In the year 10 A.H, the great Prophet (PBUH) was ordered by the Almighty Allah to make a pilgrimage to Mecca to perform Hajj. Thus it was necessary to inform all the people of this pilgrimage,even some messengers were sent to different regions to inform the people. The messengers sent by the Prophet (PBUH) told people that it is the last pilgrimage of the Prophet (PBUH), and it is a very important journey. They added that anyone who can afford to come should accompany the Prophet (PBUH) in this journey. Though the great Prophet (PBUH) had in the former years performed the rituals of Umra Mofrade with the accompaniment of some of His companions,this time according to divine will, He decided to perform and teach people the rituals of Hajj for the first and last time. When people became aware of this journey, a large crowd gathered in Medina to accompany the Prophet (PBUH) in performing Hajj. Historians and scholars name this journey as Hajjah al-Wida, Hajjah al-Islam, Hajjah al-Balagh, Hajjah al-Kamal, and Hajjah al-Tamam.
On Saturday the 24th or 25th of Zi al-Qa'deh, the great Prophet (PBUH) left Medina for Mecca to perform the rituals of Hajj. The Prophet's family (Ahl al-Bayt) (PBUT), most emigrants (Mohajir) and Helpers (Ansar) all accompanied the Prophet (PBUH) on this pilgrimage. Records show that 70,000 to 120,000, or even more left medina to go to Mecca for Hajj. Others joined the Prophet (PBUH) from various cities and even residents of Mecca were waiting for the Prophet's (PBUH) arrival. Before the Prophet's (PBUH) decision to perform Hajj, he had sent Imam Ali (A.S) to Yemen to propagate Islam and teach the divine teachings of Islam. When Imam Ali (A.S) became aware of the necessity for accompanying the Muslims in Hajj, he left Yemen with a group of people to join the Prophet (PBUH) just in time for the start of the rituals.
The messenger of Allah (PBUH) started the rituals of Hajj in a mosque named Shajareh. Though prior to this trip, the Prophet (PBUH) had explained the practices of Hajj literally, now was the opportunity to teach the rituals in action. Also in different stages the Prophet (PBUH) preached people and informed them of the other divine orders.
Once the rituals for Hajj were all performed, the Prophet (PBUH&HP) along with a large number of companions left Mecca. On the way to Medina they reached a region known as Ghadir Khumm.Ghadir Khumm was a place for pilgrims to rest a short while with the trees and water, but the weather was extremely hot and they wouldn't stay long.
On Thursday, 18th of Zi al-Hajjah (10 March 632), the Prophet (PBUH) arrived at Ghadir Khumm. Before the inhabitants of Damascus, Iraq, and Egypt were separated from the caravan, Gabriel descended this verse upon the Prophet (PBUH):
"O Messenger! Deliver what bas been revealed to you from your Lord; and if you do it not, then you have not delivered His message, and Allah will protect you from the people".
This verse commanded the Prophet (PBUH) to preach what had previously revealed regarding Ali (A.S). The Prophet (PBUH) commanded the caravan to stop at that location and for those who have gone ahead to return to Ghadir Khumm, while those who had not reached the Prophet (PBUH) to move faster towards Ghadir Khumm. Then He ordered for some of His followers to prepare a space below some of the old trees and remove the thorns and rough stones from that place. At noon, the Prophet (PBUH) performed the prayer with a great population of Muslims at that area in the terrible hot weather. The burning hot weather forced people to place part of their garment on their heads and some under their feet to protect it from the burning stones on the ground. They also put a piece of cloth on the branches of the old trees to make a barrier for the Prophet (PBUH) against the hot sunshine. When the prayer was finished, there was a pulpit prepared from the camel saddles, in which the Prophet (PBUH) ascended to give his famous sermon. To make sure all the people heard what the prophet said, some of the followers repeated the Prophet's (PBUH) sermon.
A part of the sermon is stated below:
"Thanks and praise is exclusively for Allah and we seek help from Him, have faith in Him, and seek protection to Him from our desires and wrong doings. The Lord in which if misleads people, no one will be able to lead, and whom if leads, no one can mislead. I profess that other than God, no other is worshipped and Muhammad is the slave and the messenger of Him. O People, the merciful and the aware Lord informed me that I too will be called (toward Allah) and I will respond (His invitation) . I will be responsible and you too will be responsible. So what would you say (regarding my invitation and responsibility)?"
Those present answered,
"We witness that you communicated your prophet hood, worked hard, and warned us. We wish that Allah will give good reward to you."
The prophet said,
"Do you not witness that there is no worthy of worship but Allah, and Muhammad (PBUH) is His servant and Messenger? (And do you not witness that) the heaven and hell of Allah is true, death is true, the day of Judgment will arrive without doubt, and (that) Allah will raise those who are in the graves?"
The audience said,
"Yes, O Messenger of Allah, we witness."
The Prophet (PBUH&HP) then continued and asked the people,
"Do you hear my speech?"
