The Imamia Youth Federation and Itihad-ul-Muslamees Kargil, Leh together organised and celebrated Eid-e-Gadeer on 3rd October at Imam Bargha Leh by the Shia community.

Imam Masjid-e-Sofia Leh Akhon Abass and Sheikh Hussain Ali Imam-e-Juma, Leh both spoke about the reason why Eid-e-Gadeer is celebrated.  They narrated the event in Gadeer when Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib as the first Imam of Islam by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to guide the people of the religion.

Ashraf Ali Barcha-President Anjuman Imamia, Leh said that it is a glorious day in Islam and people must celebrate it with fervour. However, he showed disappointment over people not turning up on the occasion. He congratulated the organising bodies and wished everyone to remain true to Prophet’s family (Aha al-Bayt).

The welcome speech was given by President Itihad-ul-Muslamees Kargil, Leh who announced that they have opened a residential place at Skampari for the people of Kargil coming to Leh during Muharram.

The event also had the presence of school children of Imamia Model School Leh and Imamia Mission School Chushot who performed qasida and naath glorifying Imam Ali. 

Eid-e-Gadeer celebrated on the 18thday of the month Dhul Hijjah is commemorated to Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib for having been proclaimed by the Prophet himself as the first Imam of Islam. Imam Ali was appointed so that after Prophet’s death the people of the religion remain in good hands under proper guidance of a leader. If one asks what is the difference between a Prophet and an Imam? The explanation is simple. The Prophet is the founder of the religion, whereas Imam has the function of guarding and protecting God’s religion.

Just within 20 years of the revelation of Quran, Islam had spread far and wide .When Prophet proclaimed Imam Ali as the successor, agent of revelation revealed this verse to the Prophet: “Today I have perfected you your religion, completed for you My bounty, and chosen Islam for you as religion.”(5:3) 

The reason why Imam Ali was chosen was because he had been parented by Prophet himself and thus had grown into the very reflection of Prophet’s personality. Imam Ali had grown into a man erudite in the matters of religion and politics, he possessed incandescent faith in Islam, was a great warrior and a great deliverer of justice. 

 

According to Sayyid Mujtaba Mausavi Lari’s book Imamat and Leadership, Imamat has a broad and comprehensive sense that includes both intellectual authority and political leadership…; in short Imam is to guide the people in all dimensions of their existence. Sayyid Mujtaba also mentions that with the termination of Prophet’s mission, the gate of Prophethood was closed but all the office of the Prophet were transferred to Imam Ali.

The function ended after the afternoon prayer with people being offered tabarruk.