Wishing all brothers and sisters a Very Happy Eid Ghadeer The highlight of his sermon was when, taking Imam 'Ali (a) by the hand, the...
Wishing all brothers and sisters a Very Happy Eid Ghadeer
The highlight of his sermon was when, taking Imam 'Ali (a) by the hand, the Prophet (s) asked his followers whether he was superior in authority (awla) to the believers themselves. The crowd cried out in one voice: "It is so, O Apostle of Allah". He then declared:
"He of whom I am the master (mawla), of him 'Ali is also the master (mawla). O God, be the friend of him who is his friend, and be the enemy of him who is his enemy."
Immediately after the Prophet (s) finished his speech, the following verse of the Qur'an was revealed: Today I have perfected your religion and completed my favor upon you, and I was satisfied that Islam be your religion. (Qur'an 5:3)
Expression of Joy and Congratulation
To congratulate someone on a joyous and happy occasion is human as well as idiosyncratic principle. Congratulations are also a means of expression of proximity. It is of great significance on the occasion of Eid amongst we Muslims. Even broken relations are patched up with such congratulations. Apart from several other benefits of congratulating and complimenting, one major benefit is that the one who is congratulating cannot claim unawareness of the situation.
AN IMPORTANT DAY OF JOY IN ISLAM:
The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) laid the foundation of the building of Islam in the rocky and barren desert of the Arabian Peninsula, where hearts were harder than rock and more barren than the desert. But he (s.a.w.a.), by his great personality and steadfastness, laid the foundation and commenced constructing the building of Islam. He cemented it by wisdom and knowledge. He beautified and perfected it by the fundamentals and principles of religion by edicts as well as beliefs, morality as well as worship by social as well as individual rights. Then, what was the missing stone, that the great Creator, the Almighty, had not awarded a completion certificate? It is but natural that unless and until a building does not get a completion certificate, it cannot be called as complete and all the efforts of the builder undoubtedly go in vain.
PERFECTION OF RELIGION:
The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) was passing through the last days of his life. It was the last year of his life when he was returning from what would be his last Hajj. The moths of the light of messengership were having a last glimpse of his holiness and turning towards their respective destinations. But the noble Prophet (s.a.w.a.) could not yet present the nation with the announcement of the completion of his religion. Perhaps, he (s.a.w.a.) may be demanding a completion certificate from his Lord by looking towards the sky, time and again.
Now, it’s clear that whenever the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) gets this completion certificate and the reason for its allotment, both the time and the cause will be a very joyous occasion and that particular moment will be the centre of all glories and happiness.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF MASTERSHIP:
The moment the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) announced the mastership of Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.), from the top of the pulpit in front of a crowd of over one lakh Muslims, in Ghadeer-e-Khum by proclaiming, "Of whomsoever I am his master, Ali is his master too", that very second the announcement of the perfection of religion, completion of bounties and the satisfaction of the Almighty was revealed. This verse became the evidence of the perfection of structure of religion and the basic aim of its construction was achieved. All these things were due to the mastership of Hazrat Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.). Whereas this announcement was not only a great honor bestowed on Hazrat Ali (a.s.) but also a source of safety from Allah's chastisement. Therefore, it is necessary for the Muslims to present their congratulations on this day in the service of Hazrat Ali (a.s.).
CONGRATULATIONS BY ABU BAKR AND UMAR:
Zaid Ibn Arqam narrates that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: "O People Say that we take this oath by heart and promise by our tongues that we shall convey this message to our children as well as our relatives. And we shall not distort it whatsoever. You are witness over me and Allah shall suffice as a witness. You say only whatever I have taught you. Go and salute Ali (a.s.) as Ameerul Momeneen and say:
"All praise is for Allah Who guided us to this path and guidance was not possible for us, had Allah not guided us to this path." God is the Hearer of all voices and is Aware of all those who breach trust. Whosoever violates this trust he shall harm himself. And whosoever fulfils his promise to God, he shall be given a great reward. Therefore say whatever satisfies Allah and if you disbelieve, then indeed Allah is Needless from You."
