Great masses of people in the Iranian capital of Tehran have marked Eid al-Ghadir by attending the 10-kilometer-long party which has been hailed as the world's largest celebration event of its kind.
Eid al-Ghadir is considered one of the fundamental events for Shia Muslims as it marks the day when Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) appointed Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) as his successor and the next leader of Muslims.
The event is celebrated annually around the world by Shia Muslims. In Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan and several other countries masses celebrated Eid al-Ghadir on the 18th of Dhul-Hajjah.
On this day different programs and events such as musical performances and plays are carried out and food and drinks are distributed are handed out as part of the massive celebration.
In the Iranian capital of Tehran, the streets were decorated with green flags and other decorative elements as part of the celebrations marking the event. The preparations for the major event had started a few weeks earlier.
The ceremony in Tehran started at 4 PM and it did not take too long before the 10-kilometer route between Imam Hossein Square and Azadi Square was filled with people from all walks of life.
According to officials, more than 1,200 temporary stations have been set up along the route and offer food and drinks to attendees. Some of the stations provided children with playgrounds.
Officials are yet to announce the number of participants in the event, however, some news agencies estimate the figure to be more than one million.
People from all walks participated in the felicitous event.
According to the Holy Qur'an [5:3], this is the day when God Almighty "perfected" Islam as the religion by introducing Imam Ali (AS) as the next leader. That is why it is celebrated in honor of the first Shia Imam.
Ali (AS) was the cousin of the Prophet (PBUH) and is known as the first man to embrace the Prophet's call for Islam. According to Islamic sources, the Imam rooted out poverty and promoted an unprecedented justice system across the Muslim world during his 5-year rule-based in the Iraqi city of Kufa.
There are 12 Imams or religious leaders in Shia Islam, all believed to be preserving the legacy of the Prophet (PBUH) and his teachings. Mahdi (AS) is the last Imam, who is believed to be the apocalyptic savior of the world and is currently living in occultation.
