Eid al-Ghadir celebrated with message of justice, dignity and righteous leadership

KARACHI: Eid al-Ghadir was celebrated on Thursday with religious devotion and reverence to commemorate the historic declaration of Hazrat Ali (AS) as the successor of Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) at Ghadir Khum on the 18th of Zilhaj.
The occasion, considered among the most significant events in the Shia Islamic calendar, was marked by prayers, gatherings and messages highlighting the values of justice, truth, human dignity and principled leadership. Religious scholars and community members recalled the sermon of Ghadir Khum, describing it as a landmark moment in Islamic history and a lasting source of guidance for Muslim societies.
Eid al-Ghadir marks the anniversary of the sermon delivered by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) at Ghadir Khum, where, according to Shia belief, he declared Hazrat Ali (AS) as his successor and guardian of the believers. The day is observed as a symbol of loyalty to divine guidance and a reminder that leadership in Islam is a sacred trust based on justice, wisdom, piety and service to humanity.
In his message on the arrival of Eid al-Ghadir, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian congratulated the nation and described the great event as a lasting manifestation of justice, democracy and governance based on human dignity.
President Pezeshkian said Eid al-Ghadir represents the eternal standard of Islamic governance,justice-centered leadership and respect for human dignity. He hailed Imam Ali (AS) as a symbol of justice, tolerance toward the people and steadfastness in upholding truth.
Referring to the current sensitive conditions facing the country, the Iranian President said that a return to the teachings of Ghadir and the way of Imam Ali (AS) was a strategic necessity for overcoming existing challenges and hardships.
“In managing the country’s affairs,” President Pezeshkian said, “no interest is higher than preserving human dignity, resolving the people’s problems, and protecting public rights.”
Observers said the message of Eid al-Ghadir remains deeply relevant in the modern world, where societies continue to face challenges of inequality, injustice, poverty, division and weak governance. They said the life and teachings of Imam Ali (AS) offer a complete model of ethical leadership, accountability and public service.
Speakers at various gatherings emphasized that the true spirit of Ghadir should not be limited to ceremonies and formal celebrations. They said the occasion calls for practical commitment to justice, protection of the oppressed, respect for human dignity and promotion of unity among Muslims.
They further said that Imam Ali (AS) remains a timeless example of courage, knowledge, humility and justice. His governance was based on compassion, consultation, simplicity and protection of public rights, they added.
Eid al-Ghadir, they said, serves as a reminder that power must remain subject to justice and public office must be treated as a responsibility before Allah and the people. The day also renews the call for leadership that places the welfare of citizens above personal, political or institutional interests.
Religious scholars maintained that the declaration at Ghadir Khum was not only about succession but also about the continuation of the mission of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through knowledge, moral courage and justice-centered leadership.
They urged Muslim societies to draw guidance from the teachings of Imam Ali (AS) to overcome present-day challenges and build systems based on fairness, tolerance, accountability and human dignity.
The day concluded with renewed calls for unity, ethical governance and practical implementation of the values associated with Ghadir Khum. Eid al-Ghadir, they said, continues to carry an eternal message: leadership must serve humanity, justice must guide power and human dignity must remain above every other interest.