RNA – During a meeting with General Yaqoub Soleymani, the head of the Event of Ghadir Reconstruction Institution, and a group of members of the Basij Camp Organization at his office in Qom, Ayatollah Seyyed Mohammad-Ali Alavi-Gorgani said that the Event of Ghadir Reconstruction Institution is a blessed organization and emphasized, “We hope that this organization will flourish more and more every day.”
Referring to the value of the eye and acknowledging the truth, the revered source of emulation stated, “In hadiths (narrations) it’s said that ‘the distance between truth and falsehood is four fingers between the ear and the eye’ because many times the ear makes mistakes but the eye often sees the truth and facts. Therefore, the work of the Event of Ghadir Reconstruction Institution is very effective in demonstrating the truth.”
Ayatollah Alavi-Gorgani added that the establishment of the event of Ghadir Khumm in a theatrical form is very effective so that it can be discussed and the people can hear it but in the restoration of the event, we must try to revive two issues that have been forgotten – the Sermon of Ghadir and the Salutation of Ghadir. Recent work on Sermon of Ghadir has been carried out but the Salutation of Ghadir, which has been mentioned in Mafatih al-Jinan [‘Keys to Heaven’], has not been the subject of as much research.”
He explained that Eid al-Ghadir, which is celebrated on the 18th of Dhul-Hijjah, also contains a special prayer, saying, “During the theatrical performances, try to include wisdom and facts about the event of Ghadir for the people so that they will become acquainted with the truths of this great day.”
The distinguished teacher in the Islamic Seminary of Qom added, “The significance of Eid al-Ghadir is due to the three honorary medals given to Shi’ahs on this day. These three medals are mentioned in the Holy Quran, in Surah al-Maidah. These three medals are the fulfillment of religion, the second completion of blessing and the satisfaction of God with the religion of Islam under the guardianship of the Commander of the Faithful [Imam Ali].”
He stated that our responsibility regarding the Day of Eid al-Ghadir is heavy and noted, “Although in many Iranian cities, the event of Ghadir is being restored and in one or two other countries, programs are also being implemented but the event of Ghadir must be conveyed to the world with increased efforts and hard work.”
In the final section of his speech, Ayatollah Alavi-Gorgani emphasized, “Where truth is spreading, animosity is increasing and in this sense, the disbelievers are standing against us. Thus, this animosity is a miracle for us and we will continue on the path of the guardianship of the Ahlul-Bayt with strength.”
The event of Ghadir Khumm took place in February 632 CE. It was where, among other things, the Prophet Muhammad announced that “to whomsoever I am Mawla [master], Ali is also their Mawla.” Shi’ah Muslims believe this to be the appointment of Ali as Muhammad’s successor.
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