Rethinking the Separation of Powers in Imam Khomeini's Political-Legal Thought

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 public law

2 researcher of governance research center of shiraz university, Iran

10.22034/qjplk.2025.1944.1812

Abstract

Imam Khomeini's concept of Islamic government is fundamentally rooted in traditional practical wisdom, yet it also incorporates mature concepts from classical political thought and modern government, including the separation of powers as a non-negotiable form. This goes beyond a mere historical fact and delves into the identity and requirements of the new world, its relationship with tradition, and the possibilities that tradition offers in this context. Therefore, the question arises: how has this duality of thought affected Imam Khomeini's understanding of the true essence of separation of powers? A failure to grasp the modern nature of concepts and structures within the framework of new political thought can lead to misinterpretations of the true identity of the elements and relationships of the new world when adopting its terminology. Ultimately, neither the fundamental question of the Imam's political thought nor his answer to this question is compatible with modern political thought and its fundamental question, Imam Khomeini's understanding of separation of powers differs significantly from the modern understanding of this concept in contemporary political thought. While Imam Khomeini advocated for separation of powers in its common sense, it cannot be claimed that he fully comprehended and accepted the principle of separation of powers in its precise modern sense.

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Public Law Knowledge Quarterly

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 08 July 2025

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History

  • Receive Date: 28 May 2024
  • Revise Date: 15 February 2025
  • Accept Date: 08 July 2025

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