Grounds for the Transformation of Shiite Cleric's Political Approach and Establishment of a Political System

The current article studies the most important developments in Iranian clerical movement during Pahlavid era. An important question that is raised here is that how has Iranian clerical movement transformed at the final stages of Pahlavid dynasty under Imam Khomeini''s leadership? Another question is that what were the impacts exerted by the change in political approach on the future of this movement? Findings of the article indicate that clerical movement had transformed from anti-politics or non-participation approach to necessity of engagement in political issues by Imam Khomeini''s leadership and his doctrine of welayat-e faqih. This change finally led to formation¡ establishment and sustainment of Islamic republic of Iran.