After this, the people rushed towards him (s.a.w.a.) and were saying: "We heard you and obeyed Allah and His Messenger from our hearts." The first to congratulate the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and Hazrat Ali (a.s.) among the associates were Abu Bakr, Umar, Usman, Talha and Zubair. Then, it was the turn of the Muhajereen and the Ansars and then the rest of the Muslims.
Till then the time of Zohr arrived and the Zohr-Asr prayers were performed jointly. Again, the series of congratulations flowed till the prayers of Maghreb-Esha were performed jointly. The people paid allegiance and congratulated at least thrice."
(Al-Wilayah1 by Mohibuddin Tabari, extracted from Al-Ghadeer, Volume 1, page 270).
In some traditions, it is said that after the announcement of Hazrat Ali (a.s.)'s mastership, a tent was put on the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.aw.a.)'s order. The first to congratulate was Umar, he said: "O Son of Abu Talib Congratulations.' You have become the master of every believer, men and women."
Umar's compliments to Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and his acceptance of Ali (a.s.) as master of every believing man and woman is narrated by sixty great Sunni scholars.
(Al-Ghadeer, Vol. 1, page 271).
It is not matter of one era or period because on close analysis, it is observed that scholars of different centuries have narrated this incident.
MOTHER OF BELIEVERS:
When everyone paid allegiance to Hazrrat Ali (a.s.), then the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) ordered his wives, i.e. "mothers of believers" to congratulate Hazrat Ali (a.s.), pay allegiance to him and salute Ameerul Momeneen.
(Al-Ghadeer, Vol. 1, page 271).
Accepting Hazrat Ali (a.s.) as a master by Umar is not limited to the day of Ghadeer that it may be said that he did it in accordance with the custom of the day, taking into consideration the people's sentiments. Actually, he was the FIRST to congratulate while the others paid allegiance after him. Apart from this, there are various instances in historical books where he has accepted Hazrat Ali (a.s.) as his master even during the period of his caliphate. Not only that, he even caught hold of those who did not accept Hazrat Ali (a.s.) as their master, which means that it was such an evident fact that neither did he deny nor did he allow others to do so.
ONE WHO DOES NOT ACCEPT HAZRAT ALI (a.s.) IS NOT A BELIEVER:
Al-Muwaffiq Bin Ahmad Al-Makki Al-Kharazmi in his book "Al-Manaqib' page 97 narrates that two Arabs involved in a litigation came to Umar. Umar told Abul Hasan (Ali) to solve their dispute. He solved their dispute and the judgement went against one of them. The one against whom the judgement had gone, remarked "O Ameerul Momeneen (Umar)! Is he (Ali) capable of solving our dispute?" As soon as Umar heard this remark, he rushed towards that man, caught hold of his collar and said: "Woe unto you Don't you know who he is?
"He is my master and the master of every believer and whosoever does not accept him as master, then he is not a believer."
You see, how clearly Umar announces that whoever does not accept the mastership of Hazrat All (a.s.), he is not a believer. And after accepting Islam, There are two possibilities, One is Belief, the other is Hypocrisy. There's no third possibility. You can judge yourself as to what is a man's position after refusing Hazrat Ali (a.s.)'s mastership.
This incident has been narrated not only by Kharazmi but many others. Prominent among these are: Ar-Riyaaz-un-Nazarah by Mohibud-deen-e-Tabari Vol. 2, page 224, 225, Zakha-erul Uqba page 67, 68, As-Sawaaeq-ul-Mohreqa, page 107. For further details, you can refer to Abaqaatul Anwaar, Vol. 9, page 147,148 (printed by Moassassatul Be'sat).
THE DISTRESS OF COMPANIONS AND UMAR'S ANSWER:
Umar's acceptance of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) as his master is not limited to this aspect only but he used to show great respect towards Hazrat Ali (a.s.) due to his being Master. This respect was to such an extent that it led to other's distress and when they (the companions) could not take it any more, they finally complained to him. (Even this incident has been related by Khaarazmi, Mohibuddeen Tabari and Ibn Hajar-e-Makki).
