Eid-E-Ghadeer in Poetry of Hassan Ibn Thabit

A View of Ghadeer Mountain

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Imamis all over the world celebrate Eid-E-Ghadir with great rejoicing. They do so as the holy Prophet had introduced at Ghadeer-E-Khum Maula Ali as his successor and master after him. Enemies of Holy Prophet’s household have been raising objections over the celebration of Eid-E-Ghadir but their efforts have not dampened the spirit of Maula Ali’s devotees and admirers. Their efforts to misinterpret the word Maula has also not gained much significance because of abundance of reliable non-Imami sayings, traditions and literature available on the declaration of Hazrat Ali as successor of the holy Prophet. Eid-E-Ghadeer instills the Mastership and love for Maula-E-Kaynaat in the hearts and minds of people. Infallibles too always insisted on celebrating Eid-E-Ghadeer with grand fanfare to remind people of all ages  the incident of Ghadeer is certain and irrefutable and its authenticity can be found in the books of history. Eid-E-Ghadeer also reminds devotees that the Holy Prophet, on divine command, not only announced and appointed Hazrat Ali as his successor but also made his obedience obligatory upon every. He also considered his enemies accursed and regarded his lovers as successful.

Those who suspect declaration by the Holy Prophet and undermine significance of Ghadeer-e-Khum should read about Hassan ibn Thabit. He was an Arabian poet and a close companion of the Holy Prophet. He had sought permission from the Prophet to compose a few verses of poetry about Imam Ali  for the audience that had heard the declaration at Ghadeer. In reply, the Prophet had  said: "Say with the blessings of Allah". Then, Hassan stood up and said: "O' people of Quraysh. I follow with my words what preceded and witnessed by the Messenger of Allah . He then composed the following verses at the scene:

“He calls them, (on) the day of Ghadir, their Prophet 
In Khumm so hear (and heed) the Messenger's call, 
He said: "Who is your guide and leader? (mawlakum wa waliyyukum)" 
They said, and there was no apparent blindness (clearly): 
"Your God, our guide, and you are our leader 
And you won't find from among us, in this, any disobedient," 
He said to him: "Stand up O' Ali, for I am 
pleased to announce you Imam and guide after me (min ba'di imam(an) wa hadiy(an)), 
So whomever I was his leader (maula), then this is his leader (maula) 
So be to him supporters in truth and followers," 
There he prayed: "Allah! Be a friend and guide to his follower 
And be, to the one who is Ali's enemy, an enemy"

Hassan was born in Yathrib (Modern day city of Medina).He belonged to Banu Kharaz.After Prophet’s death, Hassan is believed to have traveled up to China to preach Islam.He reportedly  lived for 120 years.(References available on request.Photo Courtesy- Google Images).