Ameer al-Momineen Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon them both), described the day of Ghadeer as: “The Day of the Proof.”
[Reference: Miṣbaaḥ al-Mutahajjid, vol. 2, p. 752; Iqbaal al-Aamal, vol. 1, p. 461; Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 94, p. 112]
Why “The Day of Proof”?
Because on this day, proofs regarding the rightful succession and leadership after the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him and his progeny) were made unequivocally manifest. Allah, Mighty and Majestic be He, granted the believers a radiant, luminous, and undeniable proof, one that brought clarity to their vision and tranquillity to their hearts.
The weight of this truth was acknowledged even by the opponents. A striking example comes from Abu Hanifah, upon hearing the mention of Ameer al-Momineen, Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon them both), he advised his companions:
قَدْ قُلْتُ لِأَصْحَابِنَا: لاَ تُقِرُّوا لَهُمْ بِحَدِيثِ غَدِيرِ خُمٍّ، فَيَخْصِمُوكُمْ
“Indeed, I have told our companions: Do not establish for them (the Shias) the tradition of Ghadeer Khumm, else they will argue with you.”
Those present were understandably astonished, especially, the face of al-Haytham Ibn Ḥabib al-Ṣayrafi changed, and he said to him:
“Why do they not acknowledge it? Is it not established with you, O No’man?”
Abu Hanifah’s response was telling. He replied:
“It is established with me, and I have narrated it.”
[Reference: Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 47, p. 401 narrating from Al-Amaali by Shaikh Mufeed (a.r.)]
Narration of Rahbah
The event of Ghadeer was so public and well-known that even 25 years later, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) invoked it in Rahbah, challenging the companions to testify. It is narrated that:
نَاشَدَ عَلِيٌّ اَلنَّاسَ فِي رَحَبَةِ الْقَصْرِ أَوْ قَالَ رَحَبَةِ الْجَامِعِ بِالْكُوفَةِ أَيُّكُمْ سَمِعَ رَسُولَ اَللهِ يَقُولُ مَنْ كُنْتُ مَوْلاَهُ فَعَلِيٌّ مَوْلاَهُ
Ali (peace be on him) argued with the people in Rahbah, saying: “Which one of you heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be on him and his progeny) say, ‘Of whomsoever I am the Master, then Ali is his Master?”
Twelve men stood up and testified to this, but Anas Ibn Malik did not stand.
So, he asked him: “O Anas, what prevents you from standing and testifying? Surely, you were present (on the day of Ghadeer).”
He replied: “O Commander of the Faithful, I have grown old and forgotten.”
Then Ameer al-Momineen, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said: “O Allah, if he is lying, strike him with a white (meaning a white spot) that no turban can hide.”
Talhah Ibn Umar said: “By Allah, I saw the clear whiteness between his eyes after that.”
And Uthman Ibn Mutarrif narrated that a man asked Anas Ibn Malik, at the end of his life, about Ali Ibn Abi Talib (peace be upon them both). He said:
“I vowed not to withhold any narration I am asked about concerning Ali, peace be upon him, after the Day of Rahbah. That (Imam Ali) is the leader of the pious on the Day of Resurrection. I heard this, by Allah, from your Prophet…”
[Reference: Behaar al-Anwaar, vol. 37, p. 199; similar narration is found in Ahle Tasannun books like Musnad of Ahmad Ibn Hanbal, Book 5, Hadith 77; Hilyah al-Awliyaa by Abu Nuaim Ahmad Ibn Abdillah Isfahani, vol. 5, p. 26; Kitab al-Ma’arif by Ibn Qutaybah Dinawari, chapter of Al-Baras, p. 580]
Conclusion: A Proof Too Great to Deny
The tradition of Ghadeer was, and remains, a proof too great to be dismissed and too clear to be rejected. Thus, Ghadeer became a tradition that is surely known, yet is denied out of injustice, arrogance, and envy! Thus, Ghadeer is not merely a historical event; it is the “Day of Proof” a divine decree too great to be denied and too clear to be forgotten.
May Allah hasten the reappearance of His Last Proof and the Imam of our time, Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.) and include us among those who acknowledge and hold fast unto Ghadeer.