If Muslims gather as followers of Ghadir, unity of approach will accelerate

Hojjat al-Islam Javad Mojtahed Shabestari, a former member of the Assembly of Experts of the Leadership, spoke to the Taghrib News Agency. Congratulating the arrival of the blessed Eid al-Ghadir and the days of preserving unity of approach under this great divine Eid, he stated: "The one God of the universe says: 'Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen Islam as your religion...' (Quran 5:3) These verses were revealed concerning Ghadir, and God Almighty obligated the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) to announce the issue of the succession of the Commander of the Faithful (AS)."

Hojjat al-Islam Mojtahed Shabestari stated: "In fact, the announcement and communication of the succession of Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) has been evaluated as being on a par with the prophethood mission of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH). Therefore, the issue of Ghadir and the guardianship (Wilayah) of Imam Ali (AS) is very important."

This professor of advanced jurisprudence (Kharij) and principles of jurisprudence (Usul) at the Qom Seminary said: "Another issue is paying attention to the book Al-Ghadir. In the book Al-Ghadir, numerous narrations from the general (Sunni) traditions and the documents of the Companions have been presented regarding the issue of Ghadir. If these are taken into consideration by all our brothers in the Islamic world, naturally, it can strengthen the unity of approach and increase solidarity among Muslims."

He said: "When we refer to the authentic books of the general (Sunni) tradition, the issue of Ghadir is discussed. In truth, the great Eid of Ghadir is a great, comprehensive divine Eid and also the axis of unity for truth-seeking Muslims. Indeed, God Almighty established Ghadir to reach a single point."

In conclusion, he emphasized: "If the Islamic world gathers as followers of Ghadir, the unity of approach will accelerate and the solidarity of Muslims will be strengthened, because the important mission of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) has been determined precisely in this direction and path, so that the Islamic Ummah may be free from dispersion."