Shia Muslims prepare for first Eid al-Ghadir celebrations since COVID-19
Every year in the lunar month of Zul-Hajjah, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Ghadir, an occasion marking the day when Prophet Mohammad appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib, the first Shia Imam, as his successor and the leader of Muslims some 14 centuries ago.
In Iran's northeast city of Mashhad, the shrine of Imam Reza is brimming with pilgrims who have come days ahead of the sacred festival.
Eid al-Ghadir comes eight days after another major festivity on the Islamic lunar calendar, Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice. The occasion marks the climax of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.
This Eid al-Ghadir will be the first since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Prophet began his journey from Medina toward Mecca for hajj in the month of Dhul-Qa'dah, in the 10th year of hijrah, accompanied with thousands of people.
Since that hajj was the last hajj of the Prophet, it was later called "Hajjat al-Wida'". When hajj rituals finished and the Prophet left Mecca toward Medina, they arrived at Ghadir Khumm, on 18th of Dhu l-Hijja and In this place, Gabriel revealed the verse of Tabligh to the Prophet and delivered him the order of God for appointment of Ali as Wali and Wasi (successor) after the Prophet and announcing it to people
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