Download Why do Shias celebrate Eid-e- Ghadeer?

Why do Shias celebrate Eid-e- Ghadeer?
A question that the general Muslims often pose to the Shias – Why do Shias
celebrate Ghadeer? What is so significant about the event that merits such
pomp and splendor?
18th Zilhajj is the great day which the Shias consider as Eid-e-Ghadeer and
celebrate by creating an atmosphere of extreme elation. Some people begin
their preparations well in advance for this joyous occasion. The effort and
hard work of innumerable researchers and scholars are devoted to this
event.
An Objection
An objection is often raised as to why so much physical and mental effort is
lavished on this event. If similar effort and hard work is instead invested in
ironing out flaws related to education and society, it will be more beneficial
for Muslims. After all, which social problem has been solved by the annual
celebration of Ghadeer? What good has it done to the community by
persistently confirming the successorship and absolute mastership of
Ameerul Momineen Ali b. Abi Talib (a.s.)? Is it not better that we find a
remedy to the various problems plaguing Muslims and let bygones be
bygones?
This is not a new objection. The enemies of the Shia Isna Ashariah have
made an issue out of this for several generations. Not surprisingly, the
enemies have raised the objection keeping in mind the Shiite ideology. In
this regard, they have learnt the tricks from the enemies of Islam because
when the enemies of Islam and the Majestic Quran raise objections against
Islam, they use similar tactics. For example, they say that why do we spend
so much effort and wealth on religious customs such as prayers, fasting,
recitation of Quran, etc. instead of spending it on economic growth and
advancement of the community. Honestly speaking, by visiting the House of
Allah every year and by persistently establishing the veracity of Quran and
Islam, which of the ever-increasing problems and tribulations of the
community has been resolved?
Two points need to be understood well to review this objection:
1.
No act should be looked at only from its materialistic perspective. It
means that if a thing is useful, then it’s being useful is not just materialistic.
2.
An event or incident cannot be rendered insignificant due to its being
historic.
As far as the first point is concerned, it should be known that knowledge
and understanding are very critical for human growth. Even today, wellknown universities teach the philosophies of Aristotle and Plato
notwithstanding the advancements in science and technology. We see
intellectuals achieving success by deriving benefit from the views of these
individuals.
All parents invite their children towards truth and consider lying
detestable and command their children to stay away from it. Is such an
upbringing not useful for human beings? Is its benefit materialistic?
A copy of the Holy Quran is available with every Muslim family as a mark of
it being divine and Muslims recite it regularly whereas all Muslims are well
aware that recitation alone is not sufficient and it must be accompanied by
pondering and contemplation. But it is a fact that the mere recitation of the
Holy Quran guides us, brings us closer to Allah and solves our problems
related to the world and the Hereafter.
Similarly, there is one more fact, which is related to the past and its
extraordinary importance has been proven even in times to come. This is
‘Maad’ i.e. the Day of Resurrection and Accounting along with details are
realities discussed in the Holy Quran. It carries so much importance that it
draws our attention immediately. All of us endeavour to perform actions so
that we are saved from the fire of Hell. Recitation of the verses concerning
Maad and the traditions of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) leave a profound impact
on our activities, making us more focused. No Muslim can deny this despite
the fact that the belief in Maad has no materialistic benefit and has not
solved any long-standing problem afflicting the Muslim community. The
same applies for Islamic beliefs in Tauheed and Prophethood.
It is evident from these examples that the importance of an Islamic belief
cannot be benchmarked against its materialistic impact on Islamic society.
Similarly, an event cannot be termed insignificant merely because it is
historic.
There is much to learn from the early history of Islam. The manner of
revelation of Quranic verses, cause of descent of certain verses, ethics of
the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) are all rooted in history. By ignoring history, we
stand to forfeit the wonderful benefits of all these events.
After all, Hajj is nothing but a series of rituals to commemorate historical
events related to Hazrat Ibrahim (a.s.) and his family hundreds of years
before the advent of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). Can any Muslim deny the
importance of Hajj and Ziyaarat? Millions are invested both by the pilgrims
visiting the shrines in Makkah and Madinah and the caretakers of these
shrines. Governments in many countries, including India, subsidize the Hajj.
All this money and effort is invested only to commemorate an historic
event that preceded Islam by hundreds of years. Which problem of the
Muslim society has been resolved by Hajj? Wouldn’t it be more advisable to
invest this time, effort and money in areas that have a tangible impact on
Muslim society?
