Shortly after his return from exile in 1979, Imam Khomeini, the late founder of the Islamic Republic issued a fatwa (an Islamic decree) ordering that Jews and other minorities be treated well.
Imam Khomeini also called for unity between Sunni and Shia Muslims (Sunni Muslims are the largest religious minority in Iran.
By law, several seats in the Parliament are reserved for minority religions.
Imam Khomeini through his historic speeches and messaged had strongly advocated creating unity among followers of all divine religions and oppressed nations
The leaders and members of minorities including Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians had took part in the historic struggle against the former regime of Shah, and fully supported Imam Khomeini’s efforts to establish Islamic-democratic system in Iran.
Imam Khomeini, the leader of the contemporary Muslim World, had also issued special instruction for relevant authorities and legislative bodies to attach special significance to the minorities’ rights while drafting constitution.
Imam on several occasion recommended the authorities to pay special attention to rights and needs of minorities and followers of all faiths and religions. 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 said in another historic message that any unpleased situation or conditions for minorities during certain periods had existed due to absence of an Islamic government. If they experience the Islamic governance, then they will witness justice and real deserving status.
In addition, members of minorities, who shielded the nation’s sovereignty and defended the country by rendering sacrifices during the imposed war launched by the then Iraqi dictator Saddam against Iran.
Various ethnic communities and religious groups enjoy social and religious freedoms in Iran and they are fully permitted to play an active role in all social, political, religious and cultural fields.
Imam said that all minorities groups are free to express their beliefs as the divine religion of Islam follows logic and is fully capable of answering all questions raised by individuals or groups.
The founder of the Islamic Republic used to emphasize that all ethnic groups and religious minorities across Iran enjoy peace and harmony, and great guarantees about their religious freedoms and civil liberties are enshrined in the Islamic Republic constitution.