Shia Muslims around the world celebrate Eid al-Ghadir, marking the anniversary of an important event in Muslim history. While Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) was returning to Medina from his Farewell Pilgrimage to Mecca on 18 Dhul Hijjah, 10AH (year 632 AD), he stopped at a desert oasis called Ghadir Khumm.
According to the Shia interpretation, the Prophet received a revelation from God ordering him to designate his son-in-law Ali (peace be upon him) as his successor at the head of the Muslim community. The Prophet took Hazrat Ali’s hand and proclaimed: “He whose Mawla I am, Ali is his Mawla”. After Prophet Muhammad passed away Hazrat Ali became the first Imam of the Shia community.
As Shia Ismaili Muslims we believe that although the lineage of prophethood ended with Nabi Muhammad, the light of Divine guidance was passed on and continued through the rope of Imamat who are in charge of interpreting the revealed message. This chain of light inherited amongst designated members of the Prophet’s family, through his daughter Hazrat Fatima (peace be upon her) and her husband Imam Ali. This unbroken chain has continued for over 1400 years of history, with our beloved, present and living Imam - Mawlana Shah Karim al-Hussaini. Since his accession to the Imamat in 1957, Mawlana Hazar Imam has dedicated his life to the improvement of the material well-being and the spiritual elevation of his murids.
We encourage the Jamat to attend this tomorrow's ceremonies in our various centers within the jurisdiction to mark this significant event.
Eid al-Ghadir Mubarak!
