The Epistemological Foundations and the Nature of Political Participation in Imam Khomeini’s Elevated Political Thought

Political participation, as the effective intervention of people in political affairs, is one of the fundamental pillars of democratic systems. In Imam Khomeini’s Elevated Political Thought, no political-social structure has been accepted without the consent and will of the people. This research employs a documentary and library-based method and a content analysis and description approach. The objective is to find an answer to the question of how Imam Khomeini portrayed political participation and on what foundations he established it. The findings indicate that Imam Khomeini, by putting forth a monotheism-centric interpretation of existence, human, and society, and linking the world and the hereafter, considers the political-social system as a platform for the growth of human virtues and graces. He defines politics as the management of affairs and the education and guidance of people towards achieving worldly and otherworldly interests. The research leads to the conclusion that political participation is a duty and obligation that individuals are bound to fulfill. Every individual is obliged and responsible, to the extent of their ability, to establish the interests and benefits of society through their participation as a form of comprehensive worship. Participation, in any form necessary, should be carried out in the same manner.