Asrar, Khomeini accused Abu Bakr and Umar of distorting Islam after the Prophet’s death. He also alleged that they usurped the rightful leadership of Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him).Sunni Perspective:
Sunni scholars consider insulting the Sahabah a grave sin. Allah says in the Quran:
"And the first forerunners [in the faith] among the Muhajirun and the Ansar and those who followed them with good conduct – Allah is pleased with them, and they are pleased with Him..." (Surah At-Tawbah: 100).
By undermining the Sahabah, Khomeini indirectly questions Allah’s approval of them, which is seen as a denial of Quranic truth and a path to disbelief.Scholarly Verdicts:
Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal stated that anyone who curses or insults the Sahabah has deviated from the fold of Islam. Similar views have been echoed by classical Sunni scholars like Imam Malik and Imam Abu Hanifah.
2. Exaggeration in the Status of Imams
Khomeini, adhering to Twelver Shia theology, ascribed divine-like qualities to the twelve Shia Imams. He claimed that these Imams possess authority over the universe, knowledge of the unseen, and the ability to intercede unconditionally for believers.
Khomeini’s Theology:
Khomeini stated in Al-Hukumah al-Islamiyyah that the Imam holds a station "beyond that of the angels and Prophets." He also endorsed beliefs that ascribe infallibility and omniscience to the Imams.Sunni Perspective:
In Sunni Islam, only Allah possesses absolute knowledge and control over creation. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the humanity of the Prophets, including the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):
"Say [O Muhammad], ‘I am only a man like you, to whom has been revealed that your god is one God...’" (Surah Al-Kahf: 110).
Exaggerating the status of the Imams is seen as shirk (associating partners with Allah), a sin that nullifies one’s faith.
- Scholarly Fatwas:
Sunni scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah and contemporary scholars such as Sheikh Bin Baz have explicitly condemned such beliefs as heretical and contrary to Islamic monotheism (tawhid).
3. Insults Toward the Quran
Another significant reason Sunni scholars have declared Khomeini a disbeliever is his endorsement of the Shia belief that the Quran has been altered and is incomplete.
Shia Claims:
Some Twelver Shia texts assert that the original Quran contained verses that explicitly supported the Imamate of Ali and his descendants but were removed by the Sahabah.Khomeini’s Stance:
Although Khomeini did not explicitly declare this belief in his major works, his praise for classical Shia scholars who propagated this idea implies his tacit approval.Sunni Response:
The Quran itself declares its preservation by Allah:
"Indeed, it is We who sent down the Quran, and indeed, We will be its guardian." (Surah Al-Hijr: 9).
Questioning the integrity of the Quran is tantamount to disbelief because it undermines Allah’s promise of preservation.Fatwas Issued:
Sunni scholars like Sheikh Al-Albani, Sheikh Qaradawi, and others have ruled that anyone who doubts the Quran’s authenticity has left the fold of Islam.
4. Innovations in Religious Practices
Khomeini’s promotion of practices like self-flagellation during Ashura, seeking intercession through Imams, and constructing extravagant shrines contradict Sunni teachings and are considered bid’ah (innovation).
Innovative Practices:
Twisting the concept of tawassul (seeking intercession) by invoking deceased Imams or saints is common in Shia rituals endorsed by Khomeini.Sunni Belief:
In Islam, acts of worship are strictly confined to what has been prescribed in the Quran and Sunnah. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"Whoever introduces into this matter of ours (Islam) something that is not part of it, it will be rejected." (Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim).Scholarly Verdict:
Sunni scholars have ruled that such practices, if coupled with a belief in their necessity for salvation, can lead to disbelief.
5. Khomeini’s Political and Theological Extremism
Khomeini’s establishment of the doctrine of Wilayat al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist) granted Shia clerics near-divine authority over all aspects of life, including governance.
Wilayat al-Faqih:
This concept, introduced by Khomeini, elevates a single cleric to supreme authority, overriding traditional Islamic systems of consultation (shura) and consensus (ijma).Sunni Rejection:
Sunni scholars view this as a direct challenge to Islamic principles of governance and an innovation with no basis in the Quran or Sunnah.Fatwas Against Khomeini’s Rule:
Prominent Sunni scholars like Sheikh Ibn Uthaymeen and Sheikh Nasiruddin Al-Albani have criticized Wilayat al-Faqih as a deviation from Islam.
Conclusion
The fatawa of Sunni Islamic scholars declaring Ayatollah Khomeini a disbeliever stem from his blatant deviation from core Islamic teachings. His disrespect for the Sahabah, exaggerated veneration of Imams, implicit endorsement of Quranic alterations, promotion of innovations, and extremist political theology collectively form the basis for these judgments.
Khomeini’s ideology not only challenges Sunni orthodoxy but also poses a broader threat to Islamic unity. It is imperative for Muslims to be vigilant and uphold the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah as preserved by the Ahlus-Sunnah wal-Jamaah. By doing so, the ummah can safeguard itself from theological and political misguidance.
May Allah guide the Muslim ummah toward unity and adherence to the truth.
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