In what ways the oppressed people in the world can be supported according to Imam Khomeini? And what are the conditions for their support? Is there any priority in this regard?

In order to answer this question we refer to a precious statement by Imam in his religious and political testament regarding any movement which is basically in search of freedom and justice: This politico-religious testament of mine is not intended for the great nation of Iran only. Rather, it is recommended to all Islamic nations and the oppressed peoples of the world regardless of their religion or nationality. (Sahifeh-ye Imam, vol. 21, p. 407)

Thus, according to what was mentioned above, the Imam is known as a true supporter of all oppressed nations across the world as his Excellency repeatedly emphasized in his speeches that reviving the lost rights of Muslim brothers are a religious duty for us. In other words, all of political, philosophical and religious thoughts of Imam Khomeini are an expression of struggling against oppression and ignorance and supporting the oppressed.

It is interesting that dholm (oppression) and dholmah (darkness) have the same semantic origin in Arabic. The oppression also might be performed by anyone being a member of a divine religion or an exponent of a political philosophy. But the political system established by the Imam was actually the embodiment of an ethical model defined in terms of bravery, generosity, chastity and justices.

In relation to your question we have to say that according to Imam Khomeini supporting the needy and oppressed people is an Islamic and religious duty of every Muslim nation which can afford it, but every priority in this regard must be decided by a majority. The decision makers are also expected to treat based on justice disregarding personal interests. The Imam however emphasized that man in his innate nature hates oppression and won’t be a wrong doer if he moves on the right path. In a life developed based on ethical codes, he said, man abandons all carnal and temporal desires and replace them with divine virtues and satisfaction.

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