Today, we become familiar with the Event of Ghadir, which is one of the important events of the last years of the life of Prophet of Islam, Mohammad (Blessings of God upon him and his progeny).

In the year 10th AH, residents of Medina heard that Prophet Mohammad intended to pay a pilgrimage to Holy Ka’ba in Mecca, and had called on all Muslims to accompany him in this spiritual journey. In a short period of time, all of residents of Medina were informed on this matter. People headed toward Medina in groups, from the surrounding oases and deserts to keep the company of Prophet of Islam in this spiritual journey. However, they didn’t know that this was Prophet’s last Hajj pilgrimage and an important development will take place in this spiritual journey.

The Hajj pilgrimage convoy, led by the Prophet of Islam, departed from Medina, while heading for Mecca. The Prophet wore Ahram attire and said, “Labbayk” at Shajarah Mosque. Muslims also followed suit. The convoy of pilgrims reached Mecca after a few days journey. The Prophet circled round Holy Ka’ba, observed his prayers, and carried out other Hajj rituals. On Eid al-Adha he went to Mina, and took part in the Hajj ritual of stoning the Devil, while also sacrificing a camel.

Parallel with observation of Hajj rituals, the Prophet of Islam intended to dispel the superstitions that had gradually emerged, and tried to teach the appropriate observation of Hajj rituals to people.

Upon the observation of Hajj rituals, Hajj pilgrims headed back home. The Prophet of Islam also headed back to Medina in the company of other Muslims. In that vast plain, only a few trees could be seen at a far distance. That location was Ghadir-e Khom, which was en route the Mecca-Medina path, in which the members of caravans usually rested for a while. The uproar of the members of convoy, and sounds of the horses’ footsteps and camels’ bells could be heard. Meanwhile, amid these sounds, it seemed as though the Prophet was pondering over an important matter and was awaiting a major development.

Upon the arrival of the convoy at Ghadir-e Khom, the Prophet of Islam sensed the presence of Angel, Gabriel, who conveyed the message of God, while addressing the Prophet of Islam: “O Apostle! Communicate that which has been sent down to you from your Lord, and if you do not, you will not have communicated His message, and Allah shall protect you from the people…”

The Prophet, who sensed a major responsibility upon the conveyance of this message, became prepared to inform people of an important matter. Then, he urged everyone to gather around. After a while, every one gathered at Ghadir-e Khom under the scorching heat, wondering what had happened and what the Prophet of Islam wanted to tell them. That day was 18th of the Islamic month of Zil Hajja in the year 10th AH. It was around midday and was very warm. The Prophet delivered a keynote, historical speech before the large crowd, which stood at more than 100,000 people.

The Prophet noted: “Praise God. We seek His assistance; maintain faith in God; and rely upon Him. We seek refuge in God from our misdeeds. God guides mankind. I attest the God Almighty is the only one which should be worshipped and Mohammad is God’s servant and Prophet. Dear people, I will soon depart you and pass away. All of us shoulder a number of responsibilities. Haven’t I carried out my prophecy?”

At this point, the crowd raised their voice in approval, attesting that the Prophet had fulfilled his prophecy, had guided them, and had staged Jihad for the sake of God, while praying and pleading to God to reward the Prophet of Islam.

The Prophet went on to note that he leaves behind two valuable things; one being the holy book of God, Holy Quran, and the other being the Prophet’s Infallible Household. The Prophet added: God has informed me that these two valuable things are inseparable. Dear people, hear my words, and ponder over my remarks. Muslims are each other’s brethren. Now, dear people, I call on those, who are present, to inform those who are absent that there will be no prophet after me. Dear people, today, I dismiss as baseless all the beliefs and traditions of the Age of Ignorance. Dear people, I call on you to fully comply with Holy Quran and to follow my Household.

After a short while, the Prophet held and raised Ali’s hand. Ali always assisted the Prophet of Islam. Then the Prophet said: “God is my master, and I am the master of the faithful. So, anyone that considers me to be his master should consider Ali to be his master. God, befriend his friends, and be hostile toward his enemies.”

Prophet of Islam stated this sentence three times and thereby clearly announced his succession by Imam Ali (Peace be upon him). The Prophet also instructed leading Muslims to approach Imam Ali and to congratulate him on this occasion. Thereafter, the followers of Prophet Mohammad swore allegiance with Imam Ali, in groups. People were still present when another ayah descended on the Prophet by God, which noted: “…Today the faithless have despaired of your religion. So do not fear them, but fear Me. Today, I have perfected your religion for you, and I have completed My blessing upon you, and I have approved Islam as your religion…”

Many Islamic narrations, which have been cited by leading Sunnis and Shias have pointed out that this ayah was descended upon the announcement of Imamate of Imam Ali on the day of Ghadir-e Khom.

On that day, disbelievers were completely disappointed, given that they previously imagined that upon the demise of Prophet, no trace of Islam would be left. But, when they observed that a leading knowledgeable, pious, and just man would succeed the Prophet, they were despaired, realizing that Islam is a deep-rooted and ever-lasting tradition.

Meanwhile, the reason behind selection of Imam Ali was the large number of virtues which were embodied by him. Everyone knew Imam Ali’s wisdom, fairness, and courage. His remarks were uniquely eloquent. He sympathized with the needy and kindly treated others. The Event of Ghadir manifests and displays the continuation of the righteous path of divine religion of Islam.

MR/ME