Celebrating Ghadeer and Forgetting Wilayat is Not Fair.

Introduction

One of the biggest and prevalent of the several Eids is the Eid of Ghadeer. It is a very important day
which unfortunately is celebrated as a Jashn (function) only. Imam Mohammad Al Baqar (AS) says,
“Whenever the day of Eid arrives, our sorrow gets rejuvenated!” and so the narrator asked the reason
for this grief. Imam (AS) replied, “Because this is a day for the Aimmah e Muslimeen (Leaders of the
Muslim) and we are not sitting on the throne of Wilayat as the tyrants are unrightfully ruling over the
Muslims!”
Similarly, due to our present condition, this day should be a sorrow for us too. It is a tragedy that the
Ummah is involved in rejoicing the Jashn (function) of Ghadeer whereas reality of this day has been
elapsed. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was commanded by Allah (S.W.T) in Ayah 67 of Surah Al Maidah:
“O Messenger! Deliver what has been revealed to you from your Lord; and if you do it not, then you have
not delivered His message, and Allah will protect you from the people; surely Allah will not guide the
unbelieving people.”
We simply please ourselves by celebrating the day of Ghadeer on which the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H)
gathered 1, 20,000 people at the Miqaat of Johfa on the 18th of Zilhajjah, 10th AH whilst returning home
from the pilgrimage.
The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) summarized the complete religion in his farewell sermon but unfortunately
we have just chosen one statement from the entire sermon to which we haven’t paid justice too.

Wilayat - The Most Important Pillar of Islam 

Wilayat is the axis of religion. The system of this universe is running around the boundaries of Wilayat
and Allah (SWT) being the biggest of Walee (guardians), He chose the most of the purified ones to be His
representatives on earth. Wilayat is the foundation of religion. Traditions state that the Islam is based
on five pillars:
1) Salah (Prayers) 2) Sawm (Fasting)
3) Hajj (Pilgrimage)
4) Zakat (Islamic Tax) and,
5) Wilayat (Guardianship)
And amongst these five pillars Wilayat is the most significant pillar such that if it was to be taken out of
the list, the remaining four end to be purposeless! Every single act has to take place under the shadow
of Wilayat! We have taken everything but we have left Wilayat untouched. Some took Wilayat by the
meaning of ‘friendship’ but unfortunately we haven’t understood the real meaning of Wilayat.

Our Understanding of Wilayat as Sufism 

A question that we must ask ourselves is that the Wilayat we have understood is the same as the one 

the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was ordered to declare on the Day of Ghadeer? And the declaration for 

which his heart trembled to some extent looking at the present condition of the people around him?

Today the Holy Qur’an is free of any adulteration because the responsibility of preserving it is in the 

hands of Allah (SWT) but the translation is penned by us. Interpreters have not taken the meaning from 

the Ayah but have created a meaning themselves because the meaning and perception of Wilayat in our 

minds is of Sufism. We do not have the Qur’anic concept of Wilayat in our minds.

Sufis take Wilayat as a Spiritual concept where one practices great and unforeseen things which people 

in their language call a miracle (mojiza) e.g. they give children to those who do not have. They practice 

different things and are capable to cure others. These kinds of people are far away from this world, 

away from sins but they do not have any responsibility on their shoulder. But the Wilayat given by Allah 

is Guardianship (The Responsibility of Governing the Ummah). 

The Message of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) at Ghadeer 

The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) proclaimed: “Whomsoever’s Mola (Guardian) I am, Ali is his Mola”. 

The one who has all the rights over others is known to be a Walee. Wilayat in the Qur’anic concept is something political and not limited to the spiritual aspect only because the announcement which the

Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) made was at the time when he was leaving the world and therefore there was a requirement of a person who was qualified enough to be his successor. One must even ponder on the tone which Allah (SWT) uses while commanding the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). He is being told that if he doesn’t deliver the message, he hasn’t fulfilled the responsibility of prophet hood. If the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was never intimidated with anything during his life then how is it possible that he was fearful right a year ahead his death whilst addressing the Hajis (pilgrims)? He was never fearful even in his rival’s presence. How is it possible to get afraid in the presence of his companions and friends? 

