One of the most important events, which are documented in the history of Islam during the farewell pilgrimage (18th Dhul-Hijjah, 632 CE) of the noble Prophet (PBUHH), was the event of Ghadir Khumm. During this historical event, in accordance with the reliable historical reports and Prophetic traditions (Hadiths) documented by both the Sunni and the Shia scholars, the noble Prophet of Islam (PBUHH) in the midst of crowds of Muslims was instructed through a Divine commandment (see Qur’an 5: 67) to declare Ali son of Abi-Talib (AS), as an Imam (i.e. a Divine leader) and a vicegerent for the guidance of the people and the continuity of Islam immediately after his departure[1].
Interestingly, Islam after the execution of this Divine commandment by the Prophet of Islam (PBUHH), Allah, the most High publicly declared His pleasure via the Arch Gabriel for the perfection of Islam as in Qur’an 5: 3: “Today I have perfected your religion for you, and I have completed My blessing upon you, and I have approved Islam as your religion”[2].
In that hot and burning desert of the Arabian Peninsula, this divine assignment was carried out with precise accuracy, and the Prophet (PBUHH), as well as Imam Ali (a.s), was congratulated by all. In the course of this event, everyone present was obliged to swear allegiance to the Prophet’s vicegerent who was chosen by God (Refer to).
It is pertinent to mention that this great historical event was nothing but an indication of the importance attached by Islam to the issue of leadership and governance. On this day, the Holy Prophet (PBUHH) appointed someone who will manage the spiritual as well as the socio-political affairs of the people after him. Thus, it will be a wrong perception of Islam to believe that religion is confined to individual issues and worship alone and has nothing to say in the formation of a political system and administration of the country.
The Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran while addressing the Muslims on the significance of Ghadir Khumm, says, “The answer to those people who have tried to throw Islam out of the arena of social and political issues, to confine it to personal and individual affairs and to adopt a secular outlook towards Islam – the hands of the enemies and their propaganda efforts have been promoting this outlook among Muslims for many years – is the issue of Ghadir. At the command of Allah, the Exalted, the Holy Prophet (God’s greetings be upon him and his household) addressed an important and fundamental issue in that sensitive condition and during the last months of his life. This important issue was attending to the issue of government after the Holy Prophet’s (s.w.a.) time”[3].
Islam is a comprehensive religion, which caters for both the material, as well as spiritual needs of man. Islam is not a religion that focuses only on the rituals or is restricted to the mosques; it is rather, a complete way of life, which proffers solutions to all the social, economic, and political needs of man.
Of course, an ideal government is the one established and run based on Divine dictate. It is the responsibility of every Muslim, therefore to struggle to achieve and sustain it. However, in a situation where this is not achievable, politics or governance should not be abandoned in the hands of corrupt and unqualified individuals. Those conscious and qualified Muslims who have everything it takes to govern and manage the affairs of people should be given the opportunity to do so. The Muslims should, therefore, get involved in the restoration of orderliness, peace and security, social justice and development in their respective societies.
While emphasizing the need for the people’s involvement in politics, the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, said, “In the verses of Quran and many hadiths, people and elites are considered as responsible for the fate of society as well as preventing the society from deviation and divisions. Enjoining good deeds is also viewed as a public duty, and the establishment of a religious government is one of the essential good deeds. Human beings also have the willpower and the right to determine their destiny; therefore, public involvement in a government is one of the manifestations of the right to self-determination [4].
In light of this, it is the responsibility of every Muslim at this crucial moment, to participate in determining the fate of our dear country by participating actively in politics and the electioneering processes. In addition, they should endeavour to choose those who govern the country based on the merits and the efficiency of the candidates. If there is disorderliness, inefficiency and weakness in the management at present, it should be corrected by voting the right person into power and not by boycotting the elections. Moreover, they should avoid being used as an instrument in the hands of the enemies or deceived by just mere tribal or religious sentiments and other trivial issues.
More importantly, Muslims must be good ambassadors of Islam at all times by doing the right things and avoiding every act (such as injustice, oppression, unfulfilled promises, slander, stealing, killing etc.) that is in contradiction with the pure Islamic teachings, as “end does not justify the means” in Islam.
Footnotes:
[1] . Among the Sunni scholars who attested to the revelation of this verse (Q. 5: 67) on the 18th of Dhul-Hijjah, 10 A.H in relation to the appointment of Hazrat Ali (a.s) as the Prophet’s vicegerent include: Fakhr Razi, Tafsir al-Kabir, vol. 12, p. 401; Suyuti, Durr al-Manthur, vol. 2, p. 298; Wahidi, Asbab al-Nuzul, p.204; Ibn Mardawiyah, Manaqib Ali ibn Abi Talib, p. 121; Alusi, Ruhu al-Ma’ani, vol. 3, p. 359 etc.
[2] . Among the Sunni scholars who attested to the revelation of verse 3 of Surah al-Maidah during the event of Ghadir Khum include: Suyuti, Al-Itqan fi ‘Ulum Qur’an, vol. 1, p. 87; Alusi, Ruhu al-Ma’ani, vol. 3, p. 234; Suyuti, Durr al-Manthur, vol. 2, p. 259; Ibn al-Jawzi, Tadhkirat al-Khawas, p. 36.
[3] . https://english.khamenei.ir/news/4162/Ghadir-is-a-rejoinder-to-those-who-believe-in-the-separation
[4]. https://www.leader.ir/en/content/25014/On-the-anniversary-of-Imam-Khomeini%27s-passing-away