The audience replied, "Yes, O Messenger of Allah".
Then the Prophet (PBUH) said:
"I will attend the Pond (of Kawthar) before you and you will meet me beside there. The width of this pool is from Bosra (a city near Damascus) to San'a (a city in Yemen). Within, there are silver cups as much as the stars in the sky. So see how you will treat Thaqalain (Two weighty things) after me."
At that time, someone said:" O, Prophet! What do you mean by Thaqalain?"
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:"
The greater weight is the Book of Allah (holy Quran). A part of it is in the hand of Allah and the other part is in your hands. If you hold on to it (and use its guidance) you will not deviate. The other weight and smaller is my progeny. The All-Aware Subtle Allah informed me that these two weights will not separate until they meet me by the Pond of Kawthar, and I wished this from Allah. So don't exceed from these two for you will perish and do not fall behind from these two for you will perish.
Then Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) raised Imam Ali's (A.S) hands so that all people could see him beside Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked the people:
"O People, Aren't I prior and superior to you than yourselves?"
People replied :"Yes, O Messenger of Allah!"
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) continued:
"O People! Surely Allah is my Master, and I am the Master of all believers."
Then he said:
"He of whom I am the Master (Moula), of him Ali is the Master (Moula)".
He repeated this sentence 3 times.
Then he said:
"O God! be the friend of him who is his friend and be enemy of him who is
enemy to him.Help those who help him.Forsake those who forsake him".
Then the Prophet (PBUH&HP) addressed the people:
" O people! Tell this message to those who are not present."
Before the crowd scattered, Gabriel descended again and revealed this verse:
"Today I have perfected your religion and completed my bounty upon
you, and I was satisfied that Islam be your religion."
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) then said:
"Allah is the great, upon the accomplishment of the religion, completion of the blessings,and satisfaction with my prophet hood and Ali's (A.S) wilayat."
After that, people congratulated Imam Ali (A.S). Abubakr(R.A) and Umar(R.A) were of those who congratulated him before the other companions. Umar repeatedly told Imam Ali (A.S):
"Well done Ibn Abitaleb. You have become Master of me and every believing man and woman."
Then, Hassan Ibn Thabit, the famous poet, asked permission from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to say a poem about what he had heard from Him about Imam Ali (A.S). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"Say with the blessings of Allah!"
Hassan addressed the magnates of Quraish:
"You, the magnates of Quraish! Listen to my speech, certified by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)",
then said:
"On the day of Ghadir, their Prophet announced loudly in Ghadir which is in Khumm, to which I wish all people had been there and seen him saying that: "Aren't I your master?" People answered him without glossing over: "Allah and you are our master." And if you had been there, you couldn't have found anyone disagreeing. Then He told Ali (A.S): "Stand up; for I found you worthy of being the people's Imam and guide after myself (by the command of Allah)."
On Saturday the 24th or 25th of Zi al-Qa'deh, the great Prophet (PBUH) left Medina for Mecca to perform the rituals of Hajj. The Prophet's family (Ahl al-Bayt) (PBUT), most emigrants (Mohajir) and Helpers (Ansar) all accompanied the Prophet (PBUH) on this pilgrimage. Records show that 70,000 to 120,000, or even more left medina to go to Mecca for Hajj. Others joined the Prophet (PBUH) from various cities and even residents of Mecca were waiting for the Prophet's (PBUH) arrival. Before the Prophet's (PBUH) decision to perform Hajj, he had sent Imam Ali (A.S) to Yemen to propagate Islam and teach the divine teachings of Islam. When Imam Ali (A.S) became aware of the necessity for accompanying the Muslims in Hajj, he left Yemen with a group of people to join the Prophet (PBUH) just in time for the start of the rituals.
The messenger of Allah (PBUH) started the rituals of Hajj in a mosque named Shajareh. Though prior to this trip, the Prophet (PBUH) had explained the practices of Hajj literally, now was the opportunity to teach the rituals in action. Also in different stages the Prophet (PBUH) preached people and informed them of the other divine orders.
Once the rituals for Hajj were all performed, the Prophet (PBUH&HP) along with a large number of companions left Mecca. On the way to Medina they reached a region known as Ghadir Khumm.Ghadir Khumm was a place for pilgrims to rest a short while with the trees and water, but the weather was extremely hot and they wouldn't stay long.
On Thursday, 18th of Zi al-Hajjah (10 March 632), the Prophet (PBUH) arrived at Ghadir Khumm. Before the inhabitants of Damascus, Iraq, and Egypt were separated from the caravan, Gabriel descended this verse upon the Prophet (PBUH):
"O Messenger! Deliver what bas been revealed to you from your Lord; and if you do it not, then you have not delivered His message, and Allah will protect you from the people".
