The True Face of ‘Taghuti’ – How the Islamic Republic and Communists Became the New ‘Taghuti’

The True Face of ‘Taghuti’ – How the Islamic Republic and Communists Became the New ‘Taghuti’

By Bobby Darvish, Iranian-American Ex-Muslim, Former Vegan, Former Democrat, Former Socialist, Former CAIR-Columbus Executive Director, Former Muslim Forum of Utah President, Christian Conservative LDS

As an Iranian-American who has lived through the horrors of Islamic and socialist ideologies, I find myself reflecting on the term "taghuti," which was often hurled at me and my family during the time of the Islamic Revolution and its aftermath. The word "taghuti" in Islamic discourse, particularly among the regime in Iran, is used to refer to tyrannical and oppressive rulers or individuals who are seen as challenging or abandoning God’s will in favor of earthly power. The term was often aimed at those of us who resisted the growing oppression, including those of us who did not submit to the revolutionary forces of the Islamic Republic or those who were influenced by left-wing ideologies like socialism.

But over the years, as I came to learn more about the forces that control not only my homeland of Iran but also the global political landscape, I’ve come to realize that those who called us "taghuti" in the past—specifically the Islamic Republic and communists—have ironically become the very embodiment of "taghuti" themselves.

The Concept of ‘Taghuti’ in Revolutionary Iran

When the Islamic Republic came to power in 1979, it proclaimed itself the righteous successor to the corrupt monarchy of the Shah. The Shah, like many rulers before him, was labeled "taghuti" by the revolutionary forces. This label was meant to delegitimize the monarchy and justify the need for radical change. As a child growing up during the revolution, I was taught that we, the people who lived under the Shah, were complicit in supporting the "taghuti" regime. We were taught to believe that our entire existence as citizens of Iran under the monarchy was in support of a corrupt, decadent system.

Yet, what they failed to mention was that the revolution itself was nothing more than a power grab for theocratic and authoritarian control. The same regime that accused us of being "taghuti" has become one of the most oppressive and tyrannical governments in modern history. Under the Islamic Republic, dissent is punished with imprisonment, torture, and death. Iranians are denied basic freedoms like freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to peacefully protest. This regime, which once sought to overthrow the supposed "taghuti" monarchy, has turned into a regime far worse than what it replaced.

The Hypocrisy of Communists and Leftist Ideologies

Similarly, the communists and socialists who played a role in the 1979 revolution—many of whom were aligned with the radical left—also sought to use the term "taghuti" to justify their cause. They called us "taghuti" for our opposition to their ideologies, for our resistance to communism and socialism, and for our belief in the value of free-market systems, individual rights, and democracy. Like the Islamic Republic, they believed that by labeling us "taghuti," they could silence and delegitimize our voices.

However, history has shown that many of those same communists and socialists—especially the ones who embraced the revolution's power—have evolved into figures of absolute authority, exploiting the same tactics they once condemned. Communism, like Islamism, seeks absolute control over people’s lives, leaving no room for dissent or free thought. The same left-wing ideologies that opposed the Shah have themselves become instruments of oppression in places like Cuba, Venezuela, and North Korea. The very people who once preached equality and liberation have transformed into figures who trample on the rights of their citizens, establishing regimes that are as tyrannical, if not more so, than the system they replaced.

Personal Transformation: From ‘Taghuti’ to Christian Conservative LDS

As someone who grew up in Iran under the weight of both Islamic and socialist oppression, I learned the hard way that labels like "taghuti" mean little when wielded by tyrannical regimes seeking to retain their grip on power. My personal journey—from being a devout Muslim, to a socialist, to a member of the Muslim Forum of Utah, and eventually to an ex-Muslim who found solace in Christianity—has revealed the truth behind these ideologies. I realized that the very forces that once accused us of being "taghuti" have become the true oppressors. The Islamic Republic and the socialist ideologies they promoted have not only abandoned the principles of justice and freedom but have become the very entities they once fought against.

As a Christian Conservative LDS, I now see the importance of truth and freedom in the pursuit of a better life for all people, regardless of their faith or background. The Islamic Republic and the communists have shown us that their real agenda was never about freedom or justice. It was about power—and in their quest for power, they have become exactly what they once condemned.

The Need for a Conservative and Christian Vision

In today’s world, it is clear that those who claim to fight for justice are often the ones who perpetrate the most profound injustices. I believe that it is time for us, particularly those who have suffered under both Islamic and socialist regimes, to advocate for a society based on individual freedoms, free markets, and respect for human dignity. We must reject ideologies that seek to control every aspect of our lives, whether in the name of religion or socialism.

The real "taghuti" forces of our time are not those who stand for freedom, but those who seek to impose their will upon others, be it through radical theocracy or oppressive communism. It is essential that we continue to stand against these ideologies and work toward a future where people can live freely, worship as they choose, and have the opportunity to succeed based on their own merit. That is the true path to justice—and that is a vision worth fighting for.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Islamic Republic and communists—who once accused us of being "taghuti"—have become the very embodiment of the "taghuti" they so vehemently opposed. They are the ones now exercising absolute power, infringing on the rights of their people, and erasing the liberties that we once held dear. It is essential that we stand against these oppressive ideologies and continue to advocate for a world where freedom, justice, and human dignity prevail.

Citations:

1. Khomeini, Ruhollah. Islamic Government: Governance of the Jurist. (1970).
2. Haghayeghi, Mehrdad. Iran’s Political Economy since the Revolution. 1997.
3. Witte, John, and Charles A. Reid. Religion and Law in the United States. 2010.
4. "The Tyranny of the Iranian Regime: Human Rights Watch." Human Rights Watch, 2023.