The event of Ghadir Khumm

The Farewell Hajj

In 10 AH, the Holy Prophet ﷺ performed what became his only Hajj after the migration to Madinah, and his last. Very large numbers of Muslims travelled with him. It is known as the Farewell Hajj, because he passed away a few months later.

The stop at Ghadir Khumm

On the journey back, on 18 Dhul Hijjah, the caravan reached a place called Ghadir Khumm, near al-Juhfa, where the routes of pilgrims to different regions divided. There the Prophet ﷺ ordered everyone to stop. Those who had gone ahead were called back, and those behind were waited for.

In the midday heat a raised platform was made, and the Prophet ﷺ addressed the crowd. He reminded them that his own time was near, and spoke of the two weighty things he was leaving behind: the Qur'an and his Ahlulbayt.

The declaration

He then took the hand of Imam Ali (a), raised it so that everyone could see, and said:

مَنْ كُنْتُ مَوْلَاهُ فَهَٰذَا عَلِيٌّ مَوْلَاهُ “For whoever I am his master, this Ali is his master. O Allah, befriend whoever befriends him, and be the enemy of whoever is his enemy.” The Holy Prophet ﷺ at Ghadir Khumm

After the sermon, many companions came forward to congratulate Imam Ali (a). This hadith is reported by a large number of narrators in both Sunni and Shia sources, and it is one of the most widely transmitted reports in Islam.

The completion of the religion

According to Shia narrations, it was after this declaration that the verse was revealed:

“This day I have perfected for you your religion, completed My favour upon you, and approved Islam as your religion.” Surah al-Ma'idah, 5:3

Why it matters to Shia Muslims

For Shia Muslims, Ghadir Khumm is the clearest public statement by the Prophet ﷺ that Imam Ali (a) was to lead the community after him. The word mawla is understood here in the sense of guardian and leader, the same authority the Prophet ﷺ himself held over the believers.

Eid al-Ghadir

Shia Muslims celebrate 18 Dhul Hijjah as Eid al-Ghadir, one of the greatest Eids. It is a day of joy, gatherings, giving gifts, fasting and special prayers, and of renewing one's commitment to the guardianship of Imam Ali (a) and the Imams after him.