Shahr Ramadan of Imam Ruhollah Khomeini

Those who lived close to Imam Khomeini often said that his Shahr Ramadan was different from that which people saw in public.

In public, he was a marja, a teacher, a leader whose words moved nations.

In private, he was simply a servant.

During the month of Ramadan, especially in the later years of his life, his family members and students observed that he would reduce his food significantly. Iftar was simple. A small portion of bread. Some yoghurt. Perhaps a little soup. There was no indulgence, no elaborate meal, even though he could easily have had it.

But what left the deepest impression was his night worship.

Long after the household had fallen asleep, a faint light would remain in his room. He would stand in prayer for extended periods. Those near him said that he disliked anyone witnessing his private acts of devotion. His relationship with Allah (swt) was intimate, guarded.

One close associate once entered quietly to deliver something and found him in sujood, weeping. Not loudly, not theatrically. Just steady tears.

Later, when someone remarked about his crying in Ramadan, he said words to this effect:

“If this month passes and I am not forgiven, then when will I be forgiven?”

For those who heard it, the statement was shocking. This was a scholar of immense knowledge. A man who had spent decades studying fiqh, philosophy, and irfan. Yet in the Holy Month of Ramadan he did not see his achievements. He saw his need.

During the nights of Qadr, he would recite Du’a Jawshan al Kabir slowly, reflecting on each Divine Name. When he reached the verses describing Allah’s mercy, his voice would tremble.

He once explained that Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an descends upon hearts, but only hearts that are softened through humility can receive it.

His Shahr Ramadan teaches a powerful lesson.

The higher a person rises in knowledge, the lower they bow in worship.

Shahr Ramadan is not about status. It is not about how others see us.

It is about standing before Allah (swt) stripped of titles, stripped of reputation, aware that without His mercy, we have nothing.

And perhaps that is the secret of true greatness.