Eid al‑Qadir: Celebrating the Imamate of Ali ibn Abi Talib in Shia Islam
Eid al‑Qadir—also known as Eid al‑Ghadir—is one of the most significant Shia occasions, observed annually on 18 Dhu al‑Hijjah to commemorate Prophet Muhammad’s declaration at Ghadir Khumm in 632 CE. This day marks the appointment of Ali ibn Abi Talib as the first Shia Imam, a foundational event in Shia identity and theology. The celebration combines spiritual reflection, communal prayers, and deep gratitude for divine guidance.
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Historical Background: Ghadir Khumm
On 18 Dhu al‑Hijjah, 10 AH (March 16, 632 CE), after completing the last Pilgrimage of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) paused at a pond called Ghadir Khumm—strategically located between Mecca and Medina—to address a large gathering. He raised Imam Ali’s hand and asked the crowd, “Whoever mawla(master) I am, Ali is his mawla.” He repeated this declaration multiple times. According to Shia belief, “mawla” here denotes divinely ordained spiritual and political authority.
Simultaneously, Quranic verses (5:3 and 5:67) were revealed:
“…this day I have perfected your religion...” (5:3)
"O Messenger! Deliver what was revealed… lest you have not delivered His message” (5:67).
Shia exegesis views these as direct endorsements of Ali’s appointment, framing Ghadir as the culmination of divine mission.
For Shias, Eid al‑Qadir confirms the doctrine of Imamate: Ali’s divine appointment as leader (Imam) of the Muslim community. Holding the Hadith al‑Thaqalayn, which pairs the Quran and Ahl al‑Bayt as essential guidance, is a cornerstone of Shia praxis. It asserts that the governance of Ali is part of the divinely designed continuity of Islam.
Celebrations in Iran
In Iran, Eid al‑Qadir is a national religious holiday marked by:
Special gatherings and prayers in mosques and community centers.
Lectures recounting the Ghadir event and its significance.
Gift exchanges, charity to the less fortunate, and communal meals.
Cultural activities, including recitations of ziyarat (like Du’a Nudba) and poetry celebrating Imam Ali’s virtues.
Sunni Acknowledgements of Imam Ali (AS) and Ghadir Event
Many esteemed Sunni scholars and historical figures have expressed deep admiration for Imam Ali, offering insight that resonates with the significance of Ghadir Khumm—even if interpreted differently. Ahmad ibn Hanbal, founder of the Hanbali school, famously reflected: “Ali is from me and I am from him… Whoever obeys Ali obeys me, and whoever disobeys him disobeys me”. His acknowledgment places Ali at the heart of prophetic guidance, underscoring his spiritual eminence within the Sunni tradition.
Another influential Sunni voice was Muhammad ibn Hanbal’s student, Muhammad al‑Shāfiʿī, founder of the Shāfiʿī madhhab. He referred to Ali as “the best imam, the best guide,” and even composed a poem lauding his virtues. Such acclaim from a major Sunni jurist reinforces Ali’s revered status as a paragon of piety, wisdom, and moral authority.
Historical sources like Ibn Ishāq’s Sirat Rasūl Allāh recount a striking reference to Ali during the Farewell Pilgrimage. After Ali pledged his support, the Prophet reportedly said of him, “This is my brother and my successor among you…”. Though Sunni interpretations often understand “successor” in a spiritual or supportive sense, the language echoes the Ghadir declaration and affirms Imam Ali’s central role in the Prophet’s mission.
These perspectives—coming from venerable jurists and early historians—highlight a shared respect for Imam Ali across sectarian lines. They reinforce a narrative that, irrespective of differing interpretations of Ghadir Khumm, Ali remains chronicled as an exemplar of guidance and spiritual authority within the early time.
In recent times, prominent Sunni scholars have acknowledged the significance of Ghadir Khumm and Imam Ali in Islamic history—albeit with differing interpretations. Shaykh Abbas Di Palma, a Sunni scholar based in the UK and Italy, affirms:
“The Sunni tradition fully confirms the event of Ghadir Khumm and no Sunni scholar to my knowledge has ever entirely denied it”.
He emphasizes that while Sunnis may see the declaration as an expression of respect and love, the event remains a pivotal Prophetic tradition attested in Sunni sources.
Another respected Sunni historian notes that there are 110 Companions whose narrations confirm the Ghadir sermon, and while Sunnis interpret “mawla” in terms of friendship or regard, the raw textual evidence remains undeniable. This highlights broad scholarly recognition of the event’s authenticity across the Islamic spectrum.
Sunni voices reflect a heartfelt appreciation for Imam Ali’s status. One user shared:
“Sunni’s believe that the prophet…was acknowledging the high status of Ali (RA).”
They referred to narrations like “I am the City of Knowledge, and Ali is its Gate” from Sahih al-Tirmidhi, indicating Ali's esteemed position within mainstream Islamic heritage.
These contemporary acknowledgements—across both scholarly and popular Sunni spheres—demonstrate that, while theological interpretations vary, Ali ibn Abi Talib and the event of Ghadir Khumm remain deeply respected and historically recognized figure and event in Sunni Islam.
Eid al‑Qadir (Ghadir) is a defining Shia celebration rooted in an event that Shias understand as the Prophet’s divinely mandated declaration of Ali as his successor and spiritual guide. It melds Qur’anic affirmation, prophetic tradition, and centuries of Shia devotion.
In Iran, the day resonates deeply across spiritual and cultural spheres, reinforcing communal identity.
