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Feeding on al-Ghadir (Ritual)

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Feeding on al-Ghadir (Ritual)
Preparation of Food for 20,000 People on Eid al-Ghadir ('Abd al-'Azim al-Hasani Shrine, July 8, 2023)[1]
Preparation of Food for 20,000 People on Eid al-Ghadir ('Abd al-'Azim al-Hasani Shrine, July 8, 2023)[1]
TimeDhu l-Hijja 18
PlaceHomes, mosques, and Husayniyyas
OriginThe Conduct of the Infallibles (a)
Symbolic
Meaning		Renewal of allegiance to Imam Ali (a)


Feeding on al-Ghadir is one of the customs of the Shi'a in honoring the Day of al-Ghadir, which has been recommended in hadiths. According to a hadith from Imam al-Rida (a), the reward for feeding others on the Day of al-Ghadir is equivalent to the reward of feeding all the prophets and the righteous. Shi'a are encouraged to participate in feeding on al-Ghadir to the extent of their ability.

Feeding on al-Ghadir is practiced in various countries, including Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Turkey, with different customs and manners. In Iran, people offer food in homes, mosques, and Husayniyyas. During the 10-kilometer al-Ghadir celebration held in Tehran in 2023, 1,300 mawkibs or stations served the participants.

The Shia Tradition

Feeding on al-Ghadir, or offering food to others on the Day of al-Ghadir, is considered one of the customs of the Shi'a on this occasion.[2] It is regarded as a tradition observed by the Shia to honor the Day of al-Ghadir and renew their allegiance to Imam 'Ali (a).[3] According to a hadith from Imam al-Sadiq (a), the Day of al-Ghadir has been named the "Day of Feeding".[4]

Feeding on al-Ghadir has gained attention among the Shia in various countries. In Afghanistan, the Sadat (those whose lineage goes back to the Prophet) offer food and votive offerings to their neighbors and relatives.[5] In different regions of Pakistan, such as Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, and Peshawar, feasts are held alongside the al-Ghadir celebrations.[6] The Alawites in some regions of Turkey distribute a dish called harisa on the Day of al-Ghadir.[7]

In Iran, this tradition is practiced by people in homes, mosques, tikyas (takaya), and Husayniyyas.[8] During the 10-kilometer Ghadir feast held in Tehran in 2023, with the participation of millions, over 1,300 mawkibs or stations served the attendees.[9] In 2021, Astan Quds Radawi also launched the "Feeding on al-Ghadir" campaign, mobilizing public participation to distribute one million meals across Iran.[10]

The Recommendations and Practice of the Imams Regarding Feeding on al-Ghadir

According to some reports, the Imams encouraged the Shi'a to engage in feeding on al-Ghadir. In one hadith, feeding others on al-Ghadir is recommended alongside fasting, giving gifts, and maintaining ties of kinship.[11] In another hadith, Imam al-Rida (a) urged the Shia to participate in feeding on al-Ghadir to the extent of their means and resources.[12]

According to a hadith recorded in various sources, including Misbah al-mutahajjid by al-Shaykh al-Tusi (d. 460 AH/1067), Imam al-Rida (a) kept his close companions with him for iftar (breaking the fast) on the evening of al-Ghadir and sent food along with gifts to their families.[13]

Divine Reward for Feeding on al-Ghadir

According to a hadith transmitted from Imam al-Rida (a), the reward for feeding a believer on the Day of al-Ghadir is equivalent to the reward of feeding all the prophets and the righteous.[14] In a sermon delivered by Imam 'Ali (a) on the Day of al-Ghadir, which Imam al-Rida (a) narrated, it is stated that whoever offers iftar to a believer on al-Ghadir is as if they have given iftar to ten "fi'am". Imam 'Ali (a) defined each fi'am as equivalent to one hundred thousand prophets, righteous individuals, and martyrs. He also guaranteed protection from disbelief and poverty from God for the one who practices such feeding.[15]

Hadiths emphasize feeding the needy,[16] believers,[17] and fellow Muslims,[18] as well as offering iftar to those who fast[19] on the Day of al-Ghadir. The recommendation to fast on al-Ghadir[20] is widely recognized among the Shi'a.[21]

Notes

  1. ↑ Ghadir Feast / Cooking and Distribution of Over 20,000 Meals on Eid al-Ghadir. (Persian)
  2. ↑ Feeding on Ghadir Day; A Forgotten Tradition. (Persian)
  3. ↑ What are the customs and traditions of Eid al-Ghadir? (Persian)
  4. ↑ Ḥillī, al-ʿAdad al-Qawīyya, p. 169.
  5. ↑ Customs and Traditions of Various Countries for Celebrating Eid al-Wilaya (Persian)
  6. ↑ Eid al-Ghadir ceremonies were held in Pakistan with the presence of followers of Imamate and Wilayah. (Persian)
  7. ↑ What is Ghadir Khumm, and how is the Feast of Ghadir Khumm celebrated? (Turkish)
  8. ↑ Ghadir Celebration from Azerbaijan to Khuzestan/Alavi Feast Spread Across Iran. (Persian)
  9. ↑ Details of Tehran's 10-Kilometer Ghadir Celebration Announced. (Persian)
  10. ↑ The 'Ghadir Feeding' campaign was launched, attracting public participation, and one million meals were cooked and distributed across the country. (Persian)
  11. ↑ Ḥillī, al-ʿAdad al-Qawīyya, p. 169.
  12. ↑ Ṭūsī, Miṣbāḥ al-mutahajjid, vol. 2, p. 757.
  13. ↑ Ṭūsī, Miṣbāḥ al-mutahajjid, vol. 2, p. 758; Ibn Ṭāwūs, Iqbāl al-aʿmāl, vol. 1, p. 461.
  14. ↑ Ibn Ṭāwūs, Iqbāl al-aʿmāl, vol. 1, p. 465.
  15. ↑ Ṭūsī, Miṣbāḥ al-mutahajjid, vol. 2, p. 758; Ibn Ṭāwūs, Iqbāl al-aʿmāl, vol. 1, p. 463-464; Kafʿamī, al-Miṣbāḥ, p. 700; Ḥurr al-ʿĀmilī, Tafṣīl wasāʾil al-Shīʿa, vol. 10, p. 445.
  16. ↑ Ṭūsī, Miṣbāḥ al-mutahajjid, vol. 2, p. 757; Majlisī, Biḥār al-anwār, vol. 94, p. 117.
  17. ↑ Ibn Ṭāwūs, Iqbāl al-aʿmāl, vol. 1, p. 463.
  18. ↑ Ibn Ṭāwūs, Iqbāl al-aʿmāl, vol. 1, p. 475.
  19. ↑ Ṭūsī, Miṣbāḥ al-mutahajjid, vol. 2, p. 758.
  20. ↑ Khaṭīb Baghdādī, Aḥmad b. ʿAlī. Tārīkh-i Baghdād, vol. 8, p. 284.
  21. ↑ Is the hadith about feeding on the day of Ghadir from Imam Sadiq (a) authentic? (Persian)

References

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