The Concept of Educational Leadership in the Thought of Ayatollah Khomeini

M. Asyraf Mubarak Sudarmin, Susmihara Susmihara, Syamzan Syukur, Sudarmin Sudarmin

Abstract


This study explores the concept of educational leadership within the philosophical and political thought of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. As the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Khomeini viewed education not merely as an instrument for intellectual instruction, but as a vital mechanism for moral purification, political awakening, and societal transformation. Utilizing a qualitative research design with a historical-philosophical and content analysis approach, this paper examines primary speeches, writings, and decrees by Khomeini concerning educational theory and governance. The findings indicate that educational leadership in Khomeini’s thought is intrinsically tied to spiritual guidance (tarbiyah) and the concept of Velayat-e Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist). The ideal educational leader functions as a moral exemplar (murrabbi) aimed at liberating society from cultural imperialism, fostering self-reliance, and aligning educational institutions with Islamic ethics and social justice. Ultimately, Khomeini’s model redefines educational leadership as a dual responsibility of political resistance and spiritual elevation, positioning the educator as a catalyst for holistic ideological reformation.

Keywords


Educational Leadership; Ayatollah Khomeini; Islamic Education; Velayat-e Faqih; Tarbiyah; Spiritual Guidance

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.56114/edu.v5i3.13707

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