THE IMPORTANCE OF GHADEER IN ISLAM

It is belief of every Muslim that right from the Prophet Adam to the last Prophet, every Messenger preached Islam. Is it possible to believe that Allah had left the Muslims without a frame work for them to follow till the Day of Resurrection? Allah was completely aware of the events to follow till the Day of Resurrection and beyond.

Imam Ali (a.s.)’s appointment as the successor may be noticed from the day of “Dawat-al-Zul’Asheerah” when the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) was ordered by Allah to openly invite the people towards Islam. After his formal announcement, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) inquired who could help him in his efforts to preach and protect Islam, at that time Imam Ali (a.s.) though the youngest in the audience, offered his services three times as none came forward to help. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) proclaimed, “Behold my brother, my Vazir (Successor) and the executor of my will among you. Listen to him and obey him.” This was the confirmation by Allah that after the culmination of Prophet hood, the Wilayah or Imamate will continue till the Day of Resurrection. The Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) speaks only what is directed by Allah as per surah al-Najm Ayah 3-4, “Wa Ma Yantiqu Anil Hawa, In Howa Illah Wahiyn Yuha” “He (Muhammad) does not speak out of his desires. It (whatever he says) is a revelation which has been revealed to him.”

Similarly, a needy person entered the Mosque of the Prophet in Madinah and solicited charity while the Muslims were praying, Imam Ali (a.s.) who was bowing down in salat, pointed his finger in which there was a ring and the needy person took it out and left the Mosque and Ayah 55 of Surah al-Maida was revealed, “Innama Waliukumullahu Wa Rasuluhu Wallazina Amanullazina Yaqimunassalata Wa Yutunazzakata Wa Hum Ra’keun.” “Verily, your guardian (Walyy) is only Allah, His Messenger, and those who believe, those who establish prayer and pay the poor rate while bowing down (in the prayer)”

In Ayah al-Mubelah, Allah confirmed the highest status of Imam Ali (a.s.) to His Messenger when Imam Ali (a.s.) accompanied him (s.a.w.a.s.) as his soul or “Nafs” as explained in Surah Ale-Imran Ayah 61, “Faman Hajjaka Fihe Min Ba’de Ma’ja’aka Minal Ilme Faqul Ta-lau Nadu Abna’ana Wa Abna’kum, Nisa’ana wa Nisa’ukum, Wa Infusana Wa Anfusukum Summa Nab’tahil Fa’najalaLa’natallahe Alal’Kazebeen.” “If anyone disputes after knowledge has come to you, say, let us call our sons and your sons, our women and your women and our selves and your selves and pray to Allah to curse (condemn) the liars among us.”

The bravery of Imam Ali (a.s.) was first known to people in the Battle of Badr when 36 polytheists out of 70 were killed by him. In the Battle of Trench (Khandaq), the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Total faith (Iman) is going to fight Total disbelief (Kufr) ““One stroke of Ali on the day of Khandaq, is heavier than all the good deeds of my Ummah till the Day of Judgment.” On the eve of the Battle of Khyber, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) said, “Tomorrow, I will give the standard of Islam to a man who loves Allah and His Messenger and Allah and His Messenger love him and does not run away from the battlefield and he will not return until Allah grants victory at his hands.

Ultimately, about 3 months before his demise from this world, Allah cautioned the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) to announce the successorship of Imam Ali at Ghadeer-e-Khumm Ayah 67 Surah al-Maida refers, “O Messenger, proclaim what is revealed to you from your Lord. If you did not do so, it will be as though you have not conveyed His message. Allah protects you from men. He does not guide the unbelieving people.”

Every detail about different prayers or social situations included in the complete code of life in a Muslim society was communicated and practically demonstrated by the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.). What important message was left for which Allah used this tone for His Messenger that if he did not do it then it would be considered that he did not performed his task of Messenger ship? This was the last time before his death that more than 100,000 companions were at hand and from this point, the routes were splitting towards different directions and the pilgrims will return to their homes. After giving a detailed sermon about Islamic principles, the Noble Messenger (s.a.w.a.s.) raised Imam Ali and said, “Man Kuntu Mawla Fahaza Aliun Mawla”” Whoever’s master I am, Ali is also his master.” The last Ayah of Glorious Qur’an was revealed, “On this day I have perfected your religion, completed My favors to you.” (5:3) It is perfectly clear that the Vilayet of Imam Ali is so important that when his Coronation was solemnized, then the religion was complete!