Theocracy in Iran: From an Ideology to an Islamic Republic

Abstract

This essay seeks to answer the question of whether Islam can be an ideology. The argument is premised on Islam being a belief system which encompasses the personal, social and political aspects of the society and its adherents. It is built on the assertion that systems of beliefs can be turned into an ideology that elites can exploit for political mobilization. As in the case of Iran, this essay argues that an ideology can emerge from the fusion of religion and politics. When religious beliefs are utilized in pursuit of political power, a political ideology is formed which can bring about changes in people and the different groups that intend to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events. To illustrate this point, this essay discusses Khomeini's "Governance of Jurist" (Velayat e-Faqih) and its function in the establishment of theocracy in Iran.

Keywords: ideology, Islam, Iran