Ghadeer: The moment Wilayah was declared   

On the journey back from the Prophet Muhammad’s (saww) final Hajj, thousands of Muslims stopped at a place known as Ghadeer Khumm.  
 
Under the intense desert heat, the Prophet (saww) delivered a sermon that would become one of the most important moments in Islamic history. 
 
For Shia Muslims, Ghadeer was not simply a gathering. It was the public declaration of the Wilayah of Imam Ali (as). 
 
Allah (swt) revealed in the Holy Qur’an: 

“O Messenger! Convey what has been revealed to you from your Lord…”

Surah Al-Ma’idah, Ayah 67

According to Islamic tradition, this verse was revealed before the announcement at Ghadeer, emphasising the importance of delivering this message to the Ummah. 

What happened at Ghadeer Khumm? 

At Ghadeer Khumm, the Prophet (saww) gathered the Muslims and delivered a sermon reminding them of faith, leadership, and responsibility after his passing. 
 
He then raised the hand of Imam Ali (as) and declared: 

“For whoever I am his Mawla, Ali is his Mawla.” 

For Shia Muslims, this was the clear declaration of Imam Ali’s (as) leadership and guardianship over the Muslim Ummah after the Prophet (saww). 
 
The event of Ghadeer is narrated widely in Islamic sources and remains central to the understanding of Wilayah in Shia Islam. 

Why is Wilayah important? 

Wilayah is more than leadership. It is spiritual authority, guidance, and protection for the Ummah. 
 
For Shia Muslims, the declaration at Ghadeer affirmed: 

• 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  

Through The Zahra Trust, supporters continue the values of compassion, justice, and service taught by the Ahlulbayt (as). 

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 Ghadeer by strengthening your faith, supporting your community, and remembering the message of Wilayah. 
 
Continue the legacy of compassion and service through The Zahra Trust. 

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