The event of Ghadir Khumm (Arabic and Persian: واقعه غدیر خم) took place in February 632. It was where, among other things, the Islamic prophet Muhammad reportedly announced that “to whomsoever I am leader, Ali is also their leader.” Shia Muslims believe this to be the appointment of Ali as Muhammad’s successor.
Hadith at-Thaqalayn. Literal meaning. Narration of the Two Weighty Things. The Hadith al-Thaqalayn refers to a saying (hadith) about which translates to “the two weighty things.” In this hadith Muhammad referred to the Qur’an and Ahl al-Bayt (‘people of the house’, Muhammad’s family) as the two weighty things.
On Thursday the 18th of Dhu al-Hijjah (March 19), the Muslims arrived at Ghadir Khumm. The following verse of the Quran was revealed at the historic occassion:
O Messenger! proclaim the (message) which hath been sent to thee from thy Lord. If thou didst not, thou wouldst not have fulfilled and proclaimed His mission. And Allah will defend thee from men (who mean mischief). For Allah guideth not those who reject Faith (5:67).
According to the verse, Muhammad was obliged to proclaim an important message. The verse clearly denotes the importance of the message, by saying that if he does not announce it, then he has not performed his mission. After revelation of the verse, Muhammad ordered the caravan to stop, and ordered those who had passed Ghadir Khumm to return, and for them to wait there until the arrival of those who were still on their way. Sunni Muslims, however, believe neither the verse was revealed at Ghadir Khumm nor it was about anyone’s appointment as successor rather it was God’s command to Prophet Muhammad to proclaim every message of Islam without fearing anyone.
