Eid e Ghadeer – The Day The Prophet (PBUH) Raised The Hand of Truth
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- The Historic Event of Ghadir Khumm: A Divine Declaration of Leadership
- 🤝 Aqd al-Muwakhat – The Sacred Oath of Brotherhood on Eid al-Ghadir
- The Celebration of Ghadir: A Three-Day Festival of Loyalty
- The Completion of the Religion: A Divine Seal from the Heavens
- Ghadir Traditions, Hadiths, and Recommended Acts for Believers
Introduction
In the Islamic calendar, there are certain days that are not just historical commemorations, but milestones of faith, belief, and divine guidance. Among these sacred days, Eid al-Ghadeer stands out as one of the greatest and most significant. It is known as “Eidullah al-Akbar” – the Greatest Eid of Allah by the believers.
This is the day when the Prophet of Mercy, Hazrat Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH), by the command of Allah, declared the Wilayah (guardianship and leadership) of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (A.S), thus completing the religion of Islam.
The event of Ghadeer is not merely a historical sermon but a divine proclamation that established the criterion of truth and leadership for the Muslim Ummah. It was on this day that the boundary between truth and falsehood was clearly defined, and the eternal message was delivered: leadership belongs to the one chosen by Allah and His Messenger.
The message of Eid al-Ghadeer goes beyond just love for Ali (A.S); it is about accepting his divine authority, following in his footsteps, and embracing the true spirit of Islam. That is why every year on the 18th of Dhul Hijjah, believers around the world not only celebrate this occasion but also renew their understanding of its deep spiritual and ideological significance—so they may remain steadfast on the path of truth.
The Historic Event of Ghadir Khumm: A Divine Declaration of Leadership
The Journey of the Prophet (PBUH) Reaches Juhfa
As narrated in authentic traditions, the caravan of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reached Juhfa, a place approximately 13 miles from the sacred city of Makkah. This strategic location is where the paths of pilgrims heading to Medina, Egypt, Syria, and Iraq diverge.
Just a short distance (about 1.5 to 2 miles) from this point lies a water reservoir. In Arabic, such a reservoir is known as a “Ghadir”. This particular site is historically and spiritually referred to as Ghadir Khumm, and in the language of Islamic tradition and history, it is known as “khum”.
Ghadir Khumm: A Shore of Glory, Guidance, and Eternal Legacy
Ghadir Khumm, where every wave carries the fame, greatness, and everlasting significance of the event. A sacred location where Divine Revelation brought forth a vital message for the protection and future of Islam.
In the spiritually rich atmosphere of Ghadir, Islamic civilization and the divine justice system received their eternal seal of continuity. The peaceful and radiant surroundings of Ghadir witnessed the reward of the Prophet’s tireless efforts for the sake of Allah. It was at Ghadir Khumm that the final wish of the Prophet (PBUH) was fulfilled, where Allah perfected His religion and granted Islam the certificate of divine approval.
Revelation Descends: The Command to Deliver the Final Message
As soon as the caravan reached the banks of Ghadir, on the 18th of Zul Hijjah, 10 Hijri, the Prophet (PBUH) halted the journey. Why? Because Angel Jibreel (A.S) had descended with a crucial message from Allah.
The Messenger of Allah listened intently to the divine command:
“O Messenger! Convey what has been revealed to you from your Lord. If you do not, then you have not conveyed His message. And Allah will protect you from the people.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, verse 67)
Upon receiving this command, the Prophet (PBUH) immediately dedicated all his efforts to fulfill and proclaim this heavenly directive.
Organizing the Gathering at Ghadir Khumm
The scorching heat burned the desert ground like fire. Some members of the caravan had moved ahead while others lagged behind. The Prophet (PBUH) sent instructions:
- Call those who went ahead to return.
- Urge the slow walkers to speed up.
- Prepare a gathering space for the announcement.
As night fell, people began to assemble. The Prophet (PBUH) gave directions:
- Everyone should sit in order and respectfully.
- No one should occupy the space beneath the five thorny Acacia trees, for that is where the pulpit will be set up.
- Spread cloth beneath the trees and place camel saddles to build a raised platform.
Once all arrangements were made, and the noon prayer (Zuhr) time arrived, Bilal (R.A) called out the Adhan with his melodious voice. The Prophet (PBUH) led the prayer and, after its completion, turned to address the sea of people from the elevated pulpit.
