Possibility of Understanding the Quran from Imam Khomeini's Point of View

Undoubtedly, the comprehension of any text, book, or written work necessitates specific scholarly prerequisites, encompassing proficiency in the language, familiarity with the cultural milieu, and an awareness of the historical context surrounding the text's inception and production. Disregarding these contextual conditions renders the comprehension of the text unattainable. This principle is equally applicable to the understanding of sacred texts and divine books, including the Holy Quran. This article endeavors to scrutinize a skepticism regarding Imam Khomeini's stance on Quranic interpretation, asserting a departure from the perspectives of the original and early Shiites. The skeptic posits that contemporary Shiites, particularly religious authorities and the founder of the Islamic Republic, have introduced innovations in Shiite beliefs and doctrines. Furthermore, the skeptic contends that present-day Shiite ideology is a construct stemming from their ideological inclinations and political maneuvers. In this article, employing a descriptive-analytical methodology, an investigation is conducted into the assertions found in Imam Khomeini’s writings to counter the skepticism raised by the critic. The research aims to demonstrate that the foundational tenets of early Shiite beliefs align with contemporary Shiism, considering the general approach of Shiites in interpreting the Quran through the Quran and the principles put forward by the Prophet (pbuh) and Ahl al-Bayt (as) in Quranic interpretation. The study underscores that the essential principles governing the interpretation of the Quran, as well as the qualifications of those eligible for interpretation, have remained unchangeable among Shiite scholars throughout history.