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Shia Muslims across the world are observing ‘Eid-e Ghadir’, marking the anniversary of an important event in Islamic history.
According to Shia belief, tradition, and interpretation of history, this occasion commemorates the pivotal gathering when Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) – based on a divine command from Allah – designated Hazrat Ali as his successor.
In historical sources, it is recorded that on the way back to Madinah after performing a pilgrimage to Makkah, the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) received a revelation.
“O Messenger, deliver [to the people] what has been revealed to you from your Lord, and if you do not do so, then you will not have delivered His message …” (Surah al-Maida sura 5 ayat 67).
According to numerous reliable Hadith sources, both Shia and Sunni, record this event, which took place on 18th Zil Hajj. Upon receiving this revelation, the Holy Prophet stopped at an oasis known as at Ghadir-e-Khumm (Pond of Ghadir), and addressed a large gathering of Muslims who had accompanied him.
It is said that the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) proclaimed: “Man kuntu mawlahu fa aliyyun mawlahu” meaning: “He whose Mawla I am, Ali is his Mawla.”
The Holt Prophet (peace be upon him) then prayed: “O Allah, be a friend of whoever is his friend and extend your support to those who support him.”
According to Shia belief, by declaring Hazrat Ali as Mawla after him, the Prophet (peace be upon him) transferred his own spiritual authority bestowed upon him by Allah to Hazrat Ali, making him the Amir-ul-Muminin, or Master of the Believers.
On instruction from Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Hazrat Ali received an oath of allegiance from the Muslims assembled there.
According to Shia traditions and sources, following the proclamation, the final verse of the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet: “On this day, I have perfected for you your religion, completed my favours upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.”
Eid-e Ghadir is an anniversary of special significance to all Shia Muslims. The date of the sermon is considered to be one of the foundational events of Shias, with the anniversary becoming one of its most important annual celebrations as Eid-e-Ghadir.
Shia Muslims throughout the world celebrate this event annually with diverse customs. It is held in different countries, including Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Syria, Pakistan and around the world.
The Great Celebration of Eid Al’Ghadeer in Iran_❤😍#عيد_الغدير pic.twitter.com/QmMgwOiM0N
— Taskeen Zehra (@TaskeenZehra11) August 8, 2020
