By: Sheikh Abdullah R. Makwinja

4th June marks the saddest day in contemporary history of Iran, and the oppressed of the world. This day, 34 years ago, millions of people flooded into the streets of Tehran to bid a tearful farewell to the charismatic leader of the Islamic Revolution, the man who forever changed the course of history without a sophisticated army but he was armed with piety and honesty to influence hearts of the people

Imam Khomeini was aware of power of reliance on God, which became for him a source of great influence in contemporary history. Given that, he was also a true mystic, whose thoughts also reflect pure Islamic views in his social lifestyle. Therefore, one of the most important areas of influence of Imam's mystical thought is the effect on his social lifestyle that helps in knowing his personality. He repeatedly emphasized that the hardships of the revolution were borne by the oppressed people, and he was always happy to meet people, especially the poor. The Imam considered serving the people in a religious duty. He knew the duty and believed that everyone should serve these people as much as they could.

One of the most influential mystical thoughts of Imam in his life is defending the poor, not only the financial, but also the political and cultural ones. The Imam said "they are the only ones with us who have tasted the pain of poverty, deprivation and despair. The poor and the weak are the real proponents of revolutions. We must do our utmost to maintain the fundamental line of defense of the oppressed. We will defend the rights of the poor in human societies to the last drop of blood”

Supporting the disadvantaged and the oppressed in Imam Khomeini's social lifestyle is not limited to the oppressed in Iran but includes all the people who have somehow been weakened in the world. In this regard Imam stated that "we must strive to reach out to the people of the world and address the problems of the world's Muslims and to support the oppressed, the hungry and the deprived, and to be aware of the principles of our foreign policy."  And for this reason, in the social life of the Imam, in addition to his language, Imam served the weak and deprived in the best possible way with his pen and step.

Culture is the foundation of a civilization and therefore civilization and culture are inextricably linked. Civilization must have a human, spiritual and ethical culture. In his view Imam Khomeini believed that if a civilization lacks these aspects, it causes destruction, corruption and exploitation. In this regard the Imam said, "the way to reform a country is to have that culture; reform must start with culture. Colonialism is doing a great work in our culture; it does not allow our young people to become independent; it does not allow our young people to grow properly at university ... If the culture is correct, a country will be reformed."

Imam Khomeini’s Islamic Revolution paved the way for new world order which we are witnessing today, the decline of Western imperialism and unity among the oppressed nations. His unflinching faith and lofty spiritual values helped him to take on mighty powers in hostile environments, something that won him legions of admirers worldwide. His protégé and successor, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, once described Imam Khomeini as “ever-living truth”,  “his name is the flag of this revolution, his path is the path of this revolution, and his goals are the goals of this revolution