Ayatollahs and Shah’s laws (opens original article in a new tab)

The article discusses the origins of Ayatollah Khomeini's title and the historical context of Iranian rulers' treatment of dissenting religious figures, including Khomeini's exile and the suppression of religious opposition by Shahs.

• Ayatollah Khomeini's title of Grand Ayatollah was not conferred by decree or fatwa but through recognition by followers and financial support.
• The Shah did not issue a death sentence against Khomeini, instead exiling him following his public opposition to the Shah's rule in 1963.
• Iranian rulers historically dealt with dissenting religious figures through imprisonment, house arrest, or exile, as seen with Reza Shah and Mohammad Reza Shah.