The founder of the Islamic Republic described the event of Gadir as the greatest Eid for the Muslims and believers.
Imam Khomeini also emphasized on following the footsteps of the Imam Ali (PBUH), the truthful successor of the holy prophet of Islam in all perspectives.
The Muslims commemorated the Eid al-Ghadeer, celebrating the occasion of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) appointing Imam Ali (PBUH) as his successor.
The auspicious occasion is annually celebrated with various ceremonies and rituals in different cities, on the 18th of Dhu al-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar.
It has been reported through authentic Islamic sources that Prophet Mohammd (PBUH) received a revelation from God, ordering him to halt the pilgrims at a pond called Khum, a place near Mecca, and to designate Imam Ali (PBUH) as his successor in guiding and ruling Muslims.
The Prophet of Islam (PBUH) announced one of the most important commandments of Islam, which he was informed of by angel Gabriel, on this great day. This decree completed his duty as a messenger and the religion of Islam.
According to Imam Khomeini, the sacred event of al- Ghadir is the continuation of the prophet’s mission and the torch-bearer of monotheism, which shows the dignity of honorable prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) progeny.
Eid al-Ghadeer is also known as Eid al-Akbar (the greatest Eid) in Islamic narrations, since Muslims believe that the mission of all the previous messengers of Allah became accomplished on this day.
Ghadir is on the way from the holy city of Mecca to Madina. While returning from Mecca to Madina, after the last hajj, alongwith his companions, the Holy Prophet ((PBUH)) broke the journey at a lake, 3 miles away from Al-Johfa. He (PBUH) made a stop at midday in a wayside tract of barren land with no shade other than that provided by a few acacia trees. A small lake is called as Ghadir in Arabic, so this place is known as Ghadir-e-Khumm. The name Ghadir is no longer in use.