Ayatollah Khomeini

Iranian revolution leader

Contemporary influential 154 sayings

Sayings by Ayatollah Khomeini

The most important duty of the ulema (clergy) is to establish an Islamic government.

1970 — Velayat-e Faqih (Governance of the Jurist)
Shocking Unverifiable

If someone is a homosexual, he must be executed.

1980s — Reported statement, context debated but widely attributed
Shocking Unverifiable

We must not be afraid of martyrdom. We must welcome it.

1979 — Speech to the Iranian people
Shocking Unverifiable

War is a blessing for the world and for every nation.

1980s — Speech during the Iran-Iraq War
Shocking Unverifiable

The Iranian nation must stand firm and not be intimidated by the empty threats of the superpowers.

1979 — Speech to the Iranian people
Shocking Unverifiable

Islam will triumph. The infidels will be defeated.

1979 — Speech to the Iranian people
Shocking Unverifiable

The problem of women is not their freedom but their chastity.

1979 — Speech on women's rights
Shocking Unverifiable

If we want to have Islam, we must have a government.

1970 — Velayat-e Faqih (Governance of the Jurist)
Shocking Unverifiable

The Islamic Republic of Iran is a divine gift.

1979 — Speech on the establishment of the Islamic Republic
Shocking Unverifiable

The purpose of the revolution is to cleanse the society of corruption and injustice.

1979 — Speech to the Iranian people
Shocking Unverifiable

The West is trying to corrupt our youth with their decadent culture.

1980s — Speech on cultural invasion
Shocking Unverifiable

The hand of God is with the oppressed.

1979 — Speech to the Iranian people
Shocking Unverifiable

The struggle between truth and falsehood will continue until the Day of Judgment.

1979 — Speech to the Iranian people
Shocking Unverifiable

The world must know that Iran is an Islamic country, and it will remain an Islamic country.

1979 — Speech to the Iranian people
Shocking Unverifiable

We must rely on God and our own strength.

1979 — Speech to the Iranian people
Shocking Unverifiable

We must awaken the oppressed nations of the world.

1979 — Speech to the Iranian people
Shocking Unverifiable

The superpowers are trying to dominate the world, but they will fail.

1979 — Speech to the Iranian people
Shocking Unverifiable

The Islamic Revolution is a revolution of light against darkness.

1979 — Speech to the Iranian people
Shocking Unverifiable

The power of faith is stronger than all the weapons of the world.

1979 — Speech to the Iranian people
Shocking Unverifiable

The Islamic government is the government of God on Earth.

1970 — Velayat-e Faqih (Governance of the Jurist)
Shocking Unverifiable