The Fear of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) at Ghadeer

One should know that he was not fearful of people’s attack on him because they were not armed with 

any weapons; in fact they were ready to sacrifice anything and everything for the Messenger (P.B.U.H) of Allah (SWT). They were life givers in the way of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) and the Battles of Badr, 

Khandaq, and Khaibar are all examples to prove their sincerity. 

The reality behind this fear is the fact that there are special fears which Leaders have! When Allah (SWT) grants leadership to a chosen one, He (SWT) eradicates all kinds of fear that are the results of 

weaknesses and lack of forbearance and tolerance. But He Himself befits the fear which comes as a 

result of understanding and cognizance. It is reported by the Prophet, “I fear two things, one that my

Ummah runs behind fulfilling their desires and secondly they begin to instill long endless hopes”. 

Prophet Musa (AS) also had a fear when he was challenged by the magicians. He was worried that if the 

people don’t understand the wisdom behind his miracle, then the ignorant will get dominant and then

such kind of people will become their leaders! And that is what exactly happened. They took Musa (AS) 

as the greatest of magicians and disregarded his prophecy! 

Likewise, same was the fear of Muhammad (P.B.U.H). He was worried the people’s understanding of this vital declaration and this fear undoubtedly stays valid till date. Till today people have misconstrued what the Prophet (P.B.U.H) actually meant to say. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) was worried about them taking Wilayat simply as a system or as a celebration and a happy gathering! Undoubtedly, we must rejoice on the Messenger (P.B.U.H)’s announcement and reminisce this occasion but what the previous Ummah did and we currently doing is a disgrace for all. We must lament and weep day and night because we 

don’t have the right to be happy due to our present state! 

The True Essence of Wilayat 

Imam Khomeini (RA) says that Ghadeer is something totally political where the Prophet (P.B.U.H) chose 

his successor to guard and then lead the Ummah. Today we do not witness true politics; we have 

Satanism prevailing all over the world! Someone asked Imam Jafar Al Sadiq (AS), “What is Aql 

(intellect)?”, to which Imam (AS) replied, “It is the capability through which one attains the Ma’rifat

(recognition) of Allah (SWT) i.e. recognizes his Creator and thus offers servitude to Him and gains the 

path to salvation.” 

One man stood and took a name in front of the Imam (AS) asking him if the mentioned man seemed to 

be an intellectual. But Imam said, “That is not intellect but Satanism. Satanic cleverness and intelligence 

is not being intellectual!” Hence today, be it democracy or dictatorship, all are different faces of 

Satanism. 

The social planning of the society is known as the true politics. It is the system which has the capacity to 

run different nations and countries. Politics is actually another name given to religion. It is totally the

same. There is no difference what so ever. 

When Imam Khomeini (RA) was arrested and imprisoned, the warden suggested Imam (RA) to shun 

politics. He told Imam (RA), “You are such a holy man and a Marja’ Taqleed too. Politics is very dirty (the 

man uttered a foul word to describe politics)” but Imam Khomeini (RA) responded saying, “For you it may be bad but for me my religion is politics. You are telling a jurist to abandon politics! How is it 

possible that a jurist leaves his religion?” By this we come to know that religion and politics go hand in 

hand. They are not separate entities which we have split in today’s world! The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) 

was the political governor of his Ummah. He was the Imam (leader) too. He had the power to execute 

and preach the teachings of religion openly in the society.

The famous poet Iqbal says: “How would a person who leads the 2 unit (Raka’at) prayer know the reality 

of Imamate (Leadership)?” 

The Act of Deserting Wilayat after the Holy Prophet (PBUH)’s Death 

The true meaning of Wilayat means guardianship and custodianship. Have we ever thought that where 

did this system disappear since the Day of Ghadeer? Following the announcement, how many hours did 

this significant message of the Prophet last in the people’s hearts who were present there? The famous 

poet, Hassaan Ibn Sabit promptly composed a poem in praise of Imam Ali (AS) so well that it moved the 

Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) too. Everyone in the ground applauded him and then dispersed leaving the 

concept and reality of Wilayat on the plains of Johfa! But what happened after the death of the Holy

Prophet (P.B.U.H)? Hassaan, too, didn’t accept Imam Ali (AS) as the 4th Caliph and instead went to 

Damascus to live a life.  

