Examining the First Station of the Soul or the Realm of Dominion from the Perspective of Imam Khomeini

Abstract

The present study, conducted with the aim of examining the first station of the soul or the realm of dominion (manzel-e molk) from the perspective of Imam Khomeini, employs a descriptive-analytical method to offer a clearer and more comprehensive interpretation of the subject. The analysis concludes that the soul is, by essence, a singular entity, and every individual possesses one soul. However, because the soul is influenced by various factors and humans are endowed with free will—essentially acting as the managers and administrators of their affairs whose existence unfolds under God's will—and since the soul possesses two inclinations—one directed toward the light of the celestial world and the other inclined toward the material world (dunya)—it is natural for such a soul to experience diverse states and stations. According to Imam Khomeini, the soul has three stations, each requiring a unique form of struggle (jihad). The first station of the soul, which is the lowest, is the realm of dominion (molk), representing its outer, worldly dimension. In this station, the soul possesses various apparent faculties, which are governed by the faculty of wahm (imagination or delusive perception). Imam Khomeini considers the nature of the soul to be an essence that is immaterial in its essence yet attached to the body in its acts. From Imam Khomeini’s point of view, the first and lowest level of the soul is its material and worldly aspect, whose invisible lights manifest within the physical body and grant it life. The primary battlefield of the soul is the human body, and its sensory faculties serve as its soldiers, deployed across seven existential domains: the ears, eyes, tongue, stomach, sexual organs, hands, and feet. All of these dispersed faculties operate under the command of the soul and are dependent on the faculty of wahm, as wahm is deemed the ruler over both the sensory and inner faculties of the soul. If wahm falls under the influence of Satan, these faculties are transformed into satanic instruments, and the governance of the soul deviates toward falsehood. In contrast, if this faculty is guided by reason and divine law (shari‘a), a rational and divine order will govern the human being. Struggle against the soul in this station consists of overcoming the external faculties and submitting them to the command of the Creator, thereby purging the dominion of the soul of satanic forces and their soldiers.