A Quick Look at What Happened in Ghadir Khumm
The Prophet (PBUH) had just finished his final pilgrimage, the farewell journey to the sacred city of Mecca. He was on his way back to Medina, leading a large crowd of faithful followers, when he reached a crossroads called Ghadir Khumm. It was the 18th of Dhu'l-Hijjah, in the tenth year after the Hijrah (632 CE). This was where the pilgrims from different lands would part ways and return to their homes.
But at this spot, a divine revelation came to him: "O Messenger, deliver what is sent down to you from your Lord; if you do not, you will not have conveyed His Message. Allah protects you from the people. Allah does not guide the nation, the unbelievers." (Surah al-Ma'idah, verse 67)
The last sentence showed that the Prophet (PBUH) was hesitant to deliver a message that might upset his people, but Allah assured him of His protection and support.
So the Prophet (PBUH) stopped at Ghadir Khumm, a place of scorching heat and dust. He called back those who had gone ahead and waited for those who were behind. He asked companions to make a pulpit out of rocks and camel saddles, so he could address the people. It was noon time, and the sun was blazing in the sky. The people wrapped their cloaks around their feet and legs, and sat on the hot stones, around the pulpit.
He gave a long speech that lasted for more than four hours.
One of the most important parts of his speech is known as Hadith Thaqalayn, which is also mentioned and confirmed by Sunni scholars. He said: "It seems the time approached when I shall be called away (by Allah) and I shall answer that call. I am leaving for you two precious things and if you adhere to them both, you will never go astray after me. They are the Book of Allah and my Progeny, that is my Ahlul Bayt. The two shall never separate from each other until they come to me by the Pool (of Paradise)."
He then asked: "Do I not have more right over the believers than what they have over themselves?"
"Yes, O' Messenger of God," people replied.
Then he raised the hand of Ali and said: "Whoever I am his Leader (mawla), 'Ali is his Leader (mawla). O' God, befriend those who befriend him, and be an enemy to those who are an enemy to him."
Right after the Prophet (PBUH) ended his speech, another verse of the Quran was revealed: "This day I have perfected your religion for you and completed My favor to you. I have approved Islam to be your religion." (Surah al-Ma'idah, verse 3)
This verse clearly shows that Islam was not complete without clarifying the matter of leadership after the Prophet (PBUH). The announcement of his immediate successor was the final touch to his mission.
Ghadir Khumm is more than just a place. It is where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) appointed Ali (AS) as his successor in his final year. It is a symbol of a school of thought that follows the line of prophecy through the Imams. It is where the mission of the messenger met the leadership of the Imams. It is a spring that will never run dry.
Eid al-Ghadir is a special day. It shows how we should surrender to God completely and obey His will.
There is no doubt or confusion about who the Holy Prophet (PBUH) chose to lead the Muslims after his departure. Many eyes and ears witnessed the momentous event. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) did not stop in the scorching sun to leave his followers guessing or wondering about his successor.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) also knew, from the Quranic verse above, that he had to deliver what God had revealed to him or else his mission would be incomplete. This shows how crucial and vital the message was. Therefore, we as Muslims should always remember and cherish the words and messages that the Holy Prophet (AS) gave at Ghadir Khumm, for they are the foundation of our faith.
By Arman Saadat
