The splendor of the Islamic Revolution and the role of Imam Khomeini’s personality, views, thoughts, and literary works in the occurrence and perpetuity of the Revolution; the need of the future generation for the works of the founder of the Islamic Republic and standard-bearer of the global Islamic movement; the publication of the authentic and complete works and thoughts of His Eminence; and the prevention of historical distortion of the Islamic Revolution were among the factors which prompted Hujjat al-Islam wal-Muslimin Haj Sayyid Ahmad Khomeini to inquire through an elaborate letter about His Eminence’s view on the manner of studying, compiling and publishing his own works and related documents, and to determine the authority in supervising and ascertaining the authenticity or otherwise of whatever is to be published in the name of Imam Khomeini both in Iran and abroad.
In his reply in the form of a written decree dated September 8, 1988 [Shahrivar 17, 1367 AHS], His Eminence assigned the responsibility of compilation and collection of all materials relevant to him to his own son, Haj Sayyid Ahmad.
In consonance with this decree, the Institute for Compilation and Publication of Imam Khomeini’s Works was established and has commenced its activities
The text of Imam’s historic letter in this regard comes as following:
In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
My dear and beloved son Ahmed
(May God Almighty protect and guide you)
Since I consider you an expert in political and social matters and I am grateful to God Almighty that you have also been by my side in all ups and downs, and you are now in charge of my political and social affairs with honesty and integrity, so I have appointed you to regulate and compile all the issues and works related to me.
In some areas and topics, there may have been differences and mistakes in mass media, and I ask the Almighty God, who is present and watching, for your success in carrying out this duty.
I hope you spend enough time and attention to finish this job and task.
God’s blessings and peace be upon you
September 8, 1988 [Shahrivar 17, 1367 AHS]