This verse commanded the Prophet (PBUH) to preach what had previously revealed regarding Ali (A.S). The Prophet (PBUH) commanded the caravan to stop at that location and for those who have gone ahead to return to Ghadir Khumm, while those who had not reached the Prophet (PBUH) to move faster towards Ghadir Khumm. Then He ordered for some of His followers to prepare a space below some of the old trees and remove the thorns and rough stones from that place. At noon, the Prophet (PBUH) performed the prayer with a great population of Muslims at that area in the terrible hot weather. The burning hot weather forced people to place part of their garment on their heads and some under their feet to protect it from the burning stones on the ground. They also put a piece of cloth on the branches of the old trees to make a barrier for the Prophet (PBUH) against the hot sunshine. When the prayer was finished, there was a pulpit prepared from the camel saddles, in which the Prophet (PBUH) ascended to give his famous sermon. To make sure all the people heard what the prophet said, some of the followers repeated the Prophet's (PBUH) sermon.
A part of the sermon is stated below:
"Thanks and praise is exclusively for Allah and we seek help from Him, have faith in Him, and seek protection to Him from our desires and wrong doings. The Lord in which if misleads people, no one will be able to lead, and whom if leads, no one can mislead. I profess that other than God, no other is worshipped and Muhammad is the slave and the messenger of Him. O People, the merciful and the aware Lord informed me that I too will be called (toward Allah) and I will respond (His invitation) . I will be responsible and you too will be responsible. So what would you say (regarding my invitation and responsibility)?"
Those present answered,
"We witness that you communicated your prophet hood, worked hard, and warned us. We wish that Allah will give good reward to you."
The prophet said,
"Do you not witness that there is no worthy of worship but Allah, and Muhammad (PBUH) is His servant and Messenger? (And do you not witness that) the heaven and hell of Allah is true, death is true, the day of Judgment will arrive without doubt, and (that) Allah will raise those who are in the graves?"
The audience said,
"Yes, O Messenger of Allah, we witness."
The Prophet (PBUH&HP) then continued and asked the people,
"Do you hear my speech?"
The audience replied, "Yes, O Messenger of Allah".
Then the Prophet (PBUH) said:
"I will attend the Pond (of Kawthar) before you and you will meet me beside there. The width of this pool is from Bosra (a city near Damascus) to San'a (a city in Yemen). Within, there are silver cups as much as the stars in the sky. So see how you will treat Thaqalain (Two weighty things) after me."
At that time, someone said:" O, Prophet! What do you mean by Thaqalain?"
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:"
The greater weight is the Book of Allah (holy Quran). A part of it is in the hand of Allah and the other part is in your hands. If you hold on to it (and use its guidance) you will not deviate. The other weight and smaller is my progeny. The All-Aware Subtle Allah informed me that these two weights will not separate until they meet me by the Pond of Kawthar, and I wished this from Allah. So don't exceed from these two for you will perish and do not fall behind from these two for you will perish.
Then Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) raised Imam Ali's (A.S) hands so that all people could see him beside Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) asked the people:
"O People, Aren't I prior and superior to you than yourselves?"
People replied :"Yes, O Messenger of Allah!"
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) continued:
"O People! Surely Allah is my Master, and I am the Master of all believers."
Then he said:
"He of whom I am the Master (Moula), of him Ali is the Master (Moula)".
He repeated this sentence 3 times.
Then he said:
"O God! be the friend of him who is his friend and be enemy of him who is
enemy to him.Help those who help him.Forsake those who forsake him".
Then the Prophet (PBUH&HP) addressed the people:
" O people! Tell this message to those who are not present."
Before the crowd scattered, Gabriel descended again and revealed this verse:
"Today I have perfected your religion and completed my bounty upon
you, and I was satisfied that Islam be your religion."
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH&HP) then said:
"Allah is the great, upon the accomplishment of the religion, completion of the blessings,and satisfaction with my prophet hood and Ali's (A.S) wilayat."
After that, people congratulated Imam Ali (A.S). Abubakr(R.A) and Umar(R.A) were of those who congratulated him before the other companions. Umar repeatedly told Imam Ali (A.S):
"Well done Ibn Abitaleb. You have become Master of me and every believing man and woman."
Then, Hassan Ibn Thabit, the famous poet, asked permission from Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to say a poem about what he had heard from Him about Imam Ali (A.S). Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"Say with the blessings of Allah!"
Hassan addressed the magnates of Quraish:
"You, the magnates of Quraish! Listen to my speech, certified by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)",
then said:
"On the day of Ghadir, their Prophet announced loudly in Ghadir which is in Khumm, to which I wish all people had been there and seen him saying that: "Aren't I your master?" People answered him without glossing over: "Allah and you are our master." And if you had been there, you couldn't have found anyone disagreeing. Then He told Ali (A.S): "Stand up; for I found you worthy of being the people's Imam and guide after myself (by the command of Allah)."
Want to read more on this topic just visit: roshd.org OR Read online book Ghadir by Baqir al-Sadr (alhassanain.com) OR Essays on Ghadir by Naba Cultural Organization (alhassanain.com)
