In a world plagued by war, injustice, and self-serving leadership, the absence of truthful and just guidance has never been more evident.

Eid al-Ghadeer stands as a timeless reminder that leadership in Islam is not a matter of power or politics, but a sacred trust rooted in divine order, moral objectivity, and the duty to uphold justice for all.

Ghadeer: A Brief History

Eid al-Ghadeer, a significant and festive occasion for millions across the world, is widely recognized as the day when the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) declared Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor and the guide for the Muslim community after his passing. 

While narrations and interpretations of what took place at Ghadeer Khumm differ among various Islamic sects, there is consensus among all schools of thought that the Prophet gathered the people to address a matter of profound importance.

This historic event occurred on the 18th of Dhul Hijjah, in the 10th year after the Hijrah, after the Prophet’s final Hajj. According to historical sources, the Prophet addressed a large assembly of believing men and women at a location known as Ghadeer Khumm.

Many Islamic historians and commentators believe the event was linked to the revelation of a pivotal Qur’anic verse:

“O Messenger! Proclaim what has been revealed to you from your Lord. If you do not, then you have not conveyed His message. And Allah will protect you from the people.”
(Surah al-Ma’idah, 5:67)

The Significance of Ghadeer

The event of Ghadeer is considered a defining moment in Islamic history, affirming that divine guidance would not end with the death of the Prophet Muhammad. 

Since he was the final messenger of Islam, the appointment of a successor was crucial—especially given that the Muslim community was still emerging from the era of ignorance (Jahiliyyah).

According to the Shia school of thought, one of the Prophet’s final responsibilities was to appoint a divinely guided leader (Wali) to preserve and protect the religion. Leadership, in this view, is not merely a political necessity but a divine requirement to maintain the integrity of Islam after the end of prophethood.

In Shia theology, a true guide must be:

• Infallible (ma’sum)
• Appointed by God
• Possessed of comprehensive knowledge and impeccable justice

Without such divine leadership, distortions of Islamic teachings, sectarian division, and systemic injustice are seen as inevitable. 

Shia doctrine is rooted in the concept of Wilayah—a divinely mandated guardianship—which is considered essential for achieving kamal (perfection) on both an individual and societal level.

Shortly after the declaration at Ghadeer, the following Quranic verse was revealed to the Prophet:

“Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion.”
(Qur’an 5:3)

According to this belief, a complete religion must include both the divine message and a divinely appointed leadership to preserve, interpret, and implement that message. 

For Shia Muslims, succession is not a matter of politics or tribal allegiance, but a matter of divine wisdom intended to ensure the continuity of guidance after the Prophet’s death.

The Necessity of Wilayah

The concept of Wilayah can be translated as guardianship, stewardship, or spiritual authority. These themes recur throughout the Qur’an and Islamic tradition. 

In its legislative sense, Wilayah also refers to the authority to guide and govern in accordance with divine law.

Islamic scholars hold that not all prophets possessed Wilayah in its most exalted form. However, key figures like Prophet Ibrahim and Prophet Muhammad did, further emphasizing the importance of appointing a spiritual guardian after their passing.

According to Shia theology, a Wali must be:

• Infallible
• Appointed by another infallible (i.e., a prophet)
• A model of physical and intellectual excellence

Shia Muslims believe the absence of such divinely guided leadership has led to widespread moral decay, injustice, and spiritual confusion. In the absence of Wilayah, religion becomes subject to personal interpretation, political manipulation, and exploitation.

Today, many societies are ruled by systems—be they monarchies, colonial regimes, or modern imperial powers—that operate without spiritual or moral accountability. We see the results of the failure of these political paradigms in the form of corrupt leadership, systemic injustice, and endless wars.

While some may reduce Wilayah to a political construct, Shia theology upholds it as a unifying force rooted in justice, compassion, and divine integrity.

A World Without Wilayah: The Reign of Tyranny and Injustice

The modern Muslim world, especially Arab nations, has been increasingly criticized for its role—or complicity—in the ongoing genocide in Gaza, carried out by the U.S.-backed Israeli regime. 

Saudi Arabia, widely regarded as the “birthplace of Islam,” has been condemned for its growing ties with the U.S. and Israel while failing to take a principled stand for the Palestinians.

Despite its symbolic role as the custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, the Saudi royal family has been accused of prioritizing self-preservation and geopolitical alliances over justice. 

Other countries such as Egypt, Jordan, the UAE, and Qatar have also been criticized for either remaining silent or actively collaborating with Israel, even as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens. The closure of borders to those seeking medical treatment and the continuation of normalization talks have been labeled by many as acts of betrayal.

Saudi Arabia alone has pledged over $600 billion in U.S. investments—despite America’s central role in funding Israeli military operations and weapons used in Gaza.

For many Shia Muslims, normalizing ties with a regime engaged in systemic atrocities amounts to complicity in war crimes. It can be argued that the absence of Wilayah—divinely guided leadership—is directly linked to the rise of oppressive systems and the abandonment of moral responsibility in the Muslim world.

Awaiting Divine Justice

All Muslims, regardless of sect, believe in the eventual return of al-Mahdi—a divinely guided figure and descendant of the Prophet—who will restore justice and peace to the world. 

In Shia belief, the Mahdi will be the ultimate embodiment of Wilayah, representing the fulfillment of divine leadership and the final victory of truth over tyranny.

In a world increasingly shaped by political self-interest and systemic injustice, Wilayah is not merely a theological ideal but a necessary framework for justice, unity, and spiritual revival.