Al-Juhfa, Saudi Arabia
Coordinates: 22.74311267, 39.20157623
The event of Ghadir Khumm refers to a sermon delivered by Hz. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ at the Pond of Khumm, shortly before passing away in 632 CE.
The event of Ghadir Khumm occurred while the Muslims were returning from the Farewell Hajj.
A verse of the Quran was revealed instructing Hz. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to deliver an important message.
The Muslims were gathered and Hz. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ delivered a lengthy sermon.
The speech included the famous statement by Hz. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ that “Anyone who has me as his mawla, has Ali as his mawla”.
Present location
Situated between Mecca and Medina sharif, Ghadir Khumm was a pond which was fed by a nearby spring. It received its name (meaning “Deceiver Pond”) in reference to the salinity of its water which made it unfit for consumption.
It is said that the location was situated around the place where today masjid al-Juhfa stands.
Event
On 18 Dhu al-Hijjah 10 AH (March 632 CE), while returning from his Farewell Pilgrimage, Hz. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stopped at Ghadir Khumm to make an announcement to the pilgrims who had accompanied him before they parted ways.
Due to the extreme heat, a dais was constructed for him which was shaded by branches. Calling up Imam Ali عليه اسلام and taking him by the hand, Hz. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ asked the assembled pilgrims whether he, (Hz. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ), was not closer to them than they were to themselves.
In response, the gathered shouted their agreement. Hz. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ then gave the famous proclamation “Anyone who has me as his mawla (master or guardian), has Ali as his mawla”.
Some versions add the additional sentence “O Allah, befriend the friend of Ali and be the enemy of his enemy.”
Among Sunnis, Ghadir Khumm is not associated with Imam Ali’s عليه اسلام succession at all.
Almost all sunni scholars believe that Hz. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ used Ghadir Khumm just to publicly declare his love, esteem and affection for Imam Ali عليه اسلام.
