Imam Khomeini as outstanding poet and literary figure

Better known for his contributions to religion, revolution and world politics, Imam Khomeini took literary criticism to new lengths. 

His poetry was exclusively a means for the manifestation of his mystical and numinous thoughts while praying to God and reflecting on the mysteries of the creation.

Imam wrote some surprising poems which contain treasures of mysticism and deep insightfulness.  

Imam Khomeini’s collection of poetry has been translated into various languages including Arabic, English and Urdu over the past few years. 

As a creative author, some of Imam Khomeini’s theological and mystical works are well-known across various parts of the world. 

Imam Khomeini was popular in this respect from the very beginning and was known for the soundness of his speech and writings.  

 Imam Khomeini has left an enriched academic legacy as the topics he covered include commentaries on the Qur'an and the Hadith, works on Islamic law, plus multiple tomes on philosophy, Gnosticism, poetry, literature and politics. 

For an instance, Imam said in one of his poems, which contain deep mystical concepts, as following:

Life’s Caravan

My life has reached its end, but yet, my Friend

has not come.

My story now concludes; but conclusion to this pain

has not come

The goblet of death is at hand, yet I never had my turn

at the goblet of wine.

The years have come and gone, but a sweetheart's tenderness

has not come.

The bird of my spirit's been trapped, and, fallen without wings to fly,

is confined to this cage,

Yet she who should set me free, who should break apart this cage,

has not come.3

The lovers of a darling face are all nameless and without vestige

While for those of fame, even a whiff of the air of her affection

has not come.

In rank and file of the caravan of the lovers of her face,

they wait expectantly.

To whom then should I complain that at last the soul quickening

beloved has come?

She bestows the spirit of the dead, and seizes the souls of the lovers.

To the ignorant alone, belief in such a ravishing love

has not come.

Tir 1366 AHS
[June-July 1987]