Islamic jurisprudence resolves contradictions in the Quran by giving precedence to later, more militant verses revealed in Medina when Muhammad was powerful. This principle of abrogation effectively nullifies the earlier, more peaceful Meccan verses.

A key theological distinction is that Old Testament violence is descriptive, recounting historical conflicts against specific, now-extinct peoples. In contrast, the Quran's calls to violence are prescriptive and open-ended, targeting the generic category of 'the infidel.'

While appearing as a traditionalist, Khomeini's core concept, the "Guardianship of the Jurist," was a profound theological revolution. It proposed for the first time that clerics should directly rule the state, breaking with centuries of Shiite political quietism. This innovation provided the ideological basis for the new republic.

The literal meaning of jihad as 'struggle' extends beyond warfare to include non-violent methods to advance Islam's influence. These include 'jihad of the tongue' (propaganda), financial influence, and demographic competition ('baby jihad').

Islam is not merely a set of personal beliefs but a comprehensive political system. Sharia law is not a radical fringe element but the prescriptive, legal application of Islam's core tenets, making the religion inherently political.

A core Islamic doctrine, 'Al-Wala' Wal-Bara'' (Loyalty and Enmity), commands Muslims to be loyal only to fellow Muslims and to harbor hatred and disavowal towards all non-Muslims. This creates a foundational 'us vs. them' worldview.

Harris suggests that the most effective voices against radical Islam are ex-Muslims from those cultures. They possess deep cultural knowledge and are immune to identity-based dismissals like 'Islamophobia'. Therefore, Western policy should focus on empowering these individuals to lead a reformation from within.

Taqiyya is the practice of permissible dissimulation, allowing a Muslim to feign friendship or even renounce their faith when under threat from non-Muslims. This doctrine makes it difficult to distinguish genuine moderates from those feigning moderation strategically.

Ayatollah Khamenei believes that any attempt at reform, like Gorbachev's in the USSR, would accelerate the regime's collapse rather than prolong it. This formative experience informs his rigid refusal to cede ground on core principles like the mandatory hijab, ensuring a brutal response to dissent.