In 1918, the Imam lost both his aunt, Sahiba, who had played a great role in his early upbringing, and his mother, Hajar. Responsibility for the family then devolved on the eldest brother, Seyyed Murtaza (later to be known as Ayatullah Pasandida).
The material welfare of the brothers seems to have been ensured by their father’s estate, but the insecurity and lawlessness that had cost him his life continued. In addition to the incessant feuds among landowners, Khomein was plagued by the raids mounted on the town by the Bakhtiyari and Lurr tribesmen whenever they had the chance.