The Role of Reference Groups in the Growth and Decline of Society from Imam Khomeini’s point of view: a case study of rulers and scholars

Reference groups as social capitals of a society play a substantial role in the decline and growth (excellence) of society. Drawing upon descriptive-analytic method, the research seeks to explain the role these groups, especially rulers and scholars, play in the growth and decline of a society from the viewpoint of Imam Khomeini. The results of the research indicate that virtuous ruler, who is best exemplified in the Muslim guardian jurist, contributes to the progress and reform of society on the one hand, and rejects any from of illegitimate sovereignty and tyrrany on the other. Unrighteous rulers hinder the power of creativity in society and retard the progress of it. Righteous scholars play a decisive role in the growth and excellence of society by taking responsility for religion and society (awakening society); just as the unrighteous scholars, whether working in the Seminary [of Qum], the School of Religious Sciences, (such as false scholars and court mullahs) or working in universities (Westernized intellctualls and corrupt professors) have a big role in the decline of society. In addition to these cases, Imam Khomeini thinks of the silence of the elites as playing influential role in the decline of society having recourse to the three jurisprudential, cultural and civilization approaches.