Ayatollah Khamenei Imam Khomeini Mosque sermon: In a rare and significant event, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei delivered a sermon at the historic Imam Khomeini Mosque on Friday. This sermon, his first in nearly five years, came with a powerful message directed at Israel, warning that the country wont last long and voicing support for Irans recent military actions against Tel Aviv.Khameneis choice of venue was no coincidence. The Imam Khomeini Mosque holds deep historical and symbolic importance in Iran, particularly in relation to the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The mosque, formerly known as the Shah Mosque, stands as one of the nations most important architectural and political landmarks, dating back to the 18th century under the reign of King Fath-Ali Shah Qajar.A symbol of resistance and revolutionThe Imam Khomeini Mosque is more than just a place of worship it is a symbol of resistance. It played a central role in the movement that eventually led to the overthrow of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, the last monarch of Iran, and the establishment of the Islamic Republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. The mosque became a focal point for dissenting voices during the years leading up to the revolution, with sermons from its pulpit blending religious teachings with sharp political criticism.Before the revolution, Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, who had strong backing from Western powers, had become increasingly unpopular, particularly after launching the White Revolution in 1963. This series of reforms, which included granting voting rights to women, was seen by some as a positive step forward. However, many religious leaders, including Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, viewed these changes as an attempt to Westernize Iran and undermine its Islamic identity.Role of Khamenei and Khomeini in revolutionary strugglesRuhollah Khomeini, who would later become the leader of the Islamic Revolution, and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei were pivotal figures in the resistance against the Shahs regime. Khomeinis opposition led to his exile in 1964, while Khamenei faced multiple imprisonments for his activism. During this period, the mosque became a hub for organizing protests, with its sermons reflecting the growing anger and dissatisfaction among the Iranian population, particularly as economic conditions worsened under the Shahs rule.The speeches delivered at the mosque often contained a mix of religious doctrine and sharp political commentary, rallying people against the Shahs regime. Messages from the exiled Khomeini were also circulated from the mosque, further strengthening its role as a center of revolutionary activity. After the successful ousting of the Shah in 1979, the mosque was renamed in honor of Ayatollah Khomeini, cementing its place as a cornerstone of the revolution.The Mosques legacy and its role todayKhameneis decision to deliver his sermon from the Imam Khomeini Mosque underscores its enduring significance in Irans political and religious life. It serves as a reminder of the revolutionary spirit that continues to shape the countrys leadership and its stance on global issues, particularly in relation to Israel. By choosing this historic site, Khamenei invoked the legacy of resistance and defiance that the mosque represents, reinforcing his message of opposition to Israel and support for Irans military actions in the region.As tensions between Iran and Israel continue to escalate, Khameneis sermon at this symbolic mosque highlights the deep-rooted ideological and historical context behind the current geopolitical struggles. The Imam Khomeini Mosque, once a center of revolutionary dissent, remains a powerful symbol of Irans resistance against foreign influence and its commitment to its revolutionary ideals.
