In order to understand the particular characteristics of a religion, one should refer to the dominating element of that religion. With this view in mind Imam Khomeini developed a comprehensive outlook in the light of which he exercised his ijtihad and developed his political thought as well.. In his Tahrir al-Wasilah, he writes:
“Islam is the religion of politics with its all dimensions. It is very clear for those who have the least knowledge of political, economic and social aspects of Islam. Thus, anybody maintaining that religion is separate from politics , has no knowledge of religion and politics.”
According to Imam Khomeini, the Qur'an contains political and social issues more than ethical and ritual (personal) matters. Even the rituals mentioned in the holy Qur'an are politically oriented. Thus, it can be stated that politics intermingled with rituals and vice versa. Take, for instance, the following ethical maxim of Islam : “All faithful are brothers” is a socio-political commandment. Such brotherhood is not limited to a country but covers all the Muslims throughout the of the world.
That is, if all Muslims establish brotherhood with each other, they can easily defeat the enemies.
Rituals in Islam are identical with political issues, The Friday prayers and Hajj pilgrimage which are two important rituals and are indeed, politically significant for an Islamic society. On the necessity of offering Friday prayer sermons, Imam Khomeini says:
“It is for an Imam of Friday prayer to talk about the religious and worldly interests of the Muslims during his Friday prayer sermons, and inform them of condition of Muslims in other countries and bring to their notice their interests as well.
He should talk to them about their religious and worldly requirements, refer to economic and political issues, inform them of their relations with other countries and elaborate on the interference of colonial powers in their countries.”
The political and social aspects of Hajj pilgrimage are very evident. The following verses of the Qur'an signify this point:
That they may witness advantages for them...
....And mention the name of Allah...
Imam Khomeini copiously refers to the importance of Hajj pilgrimage. In one of his speeches he says:
“Hajj minus biraat (deliverance) is not a true Hajj. Muslims in such a great congregation should declare their readiness to fight the superpowers and support each other.”
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