When the late Imam Rohuollah Khomeini (ra), founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, was in exile in Neauphle-le-Château, France, he penned a message of felicitations addressing all Christians of the world, and he called upon all devoted Christians and their leaders to voice opposition towards the tyrannical rule of Shah over the Iranian nation. The following is the full text of the mesage:
In the Name of God, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
May peace and God’s greetings be upon His Majesty, Jesus son of Mary, Ruhollah[1]; the noble prophet who revived the dead and awakened those asleep! May peace and God’s greetings be upon his lofty mother, the Virgin Mary, a sincere lady who--with God breathing into him His spirit—offered such a honorable son to those thirsting for divine mercy! Salute to the clergymen, priests, and monks who, through the teachings of Jesus Christ, invite the rebellious souls to peace and calm! Salute to the free Christian nation; those who enjoy the heavenly teachings of Jesus, the Ruhollah!
On behalf of the oppressed Iranian nation, I ask you, the Christian nation, to pray for our nation who is afflicted by an oppressive tyrant these days, and ask God to grant them freedom. I ask you, the great nation, to warn the heads of Christian nations, who are supporting the Shah with their satanic powers, and are crushing a nation under oppression: make them acquainted with the teachings of Jesus Christ (pbuh).
I ask the Christian clergy to advise the heads of certain powerful countries, and expose the deplorability of their support for those who turn their back on Jesus Christ’s divine teachings. The Holy Quran has praised Jesus Christ (pbuh) with honor, and it has admired Saint Mary as a pure lady... .
Peace be upon you,
Ruhollah Al-Musawi Al-Khomeini
[1] Jesus Christ is occasionally referred to as Rohullah (the Spirit of God) by Muslims, based on Quran [4:171]
