Imam Khomeini through his messages used to describe the event of Ghadeer as the greatest Eid for the Muslims and faithful people.
According to Imam Khomeini, 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 honorable prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) progeny.
Imam Khomeini, the father of Islamic Revolution also described Imam Ali (peace be upon him) as the perfect man, true successor of the holy prophet and manifestation of divine names.
"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
It's a tradition that Shia Muslims in Iran visit the shrine of Imam Reza in Mashhad on the eve of the festivity.
While Eid al-Ghadir is an occasion for celebration, Muslims also view it as a chance to learn more about who Imam Ali was and why he was appointed by the Prophet as the first Imam.
Every year on the occasion, the holy shrine of Imam Reza in the city of Mashhad hosts millions of pilgrims who come to celebrate the festivity. But this year, the holy site is not as crowded as the previous years, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
This is the second year in a row that Eid al-Ghadir is marked amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The disease has curtailed the ceremonies to a great extent, but organizers here have tried to keep the feast magnificent, by accommodating as many as possible, while observing health protocols.
Everything is prepared for a safe celebration, from social distancing to distribution of sanitary items to pilgrims.
Shia Muslims have 12 Imams or religious leaders; the first was Imam Ali and the last is Imam Mahdi, who is believed to be the prophesied savior of the world and is currently living in occultation.
While all Imams are equally revered among Muslims, Imam Ali holds a special position in Islam as the father of Shia Islam and the symbol of Islamic justice.
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