Ghadeer: The moment Wilayah was declared
After completing his final Hajj, Prophet Muhammad (saww) stopped thousands of Muslims at a place called Ghadeer Khumm.
In the middle of the desert, he delivered a sermon that would become one of the most important events in Islamic history.
For Shia Muslims, Ghadeer was the moment the Prophet (saww) publicly declared the leadership and Wilayah of Imam Ali (as).
Allah (swt) says in the Qur’an:
“O Messenger! Convey what has been revealed to you from your Lord…”
Surah Al-Ma’idah, Ayah 67
According to Shia tradition, this verse highlighted the importance of announcing Imam Ali’s (as) position to the Muslim Ummah.
What happened at Ghadeer?
At Ghadeer Khumm, the Prophet (saww) gathered the believers and reminded them about faith, guidance, and responsibility.
He then raised Imam Ali’s (as) hand and declared:
“For whoever I am his Mawla, Ali is his Mawla.”
For Shia Muslims, this statement confirmed Imam Ali’s (as) leadership after the Prophet (saww).
Why does Wilayah matter?
For Shia Muslims, Ghadeer confirmed:
- The leadership of Imam Ali (as)
- The continuation of divine guidance
- The importance of following Ahlulbayt (as)
- Unity through truth and justice
Ghadeer reminds believers that Islam was not left without guidance after the Prophet (saww).
The legacy of Ghadeer today
Eid al-Ghadeer is a day of celebration, gratitude, and renewal of faith for Shia Muslims around the world.
It is a time to:
- Remember the virtues of Imam Ali (as)
- Strengthen connection with Ahlulbayt (as)
- Reflect on loyalty and faith
- Support Islamic causes and communities
A final reflection
Ghadeer was not simply a historical moment. It was a declaration that shaped the future of the Ummah.
For Shia Muslims, Wilayah remains a source of guidance, strength, and spiritual connection to the teachings of the Prophet (saww) and his family.
This Eid al-Ghadeer, honour the legacy of Ghadir by strengthening your faith, supporting your community, and remembering the message of Wilayah.
Continue the legacy of compassion and service through The Zahra Trust.
FAQs
Ghadeer Khumm is the location where Prophet Muhammad (saww) publicly declared Imam Ali (as) as Mawla after his final Hajj.
Wilayah refers to the divinely appointed spiritual and leadership authority of Imam Ali (as) and the Imams from Ahlulbayt (as).
Eid al-Ghadeer commemorates the declaration of Imam Ali’s (as) leadership and is one of the most significant occasions in Shia Islam.
The Prophet (saww) declared: “For whoever I am his Mawla, Ali is his Mawla.”
Shia scholars connect several Qur’anic verses, including Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:67, to the event of Ghadeer.
Shia Muslims celebrate with prayers, gatherings, charity, and remembrance of Imam Ali (as) and Ahlulbayt (as).