(Ahlul Bayt News Agency) - To commemorate the event of Ghadir Khumm, a seminar was held in the Islamic Centre of England on Sunday 13th November 2011.HIWM Moezi (Director of the Centre), Mr Amir De Martino , Sister Amina Inloes and Shaikh Ayoub Rashid contributed to this event by addressing the audience on a number of subjects. HIWM Moezi after giving a brief description of the event focused on the significance of the event of Ghadir which is considered a celebration (Eid) among the followers of the Ahl ul Bayt (The Prophet (s)`s Family). HIWM Moezi cited the opinion of famous scholars of the past to demonstrate the great value that they attached to upholding this celebration. He further explained the term mawla used by the Prophet in the tradition of Ghadir to describe Ali ibn abi Taleb. The significance of this term has been underplayed by some, to deny the appointment of Ali to the ranks of successor and leader after the prophet.Mr Amir De Martino presented the historical setting before and during the event of Ghadir, providing a comprehensive picture to understand the general mood of the community during the last pilgrimage of the Prophet and on the day of Ghadir which followed soon after.Amir De Martino severely criticized those who attempt to deny the presence of a large crowd at the place of Ghadir Khum during the announcement by the Prophet. He concluded by emphasizing that the event of Ghadir was understood to be the time of the appointment of Ali ibn abi Taleb as the successor to Prophet Muhammad, which was also reconfirmed by the Imams of the Ahl al Bayt in the course of the next 250 years.The third speaker, Sister Amina Inloes presented the view of Sunni scholars in relation to the event of Ghadir. She explained that while they do acknowledge the historicity of the event they have focused in providing different interpretation to the meaning of the Prophet declaration, denying any kind of political authority. She also explained that among Sunni of Sufi tendency there is an acceptance of the investiture of Imam Ali (as) but only in its spiritual dimension.Sheikh Ayoub Rashid the final speaker spoke about the concept of leadership and guardianship according to the Qur`an, introducing also the concept of the Guardianship of the Jurists (Wilayat ul Faqih) and the way it is understood. He stressed upon the responsibility of learned scholars to guide the community during the period of occultation of the Living Imam.The full lectures of the Ghadir Seminar are available online in the archive section under the title of: AL-GHADIR SEMINAR - Complementing the concept of leadership - 2011/129
