Hawzah News Agency- He also stressed the need to link the message of Ghadir with the culture of waiting for Imam al-Mahdi, as a foundation for establishing a just Islamic society.

Ghadir: The Completion of Divine Guidance

Fereshteh described Eid al-Ghadir as the greatest and most fundamental celebration in Islam, pointing to Quranic verse 3 of Surah al-Ma’idah:

“This day I have perfected for you your religion, completed My favor upon you, and have approved for you Islam as your religion.”

He explained that this verse was revealed on the day the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) introduced Imam Ali (PBUH) as his divinely appointed successor at Ghadir Khumm, marking not only the declaration of wilayah (guardianship) but also the completion of religion and the formal establishment of the Imamate system.

“Recognizing Ghadir as the foundation of Imamate and understanding its message is key to comprehending the true essence of Islam,” he noted.

Guardianship: A Divine System, not a Personal Virtue

Fereshteh warned against reducing the wilayah of Imam Ali (PBUH) to a personal merit, emphasizing that it is a logical and necessary continuation of prophethood.

“Imamate is the second pillar of divine guidance. Just as society needs governance for justice, religion needs a divinely guided system. Imam Ali is not merely a historical figure—he is the standard of truth. Denying his guardianship is denying divine guidance.”

He added that according to the teachings of the infallible Imams, distancing oneself from wilayah is considered a sign of deep misguidance.

Ghadir: A Universal and Eternal Message

Discussing the Prophet’s famous statement on the Day of Ghadir, “Whoever I am his guardian, Ali is his guardian,” Fereshteh said:

“This declaration was not symbolic or affectionate—it was a formal, divine appointment of leadership, encompassing political, social, and spiritual authority.”

He emphasized that the Prophet’s directive to “let those present convey this message to those absent” signals that Ghadir is a message for all times and all generations.

“The guardianship of Imam Ali is not confined to history—it’s a timeless and universal charter for Islamic leadership.”

Beyond Celebration: A Strategic Framework

Fereshteh criticized the tendency to limit Ghadir to mere festivities.

“One of the intellectual weaknesses of our time is reducing Ghadir to a ceremonial day. In reality, it is a strategic moment—the continuation of prophethood through the Imamate system, a symbol of Islam’s durability.”

Quoting Ayatollah Khamenei, he highlighted:

“Ghadir was not just the announcement of a successor, but the introduction of the system of Imamate.”

He called on the Muslim community to move beyond celebration and apply the message of Ghadir to personal, social, and political life, building a society rooted in divine leadership.

Connecting Youth to Ghadir

Addressing the role of youth, Fereshteh urged a revival of interest in Imam Ali (AS) as a role model—not merely as a historical figure, but as a living example of justice, knowledge, and leadership.

“True wilayah isn’t just about love—it means informed faith, obedience, and practical adherence to Alawi teachings. If the youth adopt Ghadir’s principles, many societal problems can be addressed at their roots.”

Fereshteh concluded by stressing the need to bridge the message of Ghadir with the culture of awaiting the reappearance of the Imam Mahdi (AS), preparing the ground for justice and divine governance.