The statements of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the Sermon of Ghadir
What Issues Did the Prophet (PBUH) Emphasize Most in the Sermon of Ghadir?
In this sermon, the Prophet (PBUH) spoke on several key themes and repeatedly emphasized them to clarify their importance and consequences for everyone:
1. Monotheism and Oneness of God:
After praising and glorifying God, the Prophet addressed the concept of monotheism, describing God's attributes: “The God who is unique in His greatness, alone in His oneness, powerful and mighty in His dominion, whose knowledge encompasses everything, present everywhere and watching over all… He understands what is hidden and knows the innermost thoughts, and nothing is concealed from Him. He wills, so He accomplishes; He decrees, so it is determined; He knows, so He counts… I praise Him and constantly thank Him, both in ease and hardship, in times of distress and calm, and I believe in Him, His angels, His scriptures, and His messengers…”
2. Succession and the Virtues of Ali and the Ahl al-Bayt (Peace be upon them): The main part of the sermon was devoted to the issue of leadership and the merits of Imam Ali and the Prophet’s family. The Prophet said:
“God revealed to me: ‘O Messenger, deliver what has been sent down to you from your Lord, and if you do not, then you have not conveyed His message. And God will protect you from the people.’
The Prophet explained that this verse was revealed about Imam Ali and declared to the people: ‘Indeed, Ali ibn Abi Talib is my brother, my trustee, my successor, and the Imam after me. His relationship to me is like that of Aaron to Moses, except there will be no prophet after me. God says in the Quran: ‘Your ally is only God and His Messenger and those who believe…’ Ali is the one who establishes prayer, gives zakat while in ruku‘ (bowing), and constantly turns to God.’ Then the Prophet went on to describe Ali’s virtues extensively, saying:
“O people! Know and understand this: God has appointed him as your authority and Imam whose obedience is obligatory. He is the clear Imam mentioned in the Quran: ‘And We have made everything in a clear register (Imam Mubeen).’ O people! Do not be led astray from Ali, do not turn away from him, and do not reject his authority. Honor him because God has honored him, and accept him because God has appointed him.”
The Prophet raised Ali’s hand and said:
“O people! This is Ali, my brother, my trustee, the repository of my knowledge, my successor in interpreting God’s Book and calling to it. He is the Caliph of God and the Commander of the Faithful, the guiding Imam.”
3. Warning About Hypocrites and Their Harm: The Prophet warned about a group of hypocrites who persistently troubled him and who would threaten the future of Islam:
“O people! I asked Gabriel to ask God to exempt me from conveying this message because I know the fewness of the pious and the abundance of hypocrites and the harm of the slanderers and mockers of Islam… Also, because the hypocrites have often harmed me, calling me ‘a listener to every talk,’ thinking that because of my close companionship with Ali and my attention to him, I am as they accuse… but God commanded: ‘And among them are those who annoy the Prophet…’ I could name them, I could point to them, but I have dealt with them generously.”
The Prophet added:
“After me, there will be caliphs who invite to hellfire and will receive no help on the Day of Judgment… Soon, the caliphate will be seized by injustice and force…”
4. Characteristics of the Friends and Enemies of the Ahl al-Bayt: The Prophet described the true friends of the Ahl al-Bayt as those whom God has said about:
“Those who believe and do not cover their faith with injustice – they shall have security and are rightly guided.”
And he warned:
“Know that the enemies of the Ahl al-Bayt are those who will enter the fire of hell, hearing its terrifying sounds and seeing its blazing flames.”
5. Calling for Pledge of Allegiance to Ali’s Succession: Finally, the Prophet called on the people:
“O people! After I finish my speech, I will ask you to give your hands in pledge of allegiance to me and acceptance of Ali’s leadership. Know that I have pledged allegiance to God, and Ali has pledged allegiance to me. I take your pledge for him from God’s behalf: ‘Those who pledge allegiance to you pledge allegiance to God…’ The hand of God is over their hands. Whoever breaks this pledge harms only himself, and whoever fulfills the covenant of God will receive a great reward.”
He concluded:
“O people! Pledge allegiance to God, pledge allegiance to me, and pledge allegiance to Ali, Commander of the Faithful, and to Hasan and Husayn, and the Imams from their lineage.”
Resources
- This passage is adapted from the book "Responding to Questions and Doubts Regarding Ghadir Khumm."