The Day of al-Ghadir

June 22, 2024

Tuesday, June 25, 2024 marks the auspicious day of Eid al-Ghadir and the divine appointment of Ali ibn Abi Talib (p) as the Prophet’s (pbuh&hp) successor. On this great day, God, glorified be He, revealed: This day have I  perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and chosen for you Islam as your religion [Quran, 5:3].

There is no overstating the magnificence of this day. Indeed, Imam Rida (p) is reported to have said:

“The Day of Ghadir is better known in the heavens than it is on earth… Be generous to your brothers on this day and bring joy to every believing man and woman.” [Musnad al-Imam al-Rida (as), v. 2, p. 245]

The Imams of Ahl al-Bayt (p) have encouraged us to take advantage of the blessings of this day through a variety of acts of worship. Imam Sadiq (p) is narrated to have said: “Indeed, worship on the Day of Ghadir, the 18th of Dhu al-Hijjah, is equal to the worship of eighty months.” [Al-Iqbal, p. 465]

Here we will share three acts of worship mentioned by Sayyid Sistani for this auspicious occasion.   

1. The Prayer of Eid al-Ghadir

This prayer consists of  two rakahs. In each rakah one should first recite Surat  al-Fatihah followed by reciting:

• Surat al-Ikhlas 10 times
• Ayat-al-Kursi 10 times
• Surat-al-Qadr ten times

It has been narrated that Imam Sadiq (p) has said that one who makes the prayer of Eid al Ghadir at midday will get the reward of having been present at the land of Ghadir when Imam Ali (p) was appointed as the Prophet’s (pbuh&hp) successor [Wasail al-Shia, v 5, p. 225].

2.  Fasting

Imam Sadiq (p) is reported to have said, “The fasting of the day of Ghadir Khum is atonement for sixty years (of sins)” [Al-Iqbal, p. 466].

And Sayyid Sistani mentioned the Day of Ghadir as one of the days on which it is specifically recommended to fast.

3. Ghusl

Sayyed Sistani recommends that the ghusl of the Day of Ghadir  be carried out with the hope of gaining God’s blessings. This ghusl does not, however, replace one’s wudu [Minhaj al-Salihin, v. 1, p. 121].

We pray that God unfold His blessings on you and your loved ones on this special day.  Eid Mubarak!