Islamic revolution in Iran: a study of the role of religion in the birth of a new nation

Abstract

This work is an attempt to show, especially to Western and New Zealand readers, how Iranians and some other Muslims interpret the Islamic Revolution of 1979. It is also aimed at providing a study resource for the background of this event. It is also desirable that the role of Islam as a religion which does not distinguish between politics and religion be appreciated. This thesis comprises seven chapters. The first chapter is entitled " Islam." Here, a brief history of Islam and its main principles is explained. It introduces Islam as a complete way of life which covers all aspects of human activity and pays special attention to the integration of politics and religion in this faith. The second chapter is entitled " Islam and Iran." In this chapter the conquest of Persia by Muslims will be discussed. The writer argues that Islam was not introduced to Iran merely by a sword, rather Iranians embraced this religion because it brought them a new set of values and a message which were far more attractive than the state religion of the country: Zoroastrianism. The third chapter is entitled " Shi'a Belief." Here, the origins and main characteristics of the Shi'a interpretation of Islam will be explained. It will be suggested that contrary to popular opinion, Shi'a is not a sect but a main branch of Islam which claims to be true path of Prophet (P) and the religion he introduced. The fourth chapter is entitled " Shi'ism and Iran." In this chapter, it will be explained why Iranians accepted Shi'a Islam and why it became the state religion of the country in the sixteenth century. Here also, the revolutionary nature of Shi'ism and various Shi'ite revolutions, after the acceptance of Islam in Iran, will be examined. Chapter five is entitled The Roots and Major elements of the Islamic Revolution of Iran." Here, the uprising of the 15th Khordad 1342 ( 5th June 1963 ) will be explained in detail. I will endeavour to show that this movement was the real beginning of the Islamic Revolution of 1979 in Iran, which led to the eventual collapse of the Pahlavi regime and 2500 years of Monarchy in the country. Chapter six is entitled ' The Islamic Republic of Iran." In this chapter the formation of the Islamic Republic after the victory of the Islamic Revolution and the total collapse of the old system, the system of government in the Islamic Republic and its major differences with other non-islamic Republics will be discussed. Furthermore, the main principles and goals of the foreign policy of the new regime based on the constitution of the Republic will be briefly explained. Iranian foreign policy seeks independence from foreign powers, mutual understanding, mutual respect and mutual interest in bilateral relationships with other countries. It is inspired by Islamic Faith, and influenced by 300 years of foreign intervention in the internal affairs of Iran. Chapter seven is entitled " The Impact of the Revolution on Iran-New Zealand Relations." Here, it will be argued that the change in Iran and the foreign policy of the Islamic Republic, helped by New Zealand's characteristic as a small peaceful country and her partially positive treatment of the new regime has brought about a better bilateral relationship and especially in trade between the two countries. A healthy trade relation has developed which in turn has prepared the ground for broader cooperation between the two countries. In conclusion, it will be argued that New Zealand like other countries needs to learn more about Islam. A better understanding of Islam, in the context of the increased importance of Islamic countries in the International scene, and for New Zealand, will help promote trade and strengthen ties between these countries. It will be suggested that New Zealand will benefit considerably if enough attention is paid to islamic studies at all levels, and experts in Islam are consulted by producer boards and manufacturers exporting to such countries, and also by the government and its agencies in developing its own relationship with the world of Islam.