The Position of Shiism in the Constitution from the Perspective of Ruhollah Khomeini and Seyyed Ali Khamenei

Regarding the position of religion in the political systems of the countries, there are generally three types of systems: 1. Non-religious political systems 2. Political systems based on the recognition of religion in legislation 3. Political systems with full recognition of religion in all the affairs of the country. The system of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as a Shiite state with a government based on Islamic values, is part of the second model; therefore, in this article, we try to examine the position of Shiism in the constitution and scrutinize the views of the two leaders of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, Ruhollah Khomeini and Seyyed Ali Khamenei. To achieve this goal, we use a descriptive-analytical method and library and digital resources. It seems that with the adoption of the Shiite religion in the constitution and the emphasis of religious and political leaders on the importance and position of Shiism, acceptable and justified results have been achieved in the following areas: domestic areas such as "unity in legislation and administration of the country", "ensuring the survival of the revolution and the independence of the system", "securing the rights of minorities", "strengthening the process of democratization, such as maintaining and strengthening mechanisms of political participation", "maintaining internal security" and external areas such as the unity of the Shiite world and the prevention of the implementation of divisive and hostile policies against the unity of the Islamic world.