One day, they protested: "We see the way you respect Hazrat Ali (a.s.), you do not respect any of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.)'s other companions? He replied: "Surely, He is my master."
(Manaqib, pg. 97, Ar-Riyaaz-un-Nazrah, Vol. 2, pg. 124, As-Sawaaeq-al-Muhreqah, pg. 26).
From this incident, it is clear that Umar preferred Hazrat Ali (a.s.) over other companions and respected him the most due to his being Master. This preference and respect indicates that Umar did not take the meaning of "Mawla" as a friend but as "Master", therefore since Hazrat Ali (a.s.) was the most superior of all companions, he was the one who deserved to be the caliph.
Finally, it is appropriate and necessary to bring to you a conversation between Hazrat Ali
(a.s.) and Abu Bakr. We are narrating this incident from the prestigious book of the famous scholar Shaikh Saduq, 'Al-Khisaal", part II, page 459.
CONFESSIONS:
Hazrat Ali (a.s.) asked Abu Bakr. Tell me what characteristics leads man to Caliphate? Abu Bakr replied : To advise people towards truth, loyalty, refraining from cheating and deception, love, good character, justice, knowledge of Qur'an, power of judgement, distancing oneself from worldly lures, seeking justice for the oppressed from the oppressor whether he is from us or not." Then he became silent. Hazrat Ali (a.s.): "I give you God's Promise, tell me whether these attributes and characteristics are found in you or me?" Abu Bakr: "O Abul Hasan, Indeed they are found in you."
Hazrat Ali (a.s.): "In the name of God, I ask you, who answered first to the Holy Prophet's (s.a.w.a.) call? You or me?" Abu Bakr: "Definitely, you were the one."
Hazrat Ali (a.s.): "I again ask you in the name of God, On the occasion of Hajj who delivered Surah Bara'at (Tawba) for the whole nation? Myself or You?" Abu Bakr: "Surely, you had done."
Hazrat Ali (a.s.): "For the sake of God, tell me. On the day of prayers (at the time of migration), who protected the life of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) Myself or you?" Abu Bakr : "Indeed, you did."
Hazrat Ali (a.s.): "In God's name, Tell me whose mastership was discussed in the Qur'anic verse of giving Zakaat while in Ruku, along with the mastership of Allah's Messenger (s.a.w.a.) (referring to Surah 5, Verse 55) My mastership or Your?" Abu Bakr: “Your Mastership was proclaimed."
Hazrat Ali (a.s.): "By God, explain this to me too; whom did the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) proclaim as the Master of all believers, including you, on the day of Ghadeer? It was me or was it you?" Abu Bakr:" Verily, he (s.a.w.a.) had declared you."
Hazrat Ali (a.s.): "For Allah's sake, tell me who was given the messenger of Allah's minister ship and who was likened to the position of Haroon as compared to Moosa?" Abu Bakr: "You were the one."
Hazrat Ali (a.s.): "For whom did the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) order to salute as Ameerul Momeneen?" Abu Bakr: "To you."
All these discussions clearly indicate that everyone admitted to Hazrat Ali (a.s.)'s mastership, superiority, pre-eminence and all other excellent virtues and characteristics. They could not even tolerate those who denied these virtues. God knows, under whose guidance and instructions do today's Nadwis and Nomanis try to hide these virtuous attributes and glorifications? Also, one wonders as to why Hazrat Ali (a.s.) was deprived of his right (of Caliphate) despite his overall superiority? What prevented them from giving him (Hazrat Ali) his due even after confessing his pre-eminence? Instead, they always strove to keep him away from his right under any circumstances.
"Due to injustice and pride, they denied them. While they themselves were convinced (of the truth).”
(Surah Naml, 27 : 14)
Ghadeer the Greatest Eid
(Read this Discussion to know the Truth)
Ali: Assalamo Alaikum, Usman, Happy Eid.
Usman: Wa Alaikum As-Salaam, Ali, but why this wish for Eid?
Ali: Don't you know that today is Eid-e-Ghadeer?
Usman: Till date, I am aware of only two Eids amongst us Muslims, One is the Eid-ul-Fitr and the second Eid-ul-Azha. Now, from where did this third Eid come from all of a sudden?