It was for this cause that the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) commanded everyone in the crowd to pen down

the message, to memorize and then pass it on to others but unfortunately they left everything then and 

there. They forgot everything in only a matter of two months and ten days when Lady Fatima (SA) had to 

knock the doors of the companions of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) asking them to recall their memories! 

It is the day of Ghadeer when Islam was completed. It must actually be a day of mourning for the 

enemies of Islam but we have extracted the soul from everything! After the declaration, there were a

few who understood Wilayat under the meaning of love and friendship with Imam Ali (AS) and thus 

started to recite Qaseeda (poetry) to praise him. 

The Concept of Wilayat in Sufism 

The Sufis dedicated efforts in order to give religion another look! They tried to kill the soul of religion by 

abandoning collectivism and introducing individualism in which one is self­centered and carefree about 

the people around him. Imam Khomeini (RA) named this type of religiousness (Sufism) as Tahajjur which 

means following a religion of Thawab (rewards) which is totally unrelated to the society, environment, 

politics etc. For a follower of Sufism, his religion is his Salah (prayer) and his Jannah (Paradise). Religion 

is all about sitting on the Musallah (prayer mat). For them, Wilayat refers to all kinds of Holy Saints 

sitting in different caves, sitting in jungles struggling to make themselves capable to do different 

miracles and people approaching them with different supplications. People coming to such holy saints 

seem to be slaves asking from their master! 

Why do People change their Course? 

 The public follows a special group of people who are effective and influential over the society. They 

don’t think much ­ they simply blindly follow someone and don’t bother finding their real path. They 

wait for someone to take the initiative and once it is taken, they simply start following them.  

Blind Practice of Leaders

Wilayat has been misconstrued and many of these distinctive people are responsible. After the death of 

the Prophet (P.B.U.H), people formed two groups, one were the Muhajireen and the other were the part 

of Ansaar. A private meeting was first initiated by the Ansaar and they chose Saad Ibn ‘Ubadah to be the 

first caliph of the Muslims. When the Muhajireen got to know, a few selected people from them came 

and rejected the election made by the Ansaar and so they had a collective decision later. All this was 

happening at one end and on the other hand the burial rituals of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) were carried out! 

So, it is a universal fact that the public always accepts whatever is decided. The day they understand

that they have the power to influence their decisions, none will remain to make any wrong decisions!

But as you can see the Muhajireen and the Ansar presented their system and people without any choice, 

accepted it. Hence, Wilayat since then has been left idle and considered unimportant! In today’s world, 

people go to different corrupt politicians to meet their needs and use the infallibles appointed by Allah 

(SWT) for gaining rewards. ‘Ashura was a day which saved Wilayat but we have turned this day into a

mere tradition too.

The Power of a Walee granted by Allah (SWT) 

We all are aware that Shiism is based on three pillars (Arkaan): 

1) Announcement of Wilayat (Ghadeer) 

2) Reviving and sacrificing life to Wilayat (Ashura) 

3) Enactment and Execution of Wilayat (Intezarul Faraj) 

Several doubts and qualms are created on the topic of Wilayat. The bandwidth of Wilayat is so wide and 

vast that anyone who has power over anything is said to be a Walee (custodian). 

Allah (SWT) has given this authority to his nominated people, to the Holy Messenger (P.B.U.H) and the 

Imams. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) once questioned the companions, “Do not I have the power over 

your souls more than u do?” This shows that he was the Walee of the Ummah. Allah (SWT) has then 

spread and expanded the concept of Wilayat that he has made every father a Walee (guardian) of the

family because he has the total rights and no one has the permission to overrule his verdicts. The 

fundamental point which we comprehend by this is that Wilayat is not something which is chosen by 

elections or by giving votes! Allah (SWT) is the one who has appointed this status He is the one to give 

power and position to perform things. For everything, some or the other person has been made 

responsible. Wilayat in simple words means ‘the power to do something’. The real power is in the hands 

of Allah (SWT) and by his Idhn (Grace), we have been granted this Wilayat too! All affairs of the Ummah 

are to be undertaken by the nominated Walee who are appointed by Allah (SWT). In no circumstances

do we have the right to choose a Walee for ourself because this is a designation elected by Allah (SWT). 

