Whatever Shias accomplish or narrate pertaining to Ghadeer is based on this very philosophy. The Shias consider Ghadeer to be significant and regard it as esteemed and blessed because although Ghadeer is rooted in history, it has given Islam the critical belief of Imamate and Mastership, which is among the pillars of religion.
Did the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A) not introduce Ameerul Momineen Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (A.S) at Ghadeer-e-Khummm as the Imam and the Master after him and did he not say”
Ali b. Abi Talib is my brother, successor and the Imam after me he enjoys mastership over yourselves after Allah and His Messenger. (Khutbah al-Ghadeer, 71; Al-Ehtejaaj, vol. 1, pg. 66; Behaarul Anwaar, vol. 37, pg. 201)
Undoubtedly, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A) made this declaration on the day of Ghadeer. Ghadeer-e-Khumm is an event, the celebration of which instills the Mastership and love of Ameerul Momineen Ali b. Abi Talib (A.S) in the hearts and minds of people. Just as the Prophethood of Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A) is definite and conclusive, similarly, the incident of Ghadeer is also certain and irrefutable, the origin and source of which can be found in the books of history.
Does this reality and the special arrangement by the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A) not merit a special mention and an extraordinary commemoration? On divine command, the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A) appointed Ali b. Abi Talib (A.S) as his successor and made his obedience obligatory upon every Arab, non-Arab, young, old, white and black. On the day of Ghadeer, Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A) enforced the order and command of Ali (A.S). He considered his enemies accursed and regarded his lovers as successful and having achieved salvation.
Ameerul Momineen Ali (A.S) is a successor of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A) even in the exegesis of the Holy Quran and is also a bearer of the Prophets knowledge. He is the leader of guidance and Allahs wrath and curse is upon his enemy. These were some of the attributes of Ameerul Momineen (A.S) which Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A) had described to the people at length in the Sermon of Ghadeer.
Therefore, isn’t striving to achieve the recognition and knowledge about Ali (A.S) and bringing people closer to his recognition equivalent to firmly establishing the foundation of belief in Islam and Holy Prophet (S.A.W.A)? Once he is recognized and it is known that Ameerul Momineen Ali (A.S) is the Imam and Master from the side of Allah, then shouldn’t the day when the last Prophet (S.A.W.A) introduced him and completed his mission of guidance be celebrated with utmost pomp and splendour?
The Sermon of Ameerul Momineen (A.S) regarding the celebration of Ghadeer
There are many traditions that have been narrated by the infallible Ahle Bait (A.S) regarding the celebration of Ghadeer. Kindly pay attention to the excerpt from the Ghadeer Sermon of Ameerul Momineen (A.S):
May Allah have mercy on you! After the sermon, all of you should go to your respective houses and make arrangements for facilities and luxuries for your families, do good to your brothers and thank Allah for whatever good He has done to you. Offer gifts to each other out of the bounties of Allah just as Allah, the Almighty, has bestowed favors upon you and consider the reward of the goodness of this day to be on par with the past and future Eids. Doing good on this day, augurs well for an increase in wealth and affluence and a long life. On this day, manifesting love and compassion for each other will be the cause of Allahs Grace and Kindness. On this day, spending on your family and brothers and greeting each other with delight is highly recommended.
(Misbaah al-Mutahajjid by Sayyed Ibn Taawoos (r.a.), p. 757)
The aforementioned sermon also amply disproves the argument of those who believe that there are no material benefits of celebrating Eid-e-Ghadeer. What can be a greater material benefit than long life with wealth and affluence along with the acquisition of divine pleasure?
Accordingly, it is evident that celebrating Ghadeer is neither a foolish act nor can it be considered to be futile and fruitless. If, God forbid, we consider it to be futile and fruitless then, it will be tantamount to rendering as fruitless and futile Allahs choice and Holy Prophets (S.A.W.A) admonition to the Muslims.
Indeed, we celebrate Ghadeer under the light of the traditions of Ahle Bait (A.S). This celebration, even if apparently devoid of any materialistic aspect, is certainly a means to attaining proximity to Allah, His Messenger (S.A.W.A) and the Ahle Bait (A.S).
source : sibtayn
