Khomeini's Rise Explained

Khomeini, born in 1900, emerged as a significant figure in Iran's tumultuous 20th century, transitioning from a lower-ranking mullah to a prominent voice against the Shah in the 1960s. The term "ayatollah," meaning "sign of God," reflects the evolution of religious titles during a time when the clerical establishment sought to regain influence. Khomeini's complex Islamic education combined jurisprudence with elements of philosophy and mysticism, setting the stage for his eventual leadership.