1. Basic Information
Father’s Name: Ayatollah Seyyed Javad Khamenei (a pious and devout religious scholar)
Titles: Supreme Leader, Leader of the Islamic Revolution
Date of Birth: April 19, 1939 (1358 AH)
Place Of Birth: Mashhad, Iran
Date of Death: 12 March 2026 (Tehran)
Current Position:
He has been serving as the Vali-e Faqih (Guardian Jurist) and Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran since 1989.
2. Education & Academic Background
Early Education:
He received his early education in traditional maktabs and religious schools in Mashhad.
Higher Education:
He pursued advanced Islamic studies in the major centers of learning in Najaf (Iraq) and Qom (Iran).
Teachers and Mentors:
He studied under some of the greatest scholars of his time, including:
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Imam Khomeini (R.A)
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Ayatollah Borujerdi (R.A)
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Allama Tabatabai (R.A)
Scholarly Status:
He is highly proficient in Islamic jurisprudence (Fiqh), principles (Usul), history, and Arabic literature. He is widely recognized as a Marja-e-Taqlid (a source of emulation in Islamic law).
3. Revolutionary Struggle
Close Companion of Imam Khomeini:
He joined the Islamic revolutionary movement in 1962 and remained a close and trusted associate of Imam Khomeini.
Imprisonment and Exile:
During the Shah’s regime, he was arrested six times and subjected to severe torture. He also spent several years in exile in remote areas of Iran.
Spreading Awareness:
Through speeches and teachings in mosques, he played a key role in awakening Islamic consciousness among the youth and countering propaganda.
4. Key Roles After the Revolution
Member of the Revolutionary Council:
He became an important member of the council formed immediately after the Islamic Revolution.
Friday Prayer Leader of Tehran:
Imam Khomeini appointed him as the Imam and preacher of Friday prayers in Tehran.
Role in Defense:
During the Iran-Iraq War, he actively participated in overseeing defense matters and supporting the war front.
President of Iran:
From 1981 to 1989, he served two terms as President of Iran, elected with a strong majority.
5. Leadership Era (1989 – Present)
Becoming Supreme Leader:
After the passing of Imam Khomeini, the Assembly of Experts elected him as the Supreme Leader in 1989.
Leadership Challenges:
He has led the country through major challenges, including international sanctions, scientific advancements (such as nuclear and missile technology), and complex Middle Eastern conflicts.
Vision and Insight:
He is widely regarded for his deep insight (Basirat) and strong understanding of global and regional dynamics.
6. Literary Works
He is also a respected writer and researcher. Some of his notable works include: “An Outline of Islamic Thought in the Quran” “The Peace Treaty of Imam Hasan (A.S)” (Persian translation of Sheikh Razi Aal-e-Yasin’s work) “The Truthful Leader” (a study on the life of Imam جعفر صادقؑ) “The Blood That Turned into Ruby” (memoirs and accounts of imprisonment and struggle)
7. Personal Traits
Simple Lifestyle:
Despite his position as Supreme Leader, he is known for maintaining a very simple and modest lifestyle.
Love for Reading:
He has a strong passion for books, especially novels and world literature, and regularly visits book fairs.
Assassination Attempt:
In 1981, he survived a bomb attack that left his right hand paralyzed. He considers this injury a “badge of martyrdom.”