The Greatest Sermon of Leadership in Islamic History
The Prophet (PBUH) ascended the pulpit and began his sermon, shaped by divine revelation:
“All praise is for Allah. We seek His help and put our trust in Him. We seek refuge in Him from the evil of our souls and our bad deeds. Whomsoever Allah guides, no one can misguide, and whomsoever He lets go astray, no one can guide. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is His servant and Messenger…”
He continued:
“O people! Allah, the Most Kind and the All-Knowing, has informed me that no Prophet lives longer than half the age of his predecessor. Soon, I will answer the call of my Lord. I will be questioned, and you too will be questioned. Tell me, have I fulfilled my mission?”
The crowd of over 120,000 companions responded in unison:
“Yes, O Prophet! You conveyed the message, guided us, and sincerely fulfilled your duty. May Allah reward you abundantly.”
Reaffirming the Beliefs of Islam
The Prophet (PBUH) continued:
“Do you all bear witness to the Oneness of Allah? Do you affirm my Prophethood? Do you accept the reality of Paradise and Hell, the Day of Judgement, death, and resurrection?”
The companions again responded in unison:
“Yes, we affirm all of this!”
The Prophet (PBUH) then said:
“O Allah, be a witness to their testimony.”
The Prophet Foretells the Meeting at the Pond of Kawthar
“I am going ahead of you and will wait for you at the Pond of Kawthar. Its width spans the distance from Yemen to Syria. The cups and goblets surrounding it are as numerous as the stars in the sky.”
Then he drew everyone’s attention to a critical concern:
“Now, it is up to you how you behave with the two weighty things (Al-Thaqalayn) that I am leaving among you after me.”
What Are the Two Weighty Trusts (Al-Thaqalayn)?
At this moment, a voice rose from the gathering:
“O Messenger of Allah, what are these two precious things — the Thaqalayn — that you are referring to?”
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) replied:
“One of them is the Book of Allah — the Qur’an — whose one end is in the Hand of Allah, the Almighty, and the other end is in your hands. Hold firmly to it, so that you do not go astray.”
“The second is my Progeny — my Ahlul Bayt (A.S). The All-Knowing and Kind Lord has informed me that these two shall never separate from each other until they meet me at the Pond of Kawthar.”
Then he gave a vital command:
“Do not go ahead of them, or you will perish. And do not fall behind them, or you will be ruined.”
The Glorious Moment: Declaration of Leadership at Ghadir
After delivering this profound message, the Prophet (PBUH) performed an act that echoed through Islamic history:
He took the hand of Imam Ali (A.S) and raised it as high as he could, so that everyone could see. Then the Prophet addressed them:
“Whomsoever I Am Master, Ali Is His Master”
A Divine Question: Who Has More Authority Over the Believers?
The Prophet asked:
“O people, tell me—who has more authority over the believers than their own selves?”
The crowd respectfully responded:
“Allah and His Messenger know best.”
The Historic Proclamation: The Appointment of Imam Ali (A.S)
“Allah is my Master, and I am the master of the believers. I have more authority over them than they have over themselves. So, whomever I am master (Mawla), Ali is his master (Mawla).”
Historical narrators report that the Prophet (PBUH) repeated this statement three times for emphasis.
A Supplication for Support and Divine Endorsement
“O Allah! Love those who love Ali, and be the enemy of those who oppose him. Help those who support him, and abandon those who abandon him. Turn the truth in the direction Ali turns.”
Then he commanded:
“Let those who are present today convey this message to those who are not present.”
A Covenant with the Prophet (PBUH)
Towards the end of the sermon, the Prophet (PBUH) addressed the Muslims again:
“Say now: We pledge allegiance to you on this matter. We give you our word, extend our hands, and vow to pass this trust to our children and families. We will not alter or change anything in this covenant. You are a witness over us, and Allah is the greatest witness.”
He then instructed:
“Now repeat after me and greet Ali with the title of Amir al-Mu’mineen (Commander of the Faithful).”
The Grand Oath of Allegiance to Imam Ali (A.S)
Immediately after the Prophet’s command, the gathering surged forward toward the pulpit. One by one, the companions of the Prophet (PBUH) began congratulating and pledging allegiance to Imam Ali (A.S).
The first to offer allegiance were: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Talha, and Zubair. They placed their hands in the hand of Imam Ali (A.S) and confirmed their allegiance verbally.
At this moment, Umar ibn Khattab made his famous remark:
“Congratulations, O Ali! Today you have become the Mawla (Master) of every believing man and woman.”
🤝 Aqd al-Muwakhat – The Sacred Oath of Brotherhood on Eid al-Ghadir
✋ What is Aqd al-Muwakhat?