Ali: This day the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) declared the successorship of Ameerul Momeneen, Hazrat Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.)
Usman: Ali, first of all, you tell me what does the word ‘Eid’ mean and secondly, whether this day of Ghadeer is the Eid of only Shias or of all the Muslims?
Ali: Eid is derived from the Arabic word 'Aada' means to return time and again. Implying that the day of Eid returns every year and calls for celebration by Muslims. Also, they must try to indulge in as much divine worship as possible. For example, the first of Shawwal of every Hijri year is celebrated as Eid because it marks the end of the holy month of fasting of Ramazan and hence is the cause of happiness for all the fasting Muslims. Now, can there be a happier occasion than the declaration of successorship of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) by the Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.a.) on Allah's command, thereby confirming him (a.s.) as the divine proof on earth after his noble self (s.a.w.a.)? As far as your second question is concerned that whether Eid-e-Ghadeer is the eid of only Shias or that of the entire Muslims, then you should know that there are innumerable correct, reliable and authentic traditions narrated by countless chain of traditionalists which are acceptable by one and all about this incident. Hence proving that the happiness of this occasion is not confined to the Shias alone, but is a cause of joy for the entire Muslim populace.
Usman: Great, brother Ali, Your language was truly flowing like that of a highly learned scholar but unfortunately your answer was not all that satisfactory.
Ali: Brother Usman, may I know how your heart can gain contentment?
Usman: Of course if you can prove to me from our Sunni books that this day of Ghadeer is Eid.
Ali: As I have mentioned before, Eid-e-Ghadeer is not special for Shias alone but all Islamic sects are equal partners of their Shia brothers on this joyous occasion and this includes even great and famous Sunni scholars. For example, Beirooni in his book 'Al-Athaarul Baaqiyah Fil Quroonil Haaliya.' on page 334, while mentioning about this Eid says, 'This day (of Ghadeer) is like all other Eids and is worthy of attention of all Muslims.'
Ibn Talha Shafee in his book, 'Mataaleb-us-So'ool, page 52 says: "Ameerul Momineen Hazrat Ali (a.s.) has himself remembered the day of Ghadeer-e-Khum as an Eid in his poems. Because this is the day when the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) announced the mastership of Hazrat Ali (a.s.) over the Muslims, thus giving him preference over all other companions"
On page 56, he states: "No matter in what context the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) called Hazrat Ali (a.s.) as the master of the people, nevertheless, it is a very high position through which the latter was introduced and merely for this reason, this day is the day of celebration and rejoicing. This statement (of whomsoever I am the master, Ali is his master) is itself sufficient for the Muslims to celebrate it as an Eid. Whether the pronoun in the statement is intended for the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) or Hazrat Ali (a.s.). If it is intended for the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.), then the meaning is quite evident and if it is for Hazrat Ali (a.s.), even then our goal is achieved, Because, all the Muslims, without exception, hold Hazrat Ali (a.s.) dear, either as the rightful and only heir to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) or as the fourth caliph of the Muslims. No Islamic sect can be found which deems Hazrat All (a.s.) as an enemy because if it does so, then in the light of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.)'s traditions, he is a Khaarji (a non-muslim). Apart from this, history books teach us that all the Islamic nations from the east and the west, have agreed on this day as an Eid. Egypt and Iraq, the two great civilizations of the past, figure quite prominently in this list. They used to hold programmes of Namaz, Duas, sermons and poems to celebrate the occasion, all of which have been discussed in details in concerned books. Now, are you satisfied, Usman ?
Usman: Words cannot express my feelings. Ali, your answers have truly broken through the barrier of prejudice. If you don't mind, may I ask one more question?
Ali: Please go ahead. The problem of minding does not arise. It is our duty to clear all your doubts.
Usman: Thank you. Can you prove to me that even our Caliphs have celebrated this day as Eid?
