Welcome, Imam
February 1, 1979 (Bahman 12th, in the Iranian calendar) was like a sunrise for the Islamic Revolution. On this day, the steps of the founder of the Islamic Republic touched the soil of homeland back from a 14-year exile.
Below is a recount of the events leading to banishment of Imam Khomeini until his eventual return to Iran.
Security agents of Reza Khan, the father of the dethroned despot of Iran, himself a despotic monarch, were ordered to restrict Imam Khomeini's activities. But the Imam continued his gradual but firm effort to spread his enlightening message to masses.
After the demise of Ayatollah Borujerdi, the paramount Shia leader of the time, Imam Khomeini was chosen his successor by the mainstream Alims and people. With this, his cultural Jihad against the monarchy gathered momentum in 1961, reaching a climax in 1963.
On June 3rd of that year the Imam made a historical speech against the dependence of the Shah's regime on foreign powers and its support of the Zionist regime. He also stressed on the role of the Alims in society.
Late Imam Khomeini was immediately arrested on June 5th. But his powerful speech brought the people of Qom out into the streets. News reached other cities and for two days people in several major cities including Tehran, demonstrated against the Shah and in support of the Imam.
On June 5th, troops supported by tank crushed the growing movement. Many were massacred and the Shah's dictatorial regime appeared to have achieved victory. But the seed of the Islamic Revolution had been planted otherwise.
Following the Imam's arrest, the regime came under sever pressure from the Alims and people. On November 4th 1961, Imam Khomeini was sent into exile. He was first deported to Turkey and then to Iraq where he took up residence in Najaf.
Still determined to act according to his religious responsibility the late Imam deepened his political struggle. This further added to the religious and political awareness and maturity of the Iranian people that was demonstrated by their angry and massive response to the assassination of Haj Mostafa Khomeini, the Imam's eldest son, in the winter of 1977 by the agents of the Shah's secret police, the SAVAK.
The martyrdom of Haj Mostafa, as well as an insulting article published in the state-run daily Ettela`at on SAVAK`s order, prompted people to hold protest mourning ceremonies in major cities across the country. Many people were martyred in the ensuing demonstrations and the regime decided that the only way to calm the situation was to prevent the Imam's inspirational message from reaching the people.
The Shah demanded and received cooperation from the Iraqi regime and the Imam was expelled on 3 October 1978.
Imam Khomeini set out for Kuwait on October 3rd 1978 but was denied entry by the government. After consulting with his son, Ahamad, the Imam decided to go to France where he arrived on October 5th and a few days later took up residence in the small village of Neauphle-le-Château.
In Iran mass protests against the regime and the continued exile of the Imam grew to such an extent that it became impossible to control and suppress.
The late Imam made frequent speeches, sent messages to the Iranian nation, gave numerous interviews to the media, outlining the liberation-seeking values and ideas of Islam and explaining the framework of the Islamic state based on divine justice.
The ruling regime was facing a serious crisis. Shah fled Iran forced by the floods of demonstrating people who took to streets on a daily basis. Shah however left the ruling for the "liberal" Bakhtiar government. But the Imam still held the initiative: he was determined to return to Iran.
The nation prepared for the greatest home coming ceremony in history. Imam Khomeini left Paris for Tehran on February 1, 1979.
This refreshing stage led to one of the most drastic social and political transformations that ever happened in the history of world revolutions.
Imam Khomeini's return and the Iranian people's welcome gave rise to a new day in Islamic Iran, which appeared to be the beginning point for that generation of humanity.
As soon as the Air France jet landed on the runway of Tehran's Mehrabad Airport, Philosopher Morteza Motahhari was the first one to enter the plane to welcome Imam Khomeini and his entourage on behalf of the members of the special staff.
After disembarking, Imam Khomeini gave an eight-minute speech in the waiting hall of the airport. After passing through the overcrowded streets, which were full of people seeking to welcome him, the Imam went through carpets of flowers to Behesht-e Zahra Cemetery, where the martyrs of the Islamic Republic had been buried, to secure allegiance with them. It was estimated that over 6 million people were present in the welcome ceremony.
The Imam's decisive speech was one of the most important events of Feb. 1, 1979 (Bahman, 12, 1357). The speech played a determining role in defining the nation's duty. Therefore, the people were more encouraged and their hope for victory increased and while it made America, its puppet agents, and the other enemies despair.
The pace of events quickened leading to the eventual victory of the Islamic Revolution in a matter of ten days.
Other links:
Iran’s Islamic Revolution events (22 Bahman 1357)
Iran’s Islamic Revolution events (20 &21 Bahman,1357)
Imam Khomeini’s Migration from Iraq to Paris
Shah of Iran flees into exile
Return of Ayatollah Khomeini to Iran
Nice Songs on Iranian Revolution
