Today, June 15, 2026, millions of Shia Muslims around the world are celebrating one of the most important holidays in their religious tradition — Eid al-Ghadir. This day marks an event that, according to Shia teachings, was decisive for the continuity of the prophetic mission. The festival is filled with deep spiritual meaning, traditions, and is a day of joy, reflection, and community unity. While for many Sunni Muslims this date is not as significant, for Shia Muslims it is among the main events of the year, second only to the sacred month of Muharram.

Historical Event: The Sermon at the Pond of Khumm

Eid al-Ghadir (translated from Arabic as "festival of the pond") is celebrated on the 18th day of the month of Dhu al-Hijjah. In the 10th year of the Hijra (632 AD), returning from his farewell pilgrimage (hajj), Prophet Muhammad with his large entourage stopped in the town of Ghadir Khumm, located between Mecca and Medina. It was here, according to sources, that the Prophet received a revelation (ayah) after which he delivered the famous sermon. Prophet Muhammad raised his cousin and son-in-law Ali ibn Abi Talib's hand and declared: "He for whom I am the leader (mawla), this Ali is also his leader." This event is interpreted by Shia as a direct appointment of Ali as his successor (caliph). The memory of this day, the place by the pond, and the prophetic testament is the cornerstone of Shia teachings on power.

Significance of the Festival for Shia

Eid al-Ghadir is not just a historical date. It is a festival that affirms the concept of imamate — divine succession of spiritual and political leadership in the community. For Shia, Ali was not just a righteous caliph, but an elected divine heir of the Prophet, the first of the twelve infallible imams. On this day, believers confirm their loyalty to this line of succession. Celebrating Eid al-Ghadir is an expression of joy over what they believe is the Supreme Being's guidance to the community after the Prophet's departure. It is also customary to renew the oath of allegiance (baya) to their spiritual leaders.

How Eid al-Ghadir is Celebrated

This is a day of generosity, prayer, and joy. The celebration begins with a communal prayer (namaz) and the reading of a sermon that tells the story of the event in Ghadir Khumm. Believers wear new or their best clothes, greet each other. Traditional greetings include phrases: "May Allah bless you with the joy of this day" and "May this day be a festival for you." A very important part of the festivities is the distribution of treats and gifts. It is also recommended to feed believers, especially the poor. Fasting is not observed on this day, it is a time of feast. In some communities, colorful processions and theatrical performances reenacting the scene in Ghadir Khumm are held.

Traditions of Exchanging Greetings and Gifts

One of the main customs of this day is takbir, but the exchange of gifts is especially notable. It is believed that the best gift one can give on this day is a book, especially one of religious content, and a ring. The tradition of giving rings has a deep connection with history. According to sources, on the day of Ghadir Khumm, one of the poor sold his cloak, bought a ring, and gave it to Imam Ali. It is also customary to sacrifice an animal (a sheep, cow, or camel) and distribute the meat to the needy — this tradition brings Eid al-Ghadir closer to Eid al-Adha, but in this case, the sacrifice is voluntary (sunnat). It is also important to visit relatives and friends, ask for forgiveness from each other.

Eid al-Ghadir in Iran and Other Countries

In Iran, where Shi'ism is the state religion, Eid al-Ghadir is an official holiday celebrated with great fanfare. Festive processions pass through the streets of cities, sweet rice (shir-berendj) and other treats are distributed. In Iraq, especially in the sacred cities of Najaf and Karbala, millions of pilgrims gather for collective prayers and celebrations. In Lebanon, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, and Pakistan, Shia communities also hold festivities. In Russia, in regions with a compact settlement of Shia (for example, in Dagestan, where Azerbaijanis live), this day is also celebrated, although not at the state level.

Meaning and Spiritual Essence

Beyond the external trappings of the festival, Eid al-Ghadir has a deep inner meaning. For a believer, it is an opportunity to reflect on their loyalty to the ideals of justice and truth embodied by Imam Ali. This day calls for awareness of the responsibility for one's actions and the need to follow a spiritual guide. The joy of the festival comes not so much from worldly abundance, but from the certainty that after Prophet Muhammad, the community did not remain without divine guidance. This is a day of renewing spiritual bonds and brotherhood.

Eid al-Ghadir 2026, which fell on June 15, became a day of deep faith, joy, and awareness of their historical and religious identity for Shia Muslims. This festival, shrouded in the history of the prophetic sermon, remains an important milestone in the Islamic calendar and will be passed down from generation to generation as a symbol of succession and love for the Prophet's family.

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