The most important message of Ghadir is explaining the position of leadership of the Islamic Ummah

According to the Taghrib News Agency, Ayatollah Seyyed Kazem Noormofidi, the representative of the Supreme Leader in Golestan Province, at the international webinar "Ghadir, Wilayah, and Unity," organized by the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought, congratulating the arrival of the blessed Eid of Ghadir Khumm, stated: "If we want to look at the event of Ghadir with a research-oriented perspective and extract its most important message, we must pay special attention to the position and importance of the leadership of the Islamic Ummah."

Referring to the verses of the Holy Quran, he added: "From Islamic teachings and the conduct of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), it can be understood that the issue of leadership in Islam differs from common leadership models in human societies and holds a special and distinguished position. Therefore, the event of Ghadir should be considered within the framework of explaining this important and fateful position."

Ayatollah Noormofidi, referring to the character of Amir al-Mu'minin Ali (AS), said: "The personality who was introduced at Ghadir as the leader and successor of the Prophet was distinguished and unique in various aspects. He had both a high position in Islamic and divine sciences and rare prominence in social and political arenas."

Citing a statement by Ibn Abi al-Hadid in his commentary on Nahj al-Balaghah, he stated: "The profound monotheistic teachings presented in the words and sermons of Amir al-Mu'minin (AS) are so elevated and precise that similar content is not found in the works and sayings of other companions of the Prophet (PBUH). This indicates his distinguished scientific and epistemic position."

The representative of the Supreme Leader in Golestan Province continued: "Amir al-Mu'minin (AS) was also present in all difficult and sensitive scenes during the time of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), and his role-playing and courage became increasingly evident in hardships and crises."

He then referred to two prominent characteristics in the Alawite conduct and said: "The first characteristic is his special attention to preserving the unity of the Islamic Ummah. Amir al-Mu'minin (AS) himself states that no one has tried as much as he has to create affection, empathy, and unity among Muslims. This statement shows that the unity of the Islamic Ummah held a very high and sacred position in his view."

Ayatollah Noormofidi added: "Amir al-Mu'minin (AS) emphasizes that the effort for Muslim unity paves the way for attaining divine pleasure and reward. Accordingly, anyone who moves on the path of strengthening the solidarity and cohesion of the Islamic Ummah has, in fact, taken steps toward gaining God's pleasure."

He identified the second prominent characteristic of the Alawite conduct as justice-centeredness and stated: "Justice held a central position in the thought and conduct of Amir al-Mu'minin (AS). He showed no consideration to his close ones or associates in implementing justice. Even regarding his brother Uqayl, he was not willing to deviate from the standards of justice."

The representative of the Supreme Leader in Golestan Province noted: "Amir al-Mu'minin's (AS) strictness in observing justice was such that many thinkers, even non-Muslims, have considered justice the most outstanding feature of his character, to the extent that it has been said about him: 'He was martyred in the prayer niche due to his extreme justice.'"

Referring to the world's need for justice and fairness today, he said: "What human society needs today more than ever is justice, while many great powers and claimants of human rights defense trample justice and fairness and disregard the rights of nations."

Ayatollah Noormofidi, citing an example of Amir al-Mu'minin's (AS) pursuit of justice, recalled: "When he was proposed to temporarily keep some governors in their positions to consolidate his government, he did not accept and said he would never achieve his victory through oppression and injustice."

He emphasized: "The character of Amir al-Mu'minin (AS) in the two spheres of unity and justice is a lasting model for all human societies, and today's world needs to know this model more than ever."

In another part of his remarks, the representative of the Supreme Leader in Golestan Province emphasized the necessity of introducing the character of Amir al-Mu'minin (AS) as much as possible to the world and said: "The world must know what great personalities Islam has nurtured within itself—personalities whose thoughts and teachings can show the way to solving many of contemporary humanity's problems."

Referring to the historical letter of Amir al-Mu'minin (AS) to Malik al-Ashtar, he added: "This letter, written more than fourteen centuries ago, is one of the most outstanding texts on just governance. In this letter, he emphasizes mercy, affection, and kindness towards the people and warns rulers not to be like beasts of prey in exploiting and plundering nations."

Ayatollah Noormofidi noted: "In a situation where some world powers look at nations with a domineering gaze, the teachings of Amir al-Mu'minin (AS) about justice, kindness, and service to the people can be a salvific model for humanity."

In conclusion, he expressed hope that cultural and religious institutions of the Islamic world, by introducing the character and thoughts of Amir al-Mu'minin (AS) as well as explaining the conduct of Imam Hussein (AS), can pave the way for the nations of the world to become more familiar with these great human and Islamic treasures.