Ali: There is no doubt about it. Not only the caliphs but the entire gathering of Muslims celebrated the 18th Zilhajj as Eid. For example, Imam Tabari, Mohammed Ibn Jurair in his book 'Al- Wilayah’ page 89-92, narrates a tradition from the Holy Prophet, "From the depth of my heart, I have taken a sincere oath to appoint my progeny as your masters. Never ever acquire any other character except their pure and holy character. You are witness upon me although Allah, the Almighty, is not in need of any witness You seek only what I have taught you., Salute Hazrat Ali (a.s.) referring him as Ameerul Momeneen (leader of the belevers) and say:
"All praise is for Allah who guided us to this path and guidance would not have been possible for us, had Allah not guided us." "Know ye, Allah hears all voices and is aware of everyone who breaches trust. Then, whosoever breaks his oath, he has not caused harm to anybody except himself. And whoever fulfills his promise to Allah, He will honor him with a great reward. You say that only which pleases and satisfies Allah. If you are ungrateful, then remember, Allah is needless of you all. Zaid Ibn Arqam relates, "At this juncture, all the Muslims turned to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and said: "We heard and are sincerely obedient of Allah's and His Messenger's command with our hearts."
The first ones to congratulate and shake hands with the Prophet of Islam (s.a.w.a.) and Hazrat Ali (a.s.) were Abu Bakr, Umar, Usman, Talha and Zubair and then the remaining Muhajereen and Ansar. People queued up to congratulate them till the time of Namaz-e-Zohr arrived. The Zohr and Asr prayers were combined after which again the process of complimenting continued till the time of Namaz-e-Maghreb approached. Once again, the Maghreb and Esha prayer were performed jointly. This series of congratulations and compliments went on continuously for three days." This tradition has also been narrated by Ahmad Ibn MohammadTabari, famous as "Khaleeli", in his book "Manaqeb-e-Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.)', noting it from his teacher Mohd. Ibn Abu Bakr Ibn Abd ur. Rehman. (This book was written in 411 A.H. in Cairo, Egypt).
You observed, Mr. Usman, that your caliphs not only celebrated on this auspicious day, but were the first ones to congratulate Hazrat Ali (a.s.) and for your kind information, these excerpts are from authentic Sunni books. Now, you tell, is the day of Ghadeer the day of celebrations and enjoyment or that of grief and sorrow?
Usman: These traditions which you have narrated are they bonafide or have you assumed them as authentic on the basis of a couple of narrations?
Ali: As I have stated before, innumerable traditionalists and historians, of both Shias and Sunnis, have narrated this incident of allegiance payment and congratulations. But for your contentment, let me inform you that at least sixty renewed Sunni scholars have narrated these traditions in their books. Amongst them, Maulvi Waliullah Lakhnavi (Miraatul Momeen), Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal (Musnad-e-Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, vol. 4, page 281), Qazi Abu Bakr Baquaani Baghdadi (Al-Tamheed Fil Usool-e-Deen page 171) and Abu Is'haaq Tha'labi (Tafseer Al-Kashf Wai Bayaan) figure quite prominently. Even Haafiz Abu Bakr Khateeb Baghdadi has narrated this tradition from Abu Huraira in his book of history. Though the list of such historians and traditionalists is very lengthy yet I presume that you must have understood the matter. Still, to make the whole thing crystal clear, I am narrating one tradition which has been related by all Sunni scholars like Muslims, Maalik, Bukhari Tirmidhi and Ne'saai. A Jew called Tariq Bin Shahaab, was in the company of Umar and his companions when during the conversation, he remarked, "If this Qur'anic verse: "This day have I perfected for you your religion, and completed my favour on you and choosen for you Islam as a religion.” had been revealed for our,-religion, we would definitely have taken this day as Eid." None from the attendants of the gathering objected to the Jew's remark. Even Umar listened to him intently. This day is of such majesty and splendor that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and after him, the infallible Imams too indulge in felicitations and celebrations. As Turat Ibn Ibra-heem-e-Kufi (3rd century A. H.), narrates from Muhammad Ibn Zaheer, from Abdullah Ibn Fazl Hashmi, who says that I heard Imam Sadiq (a.s.), narrating from his great ancestors saying that Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) said: "The day of Ghadeer is the best and greatest Eid of my people. It is the day when Allah, the Almighty, commanded me to appoint my brother Hazrat Ali (a.s.) as Imam of the people, so that after me, they might be guided with the inspiration of his light. It is the day when Allah, the Almighty perfected his bounties and choose Islam as a religion for the Muslims. Some of the people present on that occasion even said poems glorifying this Eid.
