Islamic Revivalism

The universality of Islamic teaching in fulfilling the needs of human life and managing human society have always been an interest of religious scholars and researchers. In this regard, preservation and expansion of Islam has preoccupied Ulama’s mind throughout the history. For this reason, the revival of Islamic values and thoughts has been recognized as a crucial issue for and a heavy burden on Muslim’s scholars. Imam Khomeini has achieved successes in continuance of the movement of religious revivalism, that other Islamic reformists have achieved less. Imam Khomeini is one of significant revivalists who led the Islamic revolution in Iran and consequently brought about changes in Muslim society and civilization. He proved that dignity and civilization of Muslims can be restored in the light of Islamic doctrine and its transcendental values. In this article, the researcher first attempts to discuss the concept of revivalism and its application in Islamic culture and the activities of some of contemporary Muslim revivalists comparatively. Finally, distinctive features of Imam Khomeini’s revivalism will be examined.

The capacity of Islamic teachings, with their universal principles, to address human needs and govern societies has long been a subject of inquiry for scholars. A central preoccupation for Muslim scholars (Ulama) throughout history has been the protection and propagation of Islam. Consequently, the revitalization of Islamic thought and values is considered a critical responsibility for Muslim intellectuals. Among Islamic reformers, Imam Khomeini stands out for his exceptional success in sustaining the momentum of religious revivalism. As a leading revivalist, he spearheaded the Islamic Revolution in Iran, an event that precipitated significant shifts within Muslim societies and civilizations. Imam Khomeini demonstrated that the restoration of Muslim dignity and civilization is achievable through the application of Islamic doctrine and its transcendent values. This article begins by exploring the concept of revivalism within an Islamic context and compares the endeavors of key contemporary revivalist figures. It then proceeds to analyze the distinctive characteristics of Imam Khomeini's approach to revivalism.