Eid al-Ghadir (Yaum al-Ghadir) is celebrated with great rejoice by the Shiite Muslims who remember Prophet Mohammad's (s.w.a.) last instructions to the believers. Eid al-Ghadir is one of the most important days for Shiite Muslims around the world, on which our beloved Prophet Mohammad declared Hazrat Ali's (a.s.) vicegerency at Ghadir-e Khumm on his return from his last pilgrimage, which is known in history as ‘Hajjat al-Wida'. This took place on the 18th of Zil Haj, in 632 AD, 3 months before the Holy Prophet's demise, when he and his followers were returning from Hajat al-Wida. Back then, Prophet Mohammad announced that he had received an important revelation from Allah. He stopped on his way in a place called Ghadir-e Khumm. A pulpit was made for him out of saddles, sticks and camel skins. And once all the pilgrims had gathered, he acted upon the revelation from Allah.

The Holy Prophet declared: "'Man Kuntu Mowlahu fa haza Aliyun Mowlahu” [He of whomever I am the Master (Mowla), Ali is his Master (Mowla).]

According to a Shiite tradition, Prophet Mohammad was worried about declaring his own son-in-law and cousin Ali ibn Abi Talib as his spiritual heir, fearing that this would cause division within the nascent Muslim community. The rich Muslims were already jealous of Hazrat Ali's favored position with Prophet Mohammad (being married to Hazrat Fatima (a.s.), being his cousin, and being appointed as Commander at many important battles in the above revelation).

Prophet Mohammad was greatly relieved upon accomplishment of his mission, when declaring Hazrat Ali as his successor, and after receiving the final revelation from Allah:"This day have I perfected for you your religion and completed My favor on you and chosen for you Islam as a religion". (The Holy Quran, 5:3)

R. Soltani