Imam Khomeini was not detached from the heritage of Persian literature in his poetry. The author of the article examines examples of his influence by Attar, Saadi, Hafez, and other mystical poets.
This connection shows that the thought and language of a thinker do not develop in a vacuum; rather, they can engage in dialogue with the cultural and literary heritage that preceded them.For today, this perspective can serve as a reminder of an important principle: cultural innovation does not necessarily mean breaking away from one’s heritage. At times, innovation emerges through rereading and reinterpreting that very heritage.“In his poetry, that great figure drew upon themes shared by the great mystical poets, such as Attar, Saadi, Hafez, and others, and at times also borrowed their wording. Just as these poets, in their verses, turned toward the heavenly Beloved and employed a highly developed form of lyrical poetry—namely, mystical literature—Imam Khomeini likewise composed poetry describing the exalted nature of the heavenly Beloved and expressing his longing to draw closer to His presence.”
Adapted from the article Imam Khomeini: The Unknown Man of Letters” by Alireza Farghani