Millions of Shiite Muslims across the world will celebrate the Eid al-Ghadeer on Friday, the 18th of the holy month of Thul Hijja, which marks the appointment of the first Shiite Imam, Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS), by Islam’s most revered figure, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as his successor, according to Shaia hadiths.
Hazrat Ali Holy Shrine in Al-Najaf Al-Ashraf, Iraq, has been decorated with special flags and banners in preparation for celebrating.
The flags and banners, hung all over the walls of the Holy Shrine, have phrases on paying allegiance to Hazrat Ali bin Abi Talib, peace be upon. Decorating the Holy Shrine comes as part of the various activities being carried out during the ten-day-Ghadir celebrations.
It should be mentioned that the event of Ghadeer, or Eid al-Ghadeer, is celebrated by Shia Muslims around the world every year. It is among important feasts and happy holidays of Shia Muslims held on the 18th day of Dhul Hijja in the lunar Hijri calendar.
On the auspicious occasion, people come to streets and extend greetings and felicitations to each other, especially to the families who are descendants of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through his grandsons, Hassan ibn Ali (AS) and Hussein ibn Ali (AS), the sons of the Prophet’s daughter Fatima Zahra (SA) and his son-in-law Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS).
Why is Eid al-Ghadir observed?
Eid is always an Islamic celebration, and it is said this Eid marks the time when the Islamic prophet Muhammad was said to have appointed Hazrat Ali ibn Abi Talib, his son-in-law, as his successor.
According to Shaia hadiths (a record of words actions and silent approval), this Eid is also named Eid-e Bozorg-e Elahi, meaning the greatest divine Eid, and Eid Ahl al-Bayt Muhammad.
The story behind this Eid follows 10 years after the migration from Mecca to Medina, where the Prophet Muhammad asked his followers to call upon people everywhere to join him in his last pilgrimage.
