Comparison of the Leadership in the Islamic Revolution of Iran and French Revolution

Leadership is the most important element in the formation and success of every social movements and no great revolution could be found without leadership during history, although the role of leaders represented differently. This rule is right and applicable in both the Islamic revolution and French revolution. In French revolution some figures such as Mirabou, Danton, and Robespierre appeared as leaders in addition to some intellectuals and Bourgeoisie, but in the Islamic revolution of Iran, Imam Khomaini appeared as the most distinguished charismatic leader without any rival, though some characters such as Dr Shariati, Ayatollah Motahhari, Ayatollah Taleghani and Bazargan shared in the leadership role too. This article inspired by descriptive- analytical approach deploys documentary and library study for data collection and concentrates on the element of leadership of these two revolutions comparatively. Findings show that the leadership in French revolution lacked divinity and charismatic characteristics, while the Islamic revolution directly was inspired by theocratic tenets and charismatic feature. Furthermore French revolution had no specific figure as its leader and its leadership has been accomplished collectively, but the Islamic revolution is known by Imam Khomaini as its sole and the most distinguished leader, who mobilized the oppressed and deprived people under the umbrella of religious doctrines successfully.