Baqi'ah — The Importance of Ghadir in the Light of the Holy Quran
But a question that comes to mind again and again is: Who was the Prophet (peace be upon him) afraid of? This announcement was not to be made among any infidel, polytheist, Jew, or Christian, but among those Muslims who were returning with the Prophet after performing the Hajj. All of them were Muslims, companions, and lovers of the Prophet.
Despite this, the Prophet of Islam was hesitant to deliver the message that God was commanding him to deliver. The reason is that the Prophet was not afraid of outsiders or non-believers, but rather of his own people. He feared that they might reject his message and revert to ignorance (رجعت قهقری). The danger was so great that God had to assure His beloved Messenger:
“If you do not deliver what has been revealed to you, then you have not conveyed His message. But God will protect you from the people.”
(Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:67)
This announcement was not about prayer, fasting, Hajj, or Zakat, but about the guardianship and caliphate of Mawla-e-Kainat, Imam Ali (peace be upon him). On the 18th of Dhul-Hijjah, in the field of Ghadir Khumm, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) had to introduce his brave, courageous, and time-tested comrade — the one who would be the helper of Islam, its guardian, and the true interpreter of the Qur'an.
This was the same Imam Ali (AS) who once stood near the Kaaba, among the disbelievers and polytheists, and boldly recited verses of the Qur'an which exposed their disbelief. Originally, the Prophet had sent Abu Bakr to convey the verses of Surah At-Tawbah, instructing him to recite them at the Kaaba. However, not long after, Jibreel (Gabriel) came down and said:
"Allah commands that either you yourself perform this duty, or someone who is from you."
So, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) immediately sent Imam Ali (AS). Riding the Prophet’s camel, Imam Ali (AS) caught up with Abu Bakr, took the verses from him, and then recited them in front of the disbelievers at the Kaaba.
Now, people of intellect and reflection must consider:
How could someone who was not permitted to recite a few verses before disbelievers during the Prophet’s lifetime become the rightful successor to the Prophet after his demise?
That is why the Prophet of Islam, during his life, made it clear that the true guardian of Islam must be someone bold enough to confront the enemies of the faith.
In the field of Ghadir Khumm, the announcement of the Wilayah (guardianship) of Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) was to be made. The Prophet feared rejection, but Allah once again assured him:
"O Prophet! Convey what has been revealed to you from your Lord..."
(Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:67)
"...We will protect you from the people."
This issue was so critical that God made its announcement a divine command. It is said that on the Day of Judgment, when people are rushing toward Paradise after their accounting is completed, a divine voice will call out:
"Stop them! They are to be questioned!"
People will respond:
"We have already given account of our prayers, fasts, Hajj, and Zakat — what is left?"
Then the voice will say:
"You will now be asked about the Wilayah of Ali (AS)."
That is, the final and decisive question will be about Ali's guardianship, and Paradise or Hell will depend on its answer.
Therefore, when the Prophet (PBUH) declared in the field of Ghadir Khumm:
"Whoever I am master of (Mawla), then Ali is his master."
God immediately endorsed the finality and completion of the religion by revealing:
"This day I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion."
(Surah Al-Ma'idah, 5:3)
All Islamic scholars agree that this blessed verse was revealed immediately after the declaration of Ali’s Wilayah. This event was so important that, only after this declaration, the religion was considered complete, and the divine blessing was declared fulfilled.
However, some Sunni scholars reject this interpretation, even though they offer no concrete evidence. On the other hand, Shi'a scholars firmly believe that the Wilayah and Caliphate of Imam Ali (AS) was not a political decision, but a divine part of the religious plan, just like the appointment of 124,000 Prophets by Allah to guide mankind.
Similarly, after the Seal of Prophethood, the divine system of Imamate and Wilayah began, and Allah had it formally declared through the final Messenger (PBUH) at Ghadir Khumm. It became clear that the rightful holder of divine leadership would only be he who is chosen by Allah, and that person must be infallible, just like the Prophet.
Hence, when Allah revealed the Verse of Purity (Ayat al-Tathir) in Surah Al-Ahzab (33:33), affirming the purity of Ahlul Bayt (AS), Imam Ali (AS) was included, which demonstrates his unmatched spiritual status and purity.
The event of Ghadir is a milestone in the Qur'an, Sunnah, Hadith, and Islamic history. Many authentic Sunni sources also confirm this event, underscoring its credibility and importance. Among them:
The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:
"Whoever I am master of, Ali is also his master. O Allah! Be a friend to those who befriend him, and an enemy to those who oppose him."
References:
- Musnad Ahmad ibn Hanbal, Volume 4, Page 281
- Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith No. 3713
- An-Nasa’i, Kitab al-Khasa’is, Amir al-Mu’minin
Many more references from Sunni books can be found — provided one conducts research with justice and sincerity. Islam cannot be understood with closed eyes, but only by using open minds and hearts, with fairness and clarity.
May Allah Almighty guide all Muslims to the path of truth. Ameen.
And the final word is: All praise belongs to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.
