Ebrahim Raisi: A Look at the Former Iranian President's Life

Ebrahim Raisi became the eighth President of Iran in August 2021. Before starting his political career, he worked in Iran's judicial system. He held several important positions, including Chief Justice, Attorney General, and Deputy Chief Justice.

Ebrahim Raisi was born on December 14, 1960, in the Noghan District of Mashhad, an important religious site in Iran. He came from a clerical family; his father, Seyed Haji, was a cleric, and his family has ancestral ties to Hussaini. Raisi is connected to Ali ibn Husayn Zayn al-Abidin Sayyids. He often wore a black turban, which signifies his descent from the family of the Prophet Mohammed, the last messenger.

His full name is Sayyid Ebrahim Raisolsadati. Many people believed he might succeed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as the supreme leader, the highest religious and political authority in Iran. However, Raisi's sudden death surprised many.

Ebrahim Raisi's Early Life

Ebrahim Raisi's father died when he was just five years old. His father was a strict Islamic cleric, and Raisi decided to follow in his father's footsteps by becoming an Islamic cleric himself. As a teenager, Raisi took part in the 1979 revolution that overthrew the Western-backed monarchy in Iran.

Ebrahim Raisi's Education

Ebrahim Raisi did his primary education at Javadiyeh School in Iran. Following his father's path, he began studying Islam at Hawza, the largest Islamic seminary, when he was five years old. He first studied at Navvab School, then moved to Ayatollah Boroujerdi School in 1975. While at Ayatollah Boroujerdi School, Raisi continued his Islamic studies and also taught other students. Raisi completed his advanced Islamic studies under Mojataba Tehrani and Seyyed Ali Khamenei.

Ebrahim Raisi's Judicial Career

Ebrahim Raisi's judicial career started when he was appointed Prosecutor of Karaj at just 20 years old. Over the years, he moved up through Iran's judicial system, defending the new Islamic Republic against its opponents. He later served as a prosecutor in Hamadan Province.

In 1985, Raisi moved to Tehran to become the Deputy Prosecutor of the capital. He also handled legal issues in several provinces, including Kermanshah, Lorestan, and Semnan.

His career is notably linked to the 1988 massacre of Iranian political prisoners, where he was part of the prosecution committee. He was nicknamed 'The Butcher of Tehran' for his role in this mass executions. After Ruhollah Khomeini's death, Mohammad Yazdi appointed Raisi as Tehran's Prosecutor. Raisi served as Tehran's Prosecutor for five years.

From 2004 to 2014, he was Deputy Chief Justice of Iran, then served as Attorney General from 2014 to 2016. He was Chief Justice of Iran from 2019 to 2021 before starting his political career.

Ebrahim Raisi's Political Career

Ebrahim Raisi ran for president in 2017 as the candidate of the conservative Popular Front of Islamic Revolution Forces (JAMNA). The Front of Islamic Revolution Stability also supported him. However, he lost the election to Hassan Rouhani.

Raisi ran for president again in 2021 and won with 63 per cent of the vote. However, only 48.8 per cent of eligible voters participated, making it the lowest turnout in a presidential election since the 1979 revolution and an easy victory for Raisi.

Ebrahim Raisi's Presidency

After the death of a young Kurdish woman, Mahsa Amini, in police custody in 2022, Iran faced large anti-government protests. The authorities responded with a brutal crackdown, including killings and executions.

Tehran continued its uranium enrichment and ballistic missile programs. A shadow war with Israel became public when Iran launched hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel. This attack followed escalating tensions after Hamas, a militant group backed by Iran, raided Israel on October 7 last year.

During this time, Iran also became a key supplier of military drones to Russia. Additionally, last year, Iran restored diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia through a new deal.

Ebrahim Raisi's Ideology

Ebrahim Raisi is known for his hardline stance on both domestic and foreign policies, firmly believing in strict adherence to Islamic law. In 2020, he stated, "The preservation of moral values in society is a requirement of Sharia, a requirement of law and civil rights."

On economic policy, Raisi has focused on fighting corruption throughout his career. In 2019, he declared, "We will not only cut off the fingers but chop off the arms of the corrupt." He has also called for more financial support for the poor and promoted a resistance economy. During his first presidential run in 2017, he said, "The approach that [says] we should wait for foreign investment and for foreigners to resolve our issues is wrong."

On social issues, Raisi uses the principles of the 1979 revolution, including gender segregation. In 2014, he said, "Preventing the mixing of men and women in the office helps them provide better services and creates a suitable working environment. This is a good move, and women will be the first to defend it." He also stated that the hijab, or modest dress for women, is part of "our national law and culture."

In foreign policy, Raisi supports the Iranian backing of militant allies. During the 11-day clashes between Israel and Gaza in 2021, he said, "The heroic resistance of Palestine forced the occupying Zionist regime to retreat, moving closer to liberating Holy Quds. The Palestinian resistance in Gaza and the youth have achieved a great victory for the Muslim and Arab communities, bringing honour to Muslims and freedom seekers worldwide, while shaming governments that seek to normalize relations with Israel."

Ebrahim Raisi's Family

On a personal note, Ebrahim Raisi's spouse is Jamileh Alamolhoda the eldest daughter of Ahmad Alamolhoda, an Iranian Shia Islamic Cleric. The couple was blessed with two daughters.

Ebrahim Raisi's Net Worth

Ebrahim Raisi is reported to have a net worth exceeding 110 billion dollars and owns around 30,000 square miles of property. He possesses over five private jets and has lived a lavish lifestyle, boasting a reserve of 10 billion dollars in gold and owning over 8 luxury yachts.