Imam Khomeini led very simple life before and after the victory of the Islamic Revolution in 1979 and spared no efforts in rendering help to the most poor and needy classes of the society.
According to Imam, in the early days of Islam, the ideal Islamic government ruled twice: first at the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and secondly when Imam Ali ibn Abī Tālib (PBUH) governed in Kūfah. They were the only two examples that the immaterial values dominated. In other words, they were governments of justice in which the rulers had never violated the law. During those two periods, a government of law was in control and perhaps we will never find another government of law with such qualities all over the world. A government whose walī al-amr – 'king' or 'president' in nowadays’ terms – was equal to the simplest citizen living there before the law.
It happened in the government of the early Islam. In this regard, there is a story about Amīr al-Mu’minīn, Imam Ali (PBUH). During his rule which was extended to include the Arab Peninsula, Egypt, Iran and many other areas, while it was he who was assigning judges, an individual from Yemen – living under the control of this very government – brought a lawsuit against the Imam (PBUH) and the judge summoned Imam Ali (a.). When Imam (a.) arrived in the court, the judge tried to show respect for him. Although the judge was really appointed by Amīr al-Mu’minīn (PBUH) himself, Imam (a.) said, 'While judging do not respect only one party. He and I should be equal. And after the judge issued a rule against Imam Ali (PBUH), he accepted it cheerfully.
In such a government all are equal before the law because the Islamic law is a divine one and all – whether the ruler, the Prophet, the Imam or the common people – are equal before Allah, be He blessed, the Exalted.
Therefore, Imam Khomeini described himself as a brother and servant of the Iranian nation.
The great leader of the Muslim world made remarks while addressing a group of university students just a year after the victory of the Islamic Revolution.
Imam told the students that that he feels pride as being brother and servant of the nation instead of describing himself as a leader.
The great figure of contemporary era explained that the great divine spiritual leaders throughout the history of Islam have been adopting the same conduct and behavior. They have been calling themselves as brother of the public and common people.
He went onto say that the divine holy book of Quran has also depicted the believers as brothers. The great leader led the masses by described himself a servant of the nation.
“Leader and leadership in the divine religions including Islam is not in itself something grand to make men proud and self conceited”. “If they call me a servant, it would be better than being called a leader. Being a leader is not what matters. What matters is service, Islam has made it necessary for us to serve! I am a brother to Iranian people and regard myself as their servant and soldier...” the founder of the Islamic Republic said.