Analysis of the Purposeful Distinction of Modern Islamic Civilization with Western Civilization in the View of Ayatollah Khamenei

Although modern Islamic civilization and Western civilization are similar from various aspects, there are clear differences in the teleological approach between the two civilizations that can be seen in the statements of the Supreme Leader of the Revolution. Accordingly, the important issue in this research is ultimately the civilization of Islam and the West from the viewpoint of Ayatollah Khamenei. The present study was conducted by analyzing and explaining the statements of the Supreme Leader. The findings of the research indicate that the foundations of Islamic civilization are based on monotheism and the denial of polytheism, which will eventually lead to human’s servitude (‘ubudiyyah) in the process of civilization based on the ideals of Islam. In contrast, Western civilization is based on a materialist approach and disregard for divine values. Therefore, building a better world has been the ultimate motivation for the creation of a new civilization in the West. According to the Supreme Leader, materialism itself was the cause and a growing factor in Western civilization. This kind of civilization is being promoted in the world, but its lack of belief in divine and human values ​​will cause its downfall in the near future. From his perspective, the greatest difference between these two civilizational insights is in the teleological approach. In the new Islamic civilization, the theistic approach will cause the servitude of Allah the Almighty which is the goal of creation, to be spread in the society, but in the western civilization, this important issue, which is a natural and basic human need, has not been considered.