Regardless of the various names by which Ghadir Day is known, including Ghadir Eid and the Greatest Eid of Allah, they all reflect the significance and greatness of this day. It is the day on which religion was perfected and divine blessing was completed. The name “Ghadir” or Ghadir Eid derives from the gathering of the Noble Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his Household) with tens of thousands of his Companions at a place known as Ghadir Khumm upon his return from the Farewell Pilgrimage. The said event commemorated on this day was the appointment of Imam Ali (peace be upon him) as the successor and trustee of the Noble Prophet. Accordingly, the day came to be known by the name of the place, and Muslims have commemorated this blessed occasion every year.

The question that naturally arises is: how did Imam Hussein Holy Shrine prepare to commemorate Ghadir Eid?

As a religious institution that has consistently sought to promote religious culture and the authentic Mohammadan approach, Imam Hussein Holy Shrine has, in previous years, organised celebrations and literary and cultural festivals to introduce the significance of this occasion. Its affiliated centres and institutions have likewise participated in commemorative activities.

Accordingly, this year, Imam Hussein Holy Shrine began preparations at an early stage for the programme dedicated to the occasion. Specialist teams working across various departments of Imam Hussein Holy Shrine commenced decoration works throughout the interior and exterior areas of Imam Hussein Holy Shrine in preparation for the celebration of the Greatest Eid of Allah, Ghadir Eid. These efforts were undertaken in cooperation and coordination with the relevant supporting departments, as well as through external coordination with the local government departments in the Holy Governorate of Karbala.

Ghadir Activities Programme

With regard to the Ghadir activities programme, the Central Committee responsible for organising celebrations at Imam Hussein Holy Shrine has prepared a programme through which the General Secretariat of Imam Hussein Holy Shrine seeks to organise activities extending beyond the shrine itself. These activities aim to promote a culture of celebrating Ghadir Eid throughout society and revive the heritage of Ahl Al-Bayt (peace be upon them).

The programme includes numerous activities, among them the ceremony for raising the Ghadir flag as part and parcel of the central celebration organised by Imam Hussein Holy Shrine. It also includes visits to a number of government departments to extend congratulations and blessings and to promote awareness of Ghadir across the Holy Governorate of Karbala and other governorates.

For its part, Al-Zahraa University for Women has undertaken the organisation of an intellectual and cultural lecture on Ghadir Day, with the aim of promoting awareness and knowledge of the sanctity and significance of Ghadir Eid.

The programme of activities celebrating Ghadir Eid will commence on Thursday, 5 July 2023, and continue until 10 July 2023. Imam Hussein Holy Shrine has also announced the completion of preparations for an art exhibition in the area between the Two Holy Shrines, in addition to organising poetry and literary evenings featuring numerous cultural activities aimed at highlighting and explaining the significance of this occasion.

Translated by Zahra’ Ala’