Imam Khomeini frequently maintained that the sacred event of al- Ghadir is the continuation of the prophet’s mission and the torch-bearer of monotheism, which shows the dignity of Muhammad’s (PBUH) progeny.
The founder of Islamic Republic introduced Imam Ali (peace be upon him) as the perfect man, true successor of the holy prophet and manifestation of divine names.
Imam Khomeini used to congratulate the Iranian nation and all Muslims around the world on the auspicious occasion of Eid al-Ghadir Khumm.
Islamic scholars believe that the essence of Eid al-Ghadir Khumm belongs to all Muslims and all those who care about the welfare of humanity.
Eid al-Ghadir is observed by Muslims across the globe on the 18th of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar to commemorate the appointment of Ali ibn Abi Talib (’a) by the honorable prophet of Islam as his immediate successor. It marks the anniversary of the prophet’s sermon, described in Hadith of the pond of Khumm, in which the holy prophet stated, “Whomsoever's master (maula) I am, Ali is also his (maula) master. O God, love those who love him, and be hostile to those who are hostile to him.”
It is the day when the leader of the faithful, Imam Ali was named the successor of the holy prophet. The appointment of Imam Ali (PBUH) as the Holy Prophet's successor is based on strong and indisputable reasons.
The Prophet of Islam (PBUH) announced one of the most important commandments of Islam, which he was informed of by angel Gabriel, on this great day. This decree completed his duty as a messenger and the religion of Islam.
This decree was to appoint the leader of faithful Imam Ali (’a) as his rightful successor. By doing so, the Prophet made Ali ibn Abi Talib the captain of the ship of Islam, and no other man was worthy of such a position. This is why all those who love the successor of the Prophet gather on this day to celebrate his appointment.
Imam Khomeini invited the all Muslim world to follow footsteps of the true successor of the holy prophet. Imam frequently highlights significance of this important event and said in this regard as following:
According to Imam Khomeini, Ghadir is not only designed to reflect a specific divine day but also it highlights a course of history. It is the comprehensive code of life, belief and school of thought. It also underscores the glad-tiding of a pleasant sun rising. By raising Imam Ali’s hand and introducing him as the source and guardian of Islam, the holy prophet guaranteed his divine mission and rescued it from the evil powers.
Imam maintains that Ghadir is the completion of the religion, the perfection of God’s greatest bounty, the most magnificent feast of Allah; it is the feast for the righteous people, followers and supporters of the holy Prophet of Islam. Ghadir is the feast of Islamic justice and leadership, the feast of humanity, projecting light on the ideologies and inducing hopes in the hearts. It is the renewed covenant of the prophet’s mission in the guardianship of Imam Ali (’a).
“What can I say about the personality of Imam `Ali? Who else may justly say anything about him? The multifarious dimensions of this great personality are beyond human assessment. Just like the names of God, the Exalted, the dimensions of a perfect man, who is the manifestation of all divine names and attributes, are beyond calculation. We cannot describe even a single attribute of Imam Ali… The issue of Ghadir is not an event befallen the Imam. In fact, Ghadir has been created for the sake of the Imam. This noble personality and fountainhead of sound human qualities prompted the Ghadir to take place. The Ghadir itself has no value for Imam Ali. What is valuable is his Excellency for whom Ghadir is valued,” Imam Khomeini said.
Sahifeh-ye Imam, vol. 20, p. 106