Imam Khomeini, the late founder of the Islamic Republic attached great significance to the rights of all minorities and invited them to play an active role in all social, political, religious and cultural fields of the country.
Imam once said, "Religious minorities have always been accorded respect in Islam. Understanding between major monotheistic religions is necessary for human progress." (Sahifeh-ye-Imam, Vol.6, page 159)
Imam Khomeini, the leader of contemporary Muslim world on several occasion recommended the authorities to pay special attention to rights and needs of minorities and followers of all faiths and religions.
Pundits maintain that various ethnic communities and religious groups enjoy with social and religious freedoms in Iran.
The minorities had fully supported the struggle for the Islamic Revolution against the former regime of Shah, and fully supported Imam Khomeini’s efforts to establish Islamic-democratic system in Iran.
The leaders and members of minorities including Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians had fully supported the struggle for the Islamic Revolution under the wise leadership of Imam Khomeini.
Members of minorities also defended the nation’s sovereignty and defended the country by rendering sacrifices during the imposed war launched by the then Iraqi dictator Saddam against Iran.
Shortly after his return from exile in 1979, Imam Khomeini issued a fatwa ordering that Jews and other minorities be treated well. By law, several seats in the Parliament are reserved for minority religions. Imam Khomeini also called for unity between Sunni and Shia Muslims (Sunni Muslims are the largest religious minority in Iran.
The spiritual leader had also issued special instruction for relevant authorities and legislative bodies to attach special significance to the minorities’ rights while drafting constitution. Imam had once told a gathering of reporters that the freedoms and basic human and civil rights have been completely protected by the constitution of the Islamic Republic.
Imam once said in a historic message that any unpleased situation or conditions for minorities during certain periods had been due to absence of an Islamic government. If they experience the Islamic government, then they will witness justice and real deserving status.
Some of Imam’s famous quotes in this regards come as following:
The Islamic government is a democratic government in the true sense of the word, and under which, there are equally complete freedoms for all religious minorities, and everyone will be able to express his or her opinion. (Sahifeh-ye-Imam, Vol.4, page 390)
All religious minorities of Iran would be free to perform their religious and social activities, and the Islamic republic views it as its duty to protect their rights and safety; they, like the Muslims of Iran, are Iranians and respectable. (Sahifeh-ye-Imam, Vol.4, page 419)
It is the task of all priests, including those of Christianity, Islam or Jewish nations to follow the prophets in educating man. ... they have a divine responsibility. They are accountable in front of the prophets and God. They have to convey to people the instructions of the prophets and help people out of their sufferings. (Sahifeh-ye-Imam, Vol.11, page 309 )
Greetings to the clerics, priests and monks who, through the teachings of Jesus Christ call the rebellious souls to peace! Greetings to the free nation of Christ, who enjoy the divine teachings of Christ, the Spirit of God! (Sahifeh-ye-Imam, Vol.5, page 267)
Why the silence vis-à-vis injustice?
Why does he apt for silence vis-à-vis cruelty? It is Jesus Christ’s command to stop these abominable acts of violence. (Sahifeh-ye-Imam, Vol.11, page 312)
Jesus Christ is the prophet of peace. He wanted peace to prevail in the world and today is a day of peace. On this day of peace, do you know what is going on in the war-stricken localities?
(Sahifeh-ye-Imam, Vol.11, page 312)
Everything Jesus Christ performed was a miracle; He was appointed by God to establish justice, bring peace and spirituality for mankind.
(Sahifeh-ye-Imam, Vol.11, page 286)