Islamic System Vs. Satanic System 

We can choose a Wakeel (lawyer) but not a Walee (guardian). Was anyone ever asked to choose his/her 

parents? Therefore one needs to accept the Walee without any choice whatsoever. People in the 

parliament are your Wakeel (lawyers) and so that is why you can choose them. They cannot be 

dominant over you because you have chosen them. They need to do whatever you say but 

unfortunately today, we are directed by those whom we have chosen ourselves! Allah (SWT) has made 

the system of Wilayat to govern and direct the Ummah. In an ISLAMIC SYSTEM, Allah (SWT) selects the 

Walee but in a CORRUPT SATANIC SYSTEM it is we who choose a Walee by ourselves! If Imams are 

considered to be advocates, it is not fair at all. They should be considered as judges who have the final 

say over everything and none can contradict over their decisions. 

The Revival of True Wilayat presented at Johfa 

Wilayat is a concept for all times and generations to come. Imam Khomeini (RA) really brought about a 

miracle. This system which was previously out of the beliefs, philosophies, excluded from the syllabus,

out of the course, elapsed and buried deep into the graves was blown life into by Imam Khomeini (RA). 

He pulled the system from the peak of darkness; he raised the illuminated flag of Wilayat by establishing 

an Islamic revolution in Iran. One should always remember that any system other than Wilayat is and

has to be corrupt! A Walee is appointed as our guardian during the current life for us to overcome any 

obstacles on our journey towards Allah (S.W.T). 

A Walee is not to be seen directly in our graves for the first time just for Shafa’at (Intercession). He has 

to be a part of our lives since our birth i.e. from the cradle to the grave.  

Ghadeer is a celebration where thousands of sorrows lie therein! Ghadeer has to be revived and this is 

only possible by pondering on ‘Ashura and fulfilling our duties whilst waiting for Al Hujjah. Even the 

brothers of Ahle Sunnah have not been told the true meaning of Wilayat! The Jews perceived their 

destination to be paradise and considered the hell fire to be forbidden on them but Allah (SWT) cleared 

their misconception by telling them that they are worth nothing till the time they don’t execute the 

system present in the Taurat and Injeel. Their claims were labeled baseless. Ayah 68 of Surah Al Maidah 

talks about them:  

ْ“Say: O followers of the Book! You follow no good till you keep up the Taurat and the Injeel and that 

which is revealed to you from your Lord; and surely that which has been revealed to you from your Lord 

shall make many of them increase in inordinacy and unbelief; grieve not therefore for the unbelieving

people.”

 Till the time we don’t implement the system of Allah (SWT) on the earth, whoever we are, we are 

worthless. We will be valued only if the system of Allah (SWT) is manifested on earth! Will Imam Ali (AS) 

appreciate those who are convinced with the corrupt system and deem suffice by attending, celebrating 

the event of Ghadeer and returning home after praising him? 

Conclusion 

Brothers and sisters! It is not a very difficult task to revive the system of Wilayat though we have many 

superpowers against us but we have the support and hand of Allah (S.W.T) because it is His own very

system. Reappearance means the dominance of the divine System (the system of Allah SWT) over all

other systems! Religion has been descended to us in order to dominate. Not only do we have to 

preserve religion; we have to work in order to give it dominance! 

The conditions of the current world are a great opportunity for us to introduce this system to the world. 

The system of Wilayat is already implemented in the Islamic Republic of Iran by the great leader Imam 

Khomeini (RA). He introduced the concept of Wilayat e Faqeeh i.e. the government of the jurists which 

implements an Islamic model of a government in the country where the current Walee (custodian) is the 

Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Syed Ali Khamenei (May God SWT grant him a long life). Today, everyone is 

able to influence over Pakistan so why are the holders of the system of Wilayat sitting quiet and silent? 

Till when will we suffice on reciting Qasida (poetry) only? Till when will we leave the reality of Wilayat 

unheeded? 

My dear friends, it is high time to introduce this system of Wilayat in our lives. Today, we are celebrating 

the event of the announcement of Wilayat made in Johfa but by the will of Allah, a day will definitely

come when we will celebrate the system of Wilayat once it is manifested in every corner of the world! 

We just need to awaken ourselves. 

With that hope lasting in my heart,