Usman: The clear proofs presented by you cannot be rejected by anyone except a highly prejudiced or ignorant person, thereby proving that Eid-e-Ghadeer is the Eid of all the Muslims. Can you please tell me as to what type pf worship on this day Shias do, because one of the general misconception amongst Sunnis is that you Shias indulge in indecent and obscene behavior as part of celebrations of this Eid.
Ali: Theqatul Islam Shaikh Kulayni, in his book "Al-Kafi" vol. 1, page 303, relates a tradition from Hasan Ibn Rashid, who says I asked Imam Sadiq (a.s.), "May my life be sacrificed upon you, is there any third Eid for the Shias apart from the two famous Eids? He replied, "Yes, O Hasan this third Eid is greater than these two Eids." I asked, "What is that day"? He answered, "It is the day when Hazrat Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.) was raised to the great status of leadership." I questioned again, "May my life be sacrificed for you. Please tell us as to what are our responsibilities on this day? He (a.s.) rejoined, "O Hasan It is better to be awake on this day and send blessings and salawaat on Hazrat Mohammad (s.a.w.a.) and Hazrat Ali (a.s.) as much as possible. You express your displeasure against those who have oppressed them. Every Prophet had instructed his nation to celebrate that day as Eid when they appointed their successor. "One who fasts on this day his reward is like one who has fasted for sixty months consecutively."
Ibn Abi Nasre Bazanti says that Imam Ali Ibn Moosa ar-Reza (a.s.) admonished me, "O son of Bazanti, wherever you are on the day of Ghadeer, try to be at the holy tomb of Hazrat Ali Ibn Abi Talib (a.s.). For, on this day, Allah, the glorified forgives each believing man and woman's sixty years of sins. And the amount of people who are given amnesty from the hell fire by Allah in the month of Ramazan, in Shab-e-Qadr, and in the night of Eid-e-Fitr combined altogether, the double this amount are given reprieve by Him on the day of Ghadeer. One dirham sadaqah on this day is better than a thousand dirhams sadaqah on any other day."
A believer should recite selected invocations on this day as the divine mercy is sent upon him. Now its upon you to deem such acts as acts of worship or obscenity and indecency.
Usman: By God, Ali, you have shown me the light of the right path. I can never forget your obligation till the Day of Judgement. I feel like reciting the Qur'anic verse which was recited by all Muslims on the day of Eid-e-Ghadeer. "All praise is for Allah who guided us to this path and guidance was not possible for us had Allah not guided us."
Ali: Our learned scholars have narrated, some more specific types of invocations and worship for this day from our Holy Imams (a.s.), some of which we will mention over here. For details, you can refer to the book, 'Mafaatehul Jenaan,' on reading which you will realize the treasures of invocations and supplications stored in our books. Some of the acts for Eid-e-Ghadeer are as follows: 1) Ghusl, 2) Fasting, 3) Ziarat of Hazrat Ali's (a.s.) tomb. 4) Doa-e-Nudba, 5) Recitation of the sermon of brotherhood amongst Muslim brothers to further strengthen the relations and make it still stronger. It should be done thus: One believer gives his right hand to his right hand to his believing brother's right hand and says:
"I take you as brother because of Allah and am sincere to you because of Allah and grasp your hand because of Allah and I make a pact with Allah and His angels and His Books and His messengers and His Prophets and the Infallible Imams that surely if l am from the people of heaven and intercession and if I am permitted to enter heaven, I shall enter it not except with you."
Then the second brother should say: I accept.
Then again the first brother says: "I have eliminated all brotherly rights except intercession, prayer and visitation."
You saw how we take the brotherhood oath on the day of Ghadeer. Even the basis of our brotherhood and friendship are Allah, His Messenger and Paradise.
