Eid al-Ghadir facts for kids

Eid al-Ghadir (Arabic: عید الغدیر, romanized: ʿīd al-ghadīr, lit. 'which means "Feast of the Pond"') is an important holiday for Shia Muslims and Alawites. It is celebrated on the 18th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. The holiday remembers the event of Ghadir Khumm.

At this event, Shia Muslims believe that the Prophet Muhammad chose his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib, to be the leader after him. Because of its importance, the holiday is also called "Eid-e Bozorg-e Elāhi" (the Greatest Divine Eid) and "Ashraf al-A'yaad" (the Supreme Eid).

The Story of Ghadir Khumm

The event that Eid al-Ghadir celebrates happened in the year 632 CE. This was ten years after the Hijrah, when the Prophet Muhammad and his followers moved from Mecca to Medina.

The Final Pilgrimage

That year, Muhammad went on his first and last pilgrimage to Mecca. A pilgrimage is a special religious journey. It is believed that more than 100,000 people joined him.

On the way back from Mecca, the group stopped at a place called Ghadir Khumm, which had a pond. It was here, on the 18th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah, that Muhammad gave a very important speech.

An Important Announcement

During his speech, Muhammad called Ali ibn Abi Talib to stand beside him. He then asked the crowd, "Do I have more authority over you than you have over yourselves?" The people replied, "Yes, O Prophet of Allah."

Then, Muhammad announced, "To whomsoever I am Mawla, Ali is also their Mawla."

The Arabic word Mawla can have different meanings, like "friend" or "master." However, because of the question Muhammad asked right before, Shia Muslims understand Mawla to mean "master" or "leader." For them, this was the moment Muhammad officially named Ali as the person who would lead the Muslims after him. This is why the day is so important in Shia Islam and is celebrated as Eid al-Ghadir.

How Eid al-Ghadir is Celebrated

Shia Muslims all over the world celebrate Eid al-Ghadir every year. It is considered one of the most important festivals in Shia Islam. Celebrations take place in many countries, including Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, India, Pakistan, and Yemen, as well as in Europe and North America.

Traditions and Customs

People celebrate this day in many joyful ways. Some common traditions include:

• Saying special prayers.
• Giving gifts to family and friends.
• Wearing new clothes and using perfume.
• Sharing festive meals with others.
• Donating to charity and helping people in need.
• Shaking hands and wishing each other well.

These customs are based on traditions that are said to go back to the family of the Prophet Muhammad.

Celebrations Around the World

The way Eid al-Ghadir is celebrated can be different from place to place.

• In Iran, it is a major public holiday with large festivals. In 2022, a huge 10-kilometer long festival was held in the capital city, Tehran.
• In Iraq, the government declared Eid al-Ghadir an official public holiday in 2024.
• In Yemen, the day is known as "Yom Al-Wilaya" (Day of Guardianship) and is celebrated with large events, including fireworks and speeches.

See also