In a small Uttar Pradesh village, Kintoor, located in the Barabanki district, a fascinating connection to Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the 1979 Islamic Revolution and founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, has come to light. As tensions escalate between Iran and Israel, this village with its quiet yet profound link to Iranian history, reminds the world of its spiritual and historical bonds.
Ayatollah Khomeini's ancestral roots trace back to Kintoor, where his grandfather, Syed Ahmad Musavi Hindi, was born in the early 1800s. Syed Ahmad Musavi Hindi later migrated to Iran, settling in Khomein, and the family rose to prominence. Even after settling in Iran, Ahmad Musavi proudly retained "Hindi" in his name, a testament to his Indian heritage and connection to his homeland. It is believed that Syed Ahmad Musavi Hindi traveled from Barabanki to Iran for pilgrimage around 1830 but settled in the town of Khomein.
Today, the family of Ayatollah Khomeini still resides in Kintoor, in a neighborhood called Mahal Mohalla. These descendants, including Nihal Kazmi, Dr. Rehan Kazmi, and Adil Kazmi, proudly trace their lineage to Ahmad Musavi Hindi. They cherish their connection to the man who shaped modern Iran, displaying framed photographs of Khomeini in their homes. Adil Kazmi notes that Khomeini added "Hindi" to his name to show his affection for India. He recounts how during their visits to Iran, people greeted them with great honor upon learning they were from Kintoor, acknowledging the village as the origin of their spiritual leader.
The historical link between Kintoor and Ayatollah Khomeini highlights the shared cultural and religious ties between Indian Muslims and Iranians. Despite efforts to undermine Khomeini's image by attacking his Indian roots, this connection underscores the lasting impact of Indian Muslims on global events. Some reports indicate that when Khomeini's influence grew in Iran, attempts were made to discredit him by calling him an "Indian mullah."
The residents of Kintoor, aware of their village's significance in Iranian history, advocate for peace and harmony in the face of current conflicts. Syed Nihal Ahmed Kazmi, a relative of Khomeini, has condemned the ongoing war in the region, emphasizing the need for dialogue and peace.
While Ayatollah Khomeini's legacy endures, it's important to note that the current Supreme Leader of Iran, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, does not share the same family background. Although ideologically aligned with Khomeini and a close confidant, Khamenei comes from a different clerical lineage without any known ancestral ties to India. Nevertheless, the story of Kintoor serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted connections between India and Iran, illustrating a history of migration, faith, and cultural exchange.