On this blessed day, two believing individuals (Mu’mineen) clasp each other’s hands and exchange a sacred pledge. The words of this oath are powerful and profound:
“If I am granted intercession (Shafa’ah) and permitted to enter Paradise, I will not enter until you are with me.”
To this, the second person replies:
“I accept this bond, and I waive all other rights of brotherhood except intercession, prayer, and meeting in the Hereafter.”
🌟 A Pact of Loyalty and Love
This oath represents the essence of Islamic brotherhood – where one believer promises to not rejoice in salvation alone, but to take their brother or sister along toward eternal bliss. It reflects the true spirit of unity that Ghadir calls for – a commitment beyond this world.
💡 Why is it Important?
- It revives the spirit of Ghadir, which emphasized unity under the leadership of Imam Ali (AS).
- It promotes emotional and spiritual connection between believers.
- It strengthens the values of intercession (Shafa’ah), loyalty, and community care.
This sacred ritual is a sunnah of the lovers of Ahlul Bayt (AS) and has been practiced for generations by those who understand the deep meaning of Wilayah (Divine Guardianship).
The Celebration of Ghadir: A Three-Day Festival of Loyalty
Following the declaration, the companions continued to approach Imam Ali (A.S) in groups — the Muhajirun and the Ansar, men and women alike, all offered their heartfelt congratulations and bay’ah (oath of allegiance). The atmosphere of faith, loyalty, and spiritual joy turned this declaration into a three-day celebration, filled with love and unity.
The Completion of the Religion: A Divine Seal from the Heavens
At the peak of this historic event, Angel Jibreel (A.S) once again descended with a final verse from the Holy Qur’an, revealing the divine approval of this declaration:
“This day, I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion.” (Surah Al-Ma’idah, verse 3)
Ghadir Traditions, Hadiths, and Recommended Acts for Believers
The Day of Ghadir is not just a celebration — it’s a day of spiritual renewal, divine rewards, and reaffirmation of loyalty to the divine leadership of Imam Ali (A.S). The traditions and recommended acts linked to this day hold immense value in Shi’a teachings and reflect deep-rooted Islamic values of unity, gratitude, and generosity.
🌟 The Greatest Eid According to Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (A.S)
“The Day of Ghadir is the greatest of all Eids.”
It is the day when Allah completed the religion and declared the Wilayah (Guardianship) of Imam Ali (A.S) — a pillar of true Islamic leadership.
✅ Must-Do Recommended Acts on Eid al-Ghadir
- Fasting on the Day of Ghadir
Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (A.S) stated:“Whoever fasts on Ghadir will receive the reward of fasting for the entire lifespan of the world.”
- Feeding Believers at Iftar
“The one who provides Iftar on Ghadir is like the one who has fed one million Prophets, Truthful Ones, and Martyrs.”
- Recite Ziyarat of Imam Ali (A.S) and Ziyarat Aminullah
Visit the shrine of Imam Ali (A.S) if possible. If not, recite Ziyarat Aminullah and offer salutations from afar to affirm your love and allegiance. - Send Salawat (Blessings) on Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and His Family
Abundant recitation of Salawat (Darood) adds blessings and illuminates the heart with love for Ahlul Bayt (A.S). - Smile and Greet Believers with Joy
“Those who smile at believers on Ghadir receive divine mercy, their prayers are answered, and palaces are built for them in Paradise.”
- Gather with Believers and Celebrate
Hold gatherings, events, or small family celebrations. Sharing happiness on this day invites divine ease in worldly matters. - Give Gifts to Children and the Needy
Make this day festive for your family — distribute gifts, especially to children, and include the less fortunate in your joy. - Charity on the Day of Ghadir
“Whoever gives even one dirham in charity on Ghadir will be rewarded as though they gave 200,000 dirhams.”
- Perform Ghusl (Purification Bath)
Taking a ritual bath (Ghusl) is highly recommended for spiritual purification on Eid al-Ghadir. - Fulfill the Needs of Fellow Believers
Helping a believer on Ghadir brings immense divine reward and serves as a true expression of Islamic brotherhood. - Forgive, Be Kind, and Support Your Family
On this blessed day, forgive others’ mistakes, engage in acts of kindness, and spend on your family generously. - Dress Well, Cook Special Food, and Beautify the Home
Celebrate Eid al-Ghadir like a true festival — wear clean/new clothes, prepare delicious food, decorate your home, and apply perfume (itr) to reflect the joy of the day. - Express Disassociation from the Enemies of Ahlul Bayt (A.S)
Declare your disassociation from the enemies of Imam Ali (A.S). This is part of reaffirming your loyalty to the path of truth.
