Ijtihad Network Being Wise and Faithful Muslim in the Contemporary World
The Muslims across various parts of the globe mark the Eid al-Ghadir, celebrating the occasion of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) appointing Imam Ali (PBUH) as his successor. The auspicious occasion is annually celebrated with various ceremonies and rituals on the 18th of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar.
It has been reported through authentic Islamic sources that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received a revelation from God, ordering him to halt the pilgrims at a pond called Khum, a place near Mecca, and to designate Imam Ali (PBUH) as his successor in guiding and ruling Muslims.
The Prophet of Islam (PBUH) announced one of the most important commandments of Islam, which he was informed of by angel Gabriel, on this great day. This decree completed his duty as a messenger and the religion of Islam.
According to Imam Khomeini the sacred event of al- Ghadir is the continuation of the prophet’s mission and the torch-bearer of monotheism, which shows the dignity of honorable prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) progeny.
Imam Khomeini, the father of Islamic Revolution also described Imam Ali (peace be upon him) as the perfect man, true successor of the holy prophet and manifestation of divine names.
Imam Khomeini through his messages used to describe the event of Ghadir as the greatest Eid for the Muslims and faithful people.
Imam Khomeini, the leader of contemporary Muslim world, in one of historic message maintained that Ghadir is the completion of the religion, the perfection of God’s greatest bounty, the most magnificent feast of Allah; it is the feast for the righteous people, followers and supporters of the holy Prophet of Islam. Ghadir is the feast of Islamic justice and leadership, the feast of humanity, projecting light on the ideologies and inducing hopes in the hearts. It is the renewed covenant of the prophet’s mission in the guardianship of Imam Ali (PBUH).
“What can I say about the personality of Imam `Ali? Who else may justly say anything about him? The multifarious dimensions of this great personality are beyond human assessment. Just like the names of God, the Exalted, the dimensions of a perfect man, who is the manifestation of all divine names and attributes, are beyond calculation. We cannot describe even a single attribute of Imam Ali… The issue of Ghadir is not an event befallen the Imam. In fact, Ghadir has been created for the sake of the Imam. This noble personality and fountainhead of sound human qualities prompted the Ghadir to take place. The Ghadir itself has no value for Imam Ali. What is valuable is his Excellency for whom Ghadir is valued,” Imam Khomeini said.
Sahifeh-ye Imam, vol. 20, p. 106
