Strategies of Political Justice in Imam Khomeini’s Thought

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Political Science, Semnan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Semnan, Iran.

2 Associate Professor, Department of Politics, Institute for Humanities and Cultural Studies, Tehran, Iran

3 Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Sciences, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran

10.22081/jips.2025.72415.1087

Abstract

The primary aim of this study is to examine the strategies of political justice in the thought of Imam Khomeini and to analyze how this concept is articulated as a central signifier in his political discourse. Justice occupies a central position in his thought, to the extent that other political concepts and values derive their meaning in relation to it. Imam Khomeini views justice not merely as a theoretical concept, but as a foundational principle for organizing both society and the Islamic state. From his perspective, political justice is a continuum of meanings within a monotheistic system, where the implementation of divine laws is seen as essential, with justice at its core. The central question of this research is: What are the strategies of political justice in Imam Khomeini’s thought, and how are these strategies articulated within his intellectual framework? This question seeks to uncover how Imam Khomeini, from theological and jurisprudential standpoints, offers practical pathways for realizing justice in an Islamic political system. The methodology of this research is based on discourse analysis. Using this method, Imam Khomeini’s texts, speeches, and writings are examined to trace how the semantic network of justice takes shape and how it connects with other key signifiers in his discourse. This analysis aims to identify the semantic markers related to political justice and determine how they are structured within his monotheistic worldview. The study’s key findings reveal that political justice in Imam Khomeini’s thought is articulated through three overarching strategies: (1) Structural Strategy: This strategy is reflected in the establishment of the Islamic Republic and emphasizes the creation of a political structure centered on the implementation
of divine law and the realization of justice. Within this framework, wilāyat-i faqīh (guardianship of the jurist) and the sovereignty of divine law are presented as the main instruments for achieving structural justice. (2) Distributive Strategy: This approach emphasizes equal access for all to political and social opportunities, broad political participation, and meritocracy. Imam Khomeini holds that individuals should attain political and social positions based on competence and merit, free from discrimination.
(3) Restorative Strategy: This strategy focuses on addressing and reducing social and political inequalities. It includes raising political awareness, eliminating deprivation, and supporting the oppressed or the underprivileged (mustaḍʿafīn) as fundamental measures for healing societal injustices. The study concludes that in Imam Khomeini’s thought, political justice is not merely an ideal but a criterion for assessing the legitimacy of the political system. It serves as a guiding principle for all social and political transformations, as well as a foundation for governance and policymaking. By placing justice at the heart of his political discourse, Imam Khomeini presents a model in which the structure of power, distribution of resources, and redress of social harms must all serve the realization of divine justice—thus enabling all citizens to access political rights and human dignity.

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Journal of Islamic Political Studies
Volume 7, Issue 1
January 2025
Pages 211-232

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