The Ideology of Iran: Islamist Principles - Research Paper Example

Iran is considered an Islamic republic. Its constitution deems that their official religion is Shia Islam as well as Twelver Ja’fari school. Its constitution also emphasizes that other Islamic institutions must be respected with followers allowed to act based on the mandates of their own laws and in carrying out religious practices. Although the republic recognizes other religious practices in the country, it does not support the presence of Sunni mosques, especially in areas dominated by Shias.

As a result of Articles 12 and 13 of the Iranian Constitution, their citizens are grouped into Muslims, Zoroastrians, Jews, as well as Christians. This division does not recognize other religions in Iran, specifically those under the Baha’i faith. Those under the Baha’i faith are non-recognized groups which have are not legally recognized. They are considered the unprotected infidels by authorities and can be discriminated against due to their beliefs. Their politics is based on theocracy under the setting of Syncretic politics which is based on Islamist ideology.

Based on their 1970 Constitution, as well as its 1989 amendments, the political, economic, and social foundations of the Islamic Republic of Iran are established. Iran elects its president, members of parliament (Majlis), the Assembly of Experts (which vote for the Supreme Leader of Iran), and the local councils. All candidates seeking positions in these areas, they must undergo vetting first by the Guardian Council, except for those running for Assembly of Expert positions. There are also other nontransparent and non-elected organizations in the country, usually appointed and controlled by the Supreme Leader, and are assigned to protect the Islamic quality and principles of the state.

Ayatollah Khomeini was born in Tehran and at a very young age, he was studied at Fayzieh Madrasah in Qum under the instruction of Ayatollah Abdulkarim Ha’iri who is the top Shi’a Islam theologian during the 1930s.