Ghadir is not merely a historical event; it is a sign of the continuation of divine guidance after the Prophet. In fact, Ghadir marks the official beginning of Imamate and guardianship, and it is a reminder of the great responsibility to follow the path of justice, knowledge, and virtue embodied by Ali ibn Abi Talib (PBUH).
This celebration commemorates the event of Ghadir Khumm — the day when the Prophet of Islam (PBUH), on his return from the Farewell Pilgrimage, stopped at a place called “Ghadir Khumm” and, before a large assembly of Muslims, appointed Imam Ali (PBUH) as his “Wali” and successor.
The relationship between Ghadir and Ashura is profound and foundational in Islamic history. These two events represent pivotal moments in the fulfilment of the mission of Imamate and guardianship. In essence, if Ghadir was the official proclamation of Wilayah (divinely appointed leadership), Ashura was its bloody defences.
At Ghadir Khumm, the Prophet (PBUH), by divine command, appointed Imam Ali (PBUH) as his successor. This event was not just a simple allegiance but a divine covenant cantered on Imamate and the continuation of guidance. Ghadir was the turning point where the future path of Islam was defined. After the Prophet’s passing, the Muslim community gradually distanced itself from the path of Ghadir.
It was then that Imam Husayn (PBUH), the son of the Commander of the Faithful Ali (PBUH), rose up. He declared, “A person like me does not give allegiance to a person like Yazid.” In reality, he stood against the deviation from the path of Ghadir.
Ashura is, in fact, the embodiment of sacrifice to keep the message of Ghadir alive. If Ghadir was the announcement of Wilayah, then Ashura was the shedding of blood to preserve it. Through his uprising, Imam Husayn (PBUH) cried out that Ghadir must not be forgotten, and the ummah must return to the divine path.
15 ذی الحجه 1446
11 June 2025