Ayatollah Khomeini and The Anatomy of the Islamic Revolution in Iran: Toward a Theory of Prophetic Charisma

by Dustin J. Byrd

Overview

This book attempts to explain how and why Ayatollah Khomeini was able to lead the Iranian people in their successful revolution against the Shah of Iran. Bringing together the sociological study of charisma by the sociologist Max Weber and the critical psychology of Erich Fromm, especially his analysis of the "prophet" and "priest," Byrd develops a theory of "prophetic charisma," which attempts to explain how Khomeini's thoughts and actions made him uniquely qualified to guide Iran from under the Shah's dictatorship. He pays close attention to the importance of authority, and how Khomeini's authority to lead the revolution is tied with the charismatic authority that began with the prophet Muhammad. Furthermore, Byrd concentrates on the relationship between Khomeini and the political Marxist-Leninists movements and groups in Iran at the time of the revolution. The book demonstrates how his "Islamization" of leftist language helped infuse a radical Islamo-Marxist critique of the Shah into the Iranian masses. Byrd shows how Khomeini not only benefited from the Left's activities in Iran but also how their critical analysis of the Iranian situation influenced Khomeini's own thoughts and language.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780761854852
Publisher:	University Press of America
Publication date:	05/20/2011
Pages:	130
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.80(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Dustin J. Byrd is an assistant professor of humanities at Olivet College in Michigan. He specializes in the critical theory of religion (Frankfurt School) and Islam, and continues to work on a critical theory of Islamic modernity and revolution.

Table of Contents

Preface viii

Acknowledgements xi

I Introduction 1

II Imam Khomeini's Political Biography 3

1941 - 1960: Political Awakening: Reform the Shah in Order to Resist the Shah 3

1961 - 1964: Political Activism: Contra Dictator a Coronada 5

1964 - 1919: Exile and the Return of the Imam 10

III A Theory of "Prophetic Charisma" 25

Weber's Concept of Charisma 25

Weberian and Islamic Prophets 28

General Role of the Prophet 30

Weberian Role of the Prophet 31

Erich Fromm's Prophet and Priest 32

Prophet Muhammad as Standard Bearer for What is "Prophetic" 37

The Prophetic and Martyrdom: 'Ali and Hussein 42

IV Khomeini's Prophetic Charisma 49

Modernization without Westernization? 51

Khomeini's Theory - Praxis Dialectic 52

Khomeini and the Priest 54

Khomeini's Attempt to Bring the Prophet to the Priest 54

Conclusion 59

V Charismatic Authority in the Shi' a Tradition: Allah, Muhammad, 'Ali, Twelve Imams, and the 'Ulama 61

Khomeini's Charismatic Authority 66

Khomeini's Prophetic Authority 67

Political Environment of Pre-Revolutionary Iran 68

Criteria for Establishing Prophetic Authority 71

Khomeini is Recognized as Being Prophetic 71

People's Acceptance of Khomeini as "Revolutionary Leader" 73

VI Khomeini and the Political Left 77

Marxist - Leninist Philosophy 78

Five Marxist Influenced Iranian Opposition Groups 80

Tudeh Party 81

National Front 82

Freedom Movement of Iran 83

Mujahideen-i Khalq 85

Fedayeen-i Khalq 87

Marxist Intellectuals Behind the Revolution: The Politics of Return 87

Jalal Al-i Ahmad 88

'Ali Shari'ati 92

Khomeini's Use of Leftist - Islamic Language 98

Summary 102

VII Final Conclusions 107

Bibliography 109

Index 113

What People are Saying About This

Micahl R. Ott

In the midst of the contemporary world crisis due to the inherent class antagonisms of the current neo-liberal/neo-conservative globalization of capitalist civil society, which once again contains the geo-political 'flashpoint' of increasing tensions between the 'Western' powers of the G-8 and Iran, Byrd makes an excellent contribution to this very important and extremely relevant discourse for the sake of enlightenment and peace.

Rudolf J. Siebert

An excellent application of the critical theory of religion in the situation of the Near East. Many have often said that the Frankfurt School is hopelessly bound to the Western world, but this book demonstrates that it can shed light on the Muslim world as well, and that it continues to be relevant for today's socio-political environment.

Editorial Reviews

In the midst of the contemporary world crisis due to the inherent class antagonisms of the current neo-liberal/neo-conservative globalization of capitalist civil society, which once again contains the geo-political 'flashpoint' of increasing tensions between the 'Western' powers of the G-8 and Iran, Byrd makes an excellent contribution to this very important and extremely relevant discourse for the sake of enlightenment and peace.

Dr. Micahl R. Ott

An excellent application of the critical theory of religion in the situation of the Near East. Many have often said that the Frankfurt School is hopelessly bound to the Western world, but this book demonstrates that it can shed light on the Muslim world as well, and that it continues to be relevant for today's socio-political environment.

Rudolf J. Siebert

The Anatomy of the Islamic Revolution in Iran is a book that should be studied in political science courses, in courses on the political history of the Middle East, Iranian history, American history, and courses on the inter-relationship of the East and West. Anatomy is also helpful for studying Soviet influence in Muslim lands and the ties between the Soviets and radical Islam. Ordinary citizens of every Western country should read this book. Anyone with any type of political interaction with Iran should read and study this book as well. All Westerners involved in diplomacy with the Muslim world, and especially Iran, should also read this book.

Reviews in Religion & Theology

An excellent application of the critical theory of religion in the situation of the Near East. Many have often said that the Frankfurt School is hopelessly bound to the Western world, but this book demonstrates that it can shed light on the Muslim world as well, and that it continues to be relevant for today's socio-political environment.

Dr. Rudolf J. Siebert

The Anatomy of the Islamic Revolution in Iran is a book that should be studied in political science courses, in courses on the political history of the Middle East, Iranian history, American history, and courses on the inter-relationship of the East and West. Anatomy is also helpful for studying Soviet influence in Muslim lands and the ties between the Soviets and radical Islam. Ordinary citizens of every Western country should read this book. Anyone with any type of political interaction with Iran should read and study this book as well. All Westerners involved in diplomacy with the Muslim world, and especially Iran, should also read this book.

Reviews In Religion and Theology

The Anatomy of the Islamic Revolution in Iran is a book that should be studied in political science courses, in courses on the political history of the Middle East, Iranian history, American history, and courses on the inter-relationship of the East and West. Anatomy is also helpful for studying Soviet influence in Muslim lands and the ties between the Soviets and radical Islam. Ordinary citizens of every Western country should read this book. Anyone with any type of political interaction with Iran should read and study this book as well. All Westerners involved in diplomacy with the Muslim world, and especially Iran, should also read this book.

Reviews in Religion and Theology