Philosophical life of Imam Khomeini

Philosophical life of Imam Khomeini, attention to Sadrian philosophy has provided special capacities in resolving philosophical issues.

Importance and Position of Imam Khomeini's Philosophical Life

Philosophy in terminology means knowledge of theoretical and practical truths and the perfection of the human soul through knowing the truths of existents, to the extent of human capacity.

One of the most prominent arenas of Imam Khomeini's scholarly activities is philosophy and wisdom. In Imam Khomeini's philosophical personality, attention to Sadrian philosophy serves as an important model for the explanation and expansion of his philosophical thoughts and has provided special capacities for resolving the issues considered in the Imam's philosophy. Based on these very capacities, Imam Khomeini was able, by reflecting on the philosophical system, to deduce many corollaries and branches from it and utilize them in formulating and expanding divine knowledge. Imam Khomeini elevates philosophical discussions to the horizon of theoretical mysticism and transforms it into mystical wisdom, such that in his works, very precise and technical analyses and accuracies based on the foundations of 'irfan are abundantly seen in his philosophy.

Indicators of Imam Khomeini's Philosophical Life

Among the indicators of Imam Khomeini's philosophical life are:

• Mastery and immersion in philosophy: Imam Khomeini is the most prominent sage and philosopher of his time. Complete mastery over the sayings and theories of the sages and precision in the thoughts of the early and later scholars indicate the vastness of his knowledge and study in philosophy.
• Defense of Islamic philosophy: Imam Khomeini, by explaining, interpreting, and reviving philosophical works, considers philosophy to have a special authenticity, opposed those who considered philosophy a mere copy of Greek philosophy, disagreed with those who considered the thoughts of Islamic philosophy to be derived from non-Islamic sources, and considers Islamic philosophy to have roots in the Qur'an and the words of the Ahl al-Bayt (a).
• Ability to understand and analyze wisdom and philosophical issues: The Imam's capability in philosophy and wisdom, along with his high genius and his intrinsic affinity with this type of discussion, has caused him to present novel formulations of issues and innovations while moving at the peak of the boundaries of this knowledge. His eloquent, powerful, and extremely solid philosophical pen, which never departed from the atmosphere of the science of philosophy, has caused his works to possess a rare rational solidity.
• Sufficient mastery over logical discussions: Imam Khomeini, in addition to having philosophical taste and rational thinking, had sufficient mastery over the discussions of logic, particularly knowing well the discussions related to syllogism (qiyas), distinguishing the conjunctive figure (shakl-i iqtirani) from the exceptive figure (shakl-i isthithna'i), being aware of the conditions of their conclusion, and knowing the conditions of demonstrative syllogism (qiyas-i burhani) and the types of verbal and meaning fallacies. It is not without reason that the Imam strongly recommends avoiding the presentation of deep and precise philosophical and logical discussions to those who do not possess the necessary intellectual acumen and experience. According to Imam Khomeini, every science has its qualified people, and theological discussions are among the deepest discussions. These discussions are so deep and precise that Shaykh al-Ra'is, who is unparalleled in sharpness of mind, excellence of taste, and aptitude, expressed inability and studied al-Farabi's book forty times to understand the issues of metaphysics; similarly, remaining unable to understand some issues, he would beseech the Divine Court with supplication to ask for its secret and solution. Therefore, Imam Khomeini emphasizes leaving aside haste when referring to the books of the masters of the art and avoiding egoism and carnality so that they do not unconsciously perish.

Components of Imam Khomeini's Philosophical School

Imam Khomeini, in his philosophical school, possesses components including:

• The composite nature of the Imam's philosophical method: The methodology of Imam Khomeini's wisdom in philosophy lies in a composite method; meaning he utilized three methods: demonstration (burhan), mysticism ('irfan), and the Qur'an; although he considers revelation (wahy) as the ultimate criterion for the truth of the views obtained in his school. Therefore, the Imam, while being comprehensive, considers a method necessary for the true purpose of philosophy; meaning drawing near to the Almighty through knowing the truths of existence.
• The comprehensive scope of Imam Khomeini's mystical wisdom: Imam Khomeini's philosophy possesses a scope that a rational school requires; because the Imam, like the Transcendent Theosophy, begins his philosophical system from existence; therefore, whatever falls within the circle of existence is subject to philosophical examinations.
• Acquiring knowledge corresponding to reality: The most important goal of Imam Khomeini's philosophical system is acquiring knowledge corresponding to reality. He considers this goal common between religion and wisdom; hence, in expressing his purpose, he cites the saying of the Prophet of Islam (s) who said: "O Lord, show me things as they are."
• Coherence of Imam Khomeini's philosophical apparatus: There is no alienation and rupture among the components of this school because his philosophical efforts are not separated from his observations and well-known principles from the Shari'a; also, his ontological discussions have not been formed separate from theology; just as the anthropology of this school is not alien to theology and ontology.
• Social extension of Imam Khomeini's mystical wisdom: The ability to create an intellectual and cultural current and its extension into the context of society is among the important components of Imam Khomeini's philosophy. The Imam's philosophical system has been able to create currents in the arena of thought and culture of society and the objectivity of the community.