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Eid al-Ghadir is an Islamic celebration that is significant for Shia all over the world, and it is held a few days after the widely celebrated Eid al-Adha. But what is the story behind Eid al-Ghadir? When will it take place this year? And what is the recommended amaal we can perform during this Eid?

These are all questions that we’re going to answer in the following blog!

What is the Story Behind Eid Al-Ghadeer?

Eid Al-Ghadeer is the commemoration of Prophet Muhammad’s (saw) final sermon at Ghadir Khumm, which took place on the 18th of Dhu al-Hijjah, 10 AH.Shias celebrate this incident as the basis for their acceptance of Imam Ali (a.s.) succession to the Prophet. 

The story behind this Eid begins ten years after the Prophet Muhammad (saw) requested his followers to accompany him on his last trip from Mecca to Medina.

The traditions tell us that while traveling from Mecca to Madina after the last hajj, the Prophet (saw) and his companions stopped at a lake three miles from Al-Johfa. 

The Prophet (saw) then came to a halt in Ghadeer Khuum, a site between Mecca and Medina. In front of hundreds of people, he proclaimed that Imam Ali (a.s.) was his chosen successor to rule Islam after him. He help up Imam Ali’s (a.s.) hand during his address and said:

“Oh Allah, bear witness. My Lord is Allah, and I am the Lord (leader) of the faithful. I am more deserving of believers than they are. Ali is to be the Master of whoever I was Master (Mawla) (Mawla). Oh Allah, be a friend to those who support him (Ali) and an enemy to those who resist him (Ali).”

It was at that moment, that all the believers hailed Prophet Muhammad’s choice and congratulated Imam Ali (AS). The following verse of the Quran was revealed after the Prophet (saw) finished his discourse;

“Today I have perfected your religion and completed my bounty upon you, and I was satisfied that Islam be your religion” (Quran; 5:3)

This Quranic verse is noteworthy because it shows that Imam Ali (a.s.) was selected by Allah rather than Prophet Muhammad (saw), and that there was a rationale for Imam Ali’s (a.s.) selection. 

According to Shia tradition, on this day, Imam Ali (a.s.) was appointed the first of twelve Imams who would continue to give leadership and authority in Islam, marking the conclusion of Prophethood and the commencement of the Institution of Imamate.

In Shia theology, wilaya is a rule of governance, power, and reigning in Islam. It was created when Prophet Muhammad (saw) chose Imam Ali (a.s.) as his successor. 

The concept of Wilaya reflects Allah’s command; only those appointed by Allah (swt) via the Prophet (saw) have governmental authority in Islam.

 The holy Imams are regarded as the Prophet’s legitimate successors not because they are related to him, but because they possess the attributes essential for religious-political leadership. In the absence of an Imam, a highly educated religious scholar (Marji) can provide direction to believers in all matters of jurisprudence.

When is Eid Al-Ghadeer in 2022?

This year, Eid Al-Ghadeer will fall on Monday the 18th of July. 

Amaal for Eid Al-Ghadeer

When Imam Ja’far as-Sadiq (a.s.) was asked about this Eid, he replied” 

“There is one more Eid which is most great in holiness. It is the day when the Messenger of God declared Imam Ali (a.s.) as his successor, saying: Of whomsoever I am the Mawlaa, ‘Ali is also his Mawlaa. And it is the 18th of Dhil-hijjah.”

There are several amaal prescribed for the day of Ghadeer, according to ahadith obtained from Imams (a.s.): 

  1. Performing Ghusl and Praying: It is recommended to perform ghusl a few minutes before noon (duhr prayer) and then offer two rakaat. During the salat, after reciting suratul al-Hamd, read suratul al-Tawheed ten times, Ayatul Kursee ten times, and suratul al-Qadr ten times.
  2. Reciting Salawat: It is recommended to remember the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) by reciting Salawat as many times as you can. 
  3. Seeking forgiveness: Seeking forgiveness from the Almighty is also highly recommended on this day and sins are forgiven.
  4. Giving to the poor. The reward for helping on this day is multiplied 1000 times, just like during Laylatul Qadr. This is the perfect opportunity to reap great rewards and help your fellow believers and those in need.

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