No one is above criticism: Imam Khomeini’s "brotherhood charter" and the management of divergent views in society.
In Imam Khomeini’s dynamic ideals, freedom of thought and expression is both a divine gift and a moral responsibility, essential to human growth and spiritual development.
He maintained that, within an Islamic system of governance, differences of opinion and the free expression of opposing views are natural and indispensable elements of a healthy society.
Imam Khomeini’s life demonstrates that safeguarding the political and social freedoms of the press, political parties, and the public does not mean tolerating disorder.
Rather, these freedoms serve as a safeguard against despotism and abuse of power.
According to this perspective, no individual or institution is above criticism. A dynamic society requires tolerance of law-abiding dissent, respect for differing viewpoints, and openness to constructive criticism.
“In an Islamic government, the door to ijtihad must always remain open.
The nature of the Revolution and the Islamic system requires that differing jurisprudential opinions in various fields—even when they conflict with one another—be expressed freely, and no one has the authority or the right to prevent their expression... No one should regard themselves as absolute or above criticism.
”Excerpt from “Imam Khomeini and the Right to Freedom of Thought and Expression” by Mehdi Pour-Hossein.