TEHRAN-On the occasion of Eid al-Ghadir, the second “Hand in Hand” International Anthem Festival, organized jointly by the Art Bureau and the South Islamic Cultural Center in Basra will take place On June 24 and 25 in Basra, Iraq.

According to the Art Bureau website, the festival will feature more than 12 vocal groups from Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, and Bahrain. Distinguished scholars from the Resistance Front and prominent figures in the cultural and artistic sphere will also participate.

Notably, Ashraf Altmeme from Iraq, Hussein Kheir dine from Lebanon, and Abouzar Rouhi from Iran will present their latest musical works.

Eid al-Ghadir is among the important feasts and happy holidays of Shi'a held on Dhu l-Hijja 18 at the time when, according to reports, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) as his caliph and the Imam after himself following an order from God. That event happened during the Prophet's Farewell Hajj (Hajjat al-Wida'), in a place called Ghadir Khumm.

According to hadiths, the Prophet (PBUH) gathered people in Ghadir Khumm, raised Imam Ali's (AS) hand so that everyone could see, and asked, “O people! Do I not have wilaya (guardianship) over you more than you have over yourself?” People answered, “Yes, O Prophet!” 

Then, the Prophet (PBUH) said: “God is my wali (guardian), and I am wali of the believers; I have wilaya over them more than they have over themselves. So, anyone I am his wali, Ali is his wali”.

Then, the Prophet (PBUH) repeated it three times and said, “O God! Befriend and be the wali of anyone who loves Ali and considers him as his wali; be the enemy of anyone who is his enemy; and assist anyone who assists him and abandon anyone who abandons him”.

He then told people, “Those who are present, convey this message to those who are absent”.

Shi'a Muslims celebrate this day around the world with various customs.

SS/SAB