The Event of Ghadir Khum: ‘Ali bin Abi Thalib’s Leadership in Sunni and Shi’a Perspectives

Abstract

Ghadir Khum is where the Prophet said about the superiority of 'Ali after performing the wada’ pilgrimage. This event became a dispute and debate between Sunni and Shi’a due to differences in understanding. According to the Sunnis, this is one way of protecting the Prophet and his family (Ahl al-Bait), especially 'Ali bin Abi Thalib, against the negative attitude and hatred of the Muslims who participated in the expedition he led to Yemen. Meanwhile, according to the Shi'a, this event was not just an edict that 'Ali was a companion or only raised the status and position of 'Ali among the other companions of the Prophet, but this event was considered as a declaration of 'Ali as the successor and continuation of the Prophet’s leadership. Hopefully, this paper will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the Sunni and Shi'a views on the Ghadir Khum event regarding 'Ali's leadership claim, both in terms of text and context. This paper concludes that the hadith delivered by the Prophet during his speech at Ghadir Khum was not an enthronement or claim of 'Ali as caliph or leader, but it was an invitation and call to love 'Ali and restore his image and reputation before the companions and Muslims present at that time.