A central theoretical pillar of Imam Khomeini's political thought is the principle of prioritizing the fulfillment of one's duty over purely material or strategic calculations.
In contrast to those who judge resistance solely through political cost-benefit analysis and therefore consider it futile, Imam Khomeini argued that confronting oppression is an obligation to be pursued to the fullest extent of one's ability and capacity.
This perspective preserves the moral integrity and identity of society.
It enables the Resistance Front to regard itself as victorious regardless of the immediate outcome, whether it achieves apparent victory or embraces martyrdom, and prevents it from falling into despair or defeatism.
"We are duty-bound by God the Almighty, Blessed and Exalted is He, to confront oppression; to confront these cannibals and bloodthirsty tyrants.
We resist to the extent of our ability. If we triumph, then, praise be to God, all is well. And even if we do not triumph, praise be to God that we have fulfilled our duty.
Muslims must consider themselves duty-bound; they should not imagine that failing to achieve victory means they have failed.
If our spiritual values remain intact and our devotion to the Quran endures, then whether we attain martyrdom, which is a magnificent achievement, or achieve victory, we are, praise be to God, victorious in every respect. One of these two blessed outcomes awaits us, God willing.
"Extracted from the note "A Review of Imam Khomeini's Lesser-Known Positions on the Zionist Regime."