Khomeini was exiled instead .
In 1963 , he prevented the Shah from executing Ayatollah Khomeini by recognizing him as a Grand Ayatollah , since according to the Iranian constitution a Marja ' could not be executed .
Ayatollah Khomeini was exiled instead .
In 1963 , he prevented the Shah from executing Ayatollah Khomeini by recognizing him as a Grand Ayatollah , since according to the Iranian constitution a Marja ' could not be executed .