Home

rahbar

Rahbar is a Persian term meaning "leader" or "guide." The word combines elements that convey directing a path, reflecting the sense of showing the way. It is used in Persian, Urdu, and related languages to denote someone who leads a group, organization, movement, or country.

In Iran, Rahbar is a formal title for the Supreme Leader, the highest political and religious authority

Beyond Iran, the term is used more generally to denote a leader or guide in political, military,

in
the
country.
Established
after
the
1979
Islamic
Revolution,
the
position
combines
ultimate
political
authority
with
religious
authority.
The
Rahbar
appoints
the
head
of
the
judiciary,
the
head
of
state
media,
and
key
members
of
the
Guardian
Council,
and
serves
as
commander-in-chief
of
the
armed
forces.
He
has
final
say
over
major
policy
decisions
and
constitutional
matters.
The
Assembly
of
Experts,
a
body
elected
by
the
people,
is
responsible
for
appointing
and,
in
theory,
dismissing
the
Leader.
Since
the
revolution,
the
post
has
been
held
by
Ruhollah
Khomeini
(1979–1989)
and
Ali
Khamenei
(1989–present).
or
religious
contexts.
In
everyday
language,
rahbar
can
describe
leaders
of
organizations
or
movements
and
appears
in
compound
titles
such
as
rahbar-e
enqelab
("leader
of
the
revolution").
It
is
also
used
as
a
given
name
or
surname
in
some
cultures.