The answer to such baseless objections is that we should stop
benchmarking the importance of an event by its impact on tangibles and
materialistic gains. It has been noted several times in the Noble Quran and
the Sunnah that Islam focuses on the afterlife and all our actions must be
performed for the Hereafter regardless of whether we see any tangible
benefits in the world.
The Celebration of Ghadeer
Whatever Shias accomplish or narrate pertaining to Ghadeer is based on
this very philosophy. The Shias consider Ghadeer to be significant and
regard it as esteemed and blessed because although Ghadeer is rooted in
history, it has given Islam the critical belief of Imamate and Mastership,
which is among the pillars of religion.
Did the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) not introduce Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn
Abi Taalib (a.s.) at Ghadeer-e-Khummm as the Imam and the Master after
him and did he not say ”
“Ali b. Abi Talib is my brother, successor and the Imam after me… he
enjoys mastership over your selves after Allah and His
Messenger.” (Khutbah al-Ghadeer, 71; Al-Ehtejaaj, vol. 1, pg. 66; Behaarul
Anwaar, vol. 37, pg. 201)
Undoubtedly, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) made this declaration on the day
of Ghadeer. Ghadeer-e-Khumm is an event, the celebration of which instills
the Mastership and love of Ameerul Momineen Ali b. Abi Talib (a.s.) in the
hearts and minds of people. Just as the Prophethood of Holy Prophet
(s.a.w.a.) is definite and conclusive, similarly, the incident of Ghadeer is also
certain and irrefutable, the origin and source of which can be found in the
books of history.
Does this reality and the special arrangement by the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)
not merit a special mention and an extraordinary commemoration? On
divine command, the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) appointed Ali b. Abi Talib (a.s.)
as his successor and made his obedience obligatory upon every Arab, nonArab, young, old, white and black. On the day of Ghadeer, Holy Prophet
(s.a.w.a.) enforced the order and command of Ali (a.s.). He considered his
enemies accursed and regarded his lovers as successful and having
achieved salvation.
Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) is a successor of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)
even in the exegesis of the Holy Quran and is also a bearer of the Prophet’s
knowledge. He is the leader of guidance and Allah’s wrath and curse is
upon his enemy. These were some of the attributes of Ameerul Momineen
(a.s.) which Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) had described to the people at length in
the Sermon of Ghadeer.
Therefore, isn’t striving to achieve the recognition and knowledge about Ali
(a.s.) and bringing people closer to his recognition equivalent to firmly
establishing the foundation of belief in Islam and Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)?
Once he is recognized and it is known that Ameerul Momineen Ali (a.s.) is
the Imam and Master from the side of Allah, then shouldn’t the day when
the last Prophet (s.a.w.a.) introduced him and completed his mission of
guidance be celebrated with utmost pomp and splendour?
The Sermon of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.) regarding the celebration of
Ghadeer
There are many traditions that have been narrated by the infallible Ahle
Bait (a.s.) regarding the celebration of Ghadeer. Kindly pay attention to the
excerpt from the Ghadeer Sermon of Ameerul Momineen (a.s.):
‘… May Allah have mercy on you! After the sermon, all of you should go
to your respective houses and make arrangements for facilities and
luxuries for your families, do good to your brothers and thank Allah
for whatever good He has done to you. Offer gifts to each other out of
the bounties of Allah just as Allah, the Almighty, has bestowed favors
upon you and consider the reward of the goodness of this day to be on
par with the past and future Eids. Doing good on this day, augurs well
for an increase in wealth and affluence and a long life. On this day,
manifesting love and compassion for each other will be the cause of
Allah’s Grace and Kindness. On this day, spending on your family and
brothers and greeting each other with delight is highly
recommended.”
(Misbaah al-Mutahajjid by Sayyed Ibn Taawoos (r.a.), p. 757)
The aforementioned sermon also amply disproves the argument of those
who believe that there are no material benefits of celebrating Eid-eGhadeer. What can be a greater material benefit than long life with wealth
and affluence along with the acquisition of divine pleasure?
Accordingly, it is evident that celebrating Ghadeer is neither a foolish act
nor can it be considered to be futile and fruitless. If, God forbid, we consider
it to be futile and fruitless then, it will be tantamount to rendering as
fruitless and futile Allah’s choice and Holy Prophet’s (s.a.w.a.) admonition
to the Muslims.
Indeed, we celebrate Ghadeer under the light of the traditions of Ahle Bait
(a.s.). This celebration, even if apparently devoid of any materialistic
aspect, is certainly a means to attaining proximity to Allah, His Messenger
(s.a.w.a.) and the Ahle Bait (a.s.).