Cleric Highlights Role of Eid al-Ghadir in Formalizing Imam Ali’s Leadership

IQNA – Eid al-Ghadir was a formal declaration of Imam Ali’s (AS) leadership, said an Islamic scholar, urging efforts to promote its teachings globally.

In a recent interview with IQNA, Hojat-ol-Islam Mohammad Bagher Ansari, a cleric and author of a Persian book on Ghadir, discussed the origins, significance, and scholarly efforts related to Eid al-Ghadir, a day observed by Shia Muslims to commemorate the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) appointment of Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) as his successor

He described the Ghadir event as a formalization of Imam Ali’s (AS) appointment. “The Prophet (PBUH) had already introduced Ali (AS) as his successor on multiple occasions, including during battles and important events,” he noted. “But at Ghadir, just after his final pilgrimage, the announcement was made publicly and officially. This ensured there would be no ambiguity or dispute after his passing.”

Ansari emphasized that throughout Islamic history, scholars have played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting the message of Ghadir. “From the earliest companions of the Imams to scholars of later centuries, they faced immense challenges. Some were persecuted or forced into exile, but they never ceased in spreading the teachings of Ghadir,” he said.

He outlined three main scholarly contributions: preserving authentic chains of transmission, responding to doubts and critiques, and authoring extensive works on Ghadir.

“The Hadith of Ghadir has been passed down through countless chains and is considered widely authenticated,” he said. “Figures such as Shaykh al-Tusi, Shaykh al-Saduq, Allameh Amini, and Allameh Tabataba’i have documented both Shia and Sunni sources, leaving no room for doubt.”

Ansari also pointed to more recent efforts, including media and online dissemination. “What we see today in terms of Ghadir’s presence in cyberspace is the result of centuries of scholarly work. Modern tools have globalized the message. From the North Pole to the South, Ghadir is now accessible in many languages.”

He said that this widespread reach could reflect signs mentioned in Islamic traditions. “According to narrations, when Imam Mahdi (AS) appears and declares his message from the Kaaba, people around the world will hear and understand it. Whether through divine means or today’s technology, the foundation is being laid.”

In his closing comments, Ansari stressed the unique role of Ghadir in Shia theology. “Without Ghadir, Shia Islam would lose its central axis,” he said. “It affirms the authority of the twelve Imams after the Prophet (PBUH), making obedience to them obligatory. Ghadir is not just the best path—it is the only path to guidance.”

He called for renewed educational efforts to ensure that the teachings of Ghadir are conveyed in ways that resonate with today’s audiences. “We must use modern language and formats to introduce these concepts to wider populations,” he said. “Celebration, food-sharing, and artistic expression are important, but they should all point to the deeper spiritual truths of Ghadir.”

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