Shia Muslims celebrate Eid-e-Ghadir on the 18th day of the Islamic month of Dhul Hijjah, the concluding lunar month of the Islamic calendar. The holiday commences this year on July 6 and 7. Shia Muslims commemorate Eid-e-Ghadir to mark the event at Ghadir Khumm, where they believe the Prophet Muhammad appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor and religious authority.
The background of Eid-e-Ghadir
Shia Muslims celebrate Eid-e-Ghadir, a religious Islamic holiday, to commemorate Ali ibn Abi Talib’s appointment as leader and religious authority after the Prophet Muhammad. The event dates back to the Prophet Muhammad’s return journey from Mecca to Medina, when he instructed his companions to stop at Ghadir Khumm. The term “Ghadir,” meaning “pond,” gave Eid-e-Ghadir its name.
At this pond, pilgrims from various provinces gathered and exchanged greetings before returning to their respective villages and cities following Hajj. In contemporary Saudi Arabia, ‘Ghadir Khumm’ is located in ‘Al-Juhfah.’
The following verse of the Quran is believed to have been disclosed to the Prophet Muhammad at Ghadir Khumm: “O Apostle! “Deliver what your Lord has sent down to you, and if you fail to do so, you have not delivered His message at all; and Allah will protect you from the people.” Following this revelation, the Prophet delivered a sermon in which he quoted ibn Abi Talib as saying, “Oh Allah, bear witness.”Allah is my Lord, and I am the Lord of the faithful. I am more deserving of believers than they are. Whomever I had served as Master (Mawla), Ali will now serve as Master (Mawla). Oh Allah, be a friend to those who support him (Ali) and an enemy to those who oppose him.”
Shia Muslims believe this verse established Ali as the Prophet Muhammad’s successor and religious authority, which is why they celebrate Eid-e-Ghadir.
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5 essential facts about Shia Islam
After the death of the Prophet Muhammad, Islam divided into two major sects: Shia and Sunni.
They believe that all descendants of the Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatima and her spouse Ali have the right to hold political and religious authority over the Islamic community.
People who pledged their loyalty and support to Ali became known as ‘Shiat Ali,’ meaning the ‘party’ or ‘followers’ of Ali.
Shia Islam is adhered to by 10 to 15% of Muslims.
Iran has the greatest population of Shia Muslims.
Eid-e-Ghadir dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | June 3 | Wednesday |
| 2027 | May 24 | Monday |
| 2028 | May 12 | Friday |
| 2029 | May 1 | Tuesday |
| 2030 | April 21 | Sunday |
