Realism in the Political Thought of Imam Khomeini (RA): An Analysis of the Theory of Velayat-e Faqih in Light of Balancing Religious Ideals and Political Realities Using Spragens' Crisis Theory (RA)

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
Reza ostovar masoud 1
Mohammad Hossein Norouzi 2
1 Department of Political Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
2 Department of Political Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
10.22084/rjir.2026.32164.4012
Abstract
Objective: This research aims to examine the components of realism in Imam Khomeini's political thought and analyze the theory of Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Jurist) in light of the relationship between religious ideals and socio-political realities. The central question is whether Imam Khomeini's political thought can be understood within a realist framework and what the elements of this realism are in the theory of Velayat-e Faqih.

Methodology: Using an analytical-descriptive approach and employing Thomas Spragens' "crisis theory" framework, this study analyzes how Imam Khomeini's political thought formed in connection with the crises of his era, social conditions, and the objective needs of society.

Findings: Imam Khomeini, through a precise understanding of his time's political and social situation, established a link between fixed Islamic principles and changing exigencies. Velayat-e Faqih is not merely an idealistic scheme but a realistic, practical response to the crisis of legitimacy, political inefficacy, and the need to organize society based on religious values. Key indicators of realism in his thought include: emphasis on content over governmental form, attention to available capacities, the role of time and place in ijtihad (independent juristic reasoning), and avoidance of sheer expediency.

Conclusion: Imam Khomeini's political thought embodies a form of religious realism—not deviation from Islamic ideals but their realization within actual social conditions. Within this framework, the theory of Velayat-e Faqih represents a model for balancing religious ideals and political necessity.
Keywords
Imam Khomeini (RA)
Political Thought
Velayat-e Faqih
Realism
Crisis Theory
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