Eid al-Ghadir, observed on the 18th of Dhu al-Hijjah and known as the “Greatest Eid,” marks a significant event in Islamic history. On this day, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), by divine command, announced Imam Ali (AS) as his successor before Muslims. However, after the Prophet’s passing, many Muslims broke their pledge of allegiance, an issue that remains widely discussed in theological and historical studies.
Hojjat al-Islam Abolfazl Saberi Araki, a member of the Society of Preachers, stated in an interview that the roots of this deviation lie in weak understanding of God, the Prophet, and the Imam. He explained that proper understanding of God is the foundation for recognizing the Prophet, and in turn, recognizing the Imam. Without this chain of knowledge, deviation becomes inevitable.
He added that many who were present at Ghadir lacked a deep understanding of the concept of divine leadership and mistakenly viewed succession as a human choice. He also emphasized that worldly desires and the pursuit of power played a key role in the events following the Prophet’s death.
Saberi Araki stressed that Ghadir should not be reduced to symbolic acts such as decorations or celebrations. Instead, its teachings must be reflected in everyday life, promoting justice, honesty, and ethical conduct in society.
He also pointed to weaknesses in the education system regarding the teaching of Ghadir concepts and highlighted the crucial role of families in conveying these values. He concluded that the essence of Ghadir lies in the continuation of the prophetic mission and the preservation of the truth of the Quran.