Was Islam Completed on the Day of Ghadir? (A Response to the Yemeni Sect’s Claims)
Claim by the Yemeni Sect:
Followers of the Yemeni sect argue that Islam was not completed on the Day of Ghadir. They believe that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), on the night of his death, presented a will mentioning the existence of 24 Imams — not 12. According to their belief, the Prophet’s final will is the only valid source of salvation and that all teachings before this moment, including the Quran and Hadiths, were insufficient to prevent deviation.
Their primary evidence is a narration found in Sheikh Tusi’s book, The Will on the Night of Death.
Response to the Claim
This belief challenges well-established principles in Shia Islam and raises theological, historical, and logical concerns. Here are five key points of critique:
1. Multiple Wills of the Prophet
The claim that the Prophet had only one will is unfounded. Historical records show he delivered multiple wills, including the well-documented Ghadir Khumm sermon, where Angel Gabriel descended and instructed him to deliver a divine message. This sermon is widely accepted as part of the Prophet’s final testament.
2. The Number of Imams
Ahmad al-Basri’s belief in 24 Imams contradicts the Prophet’s teachings. During the Ghadir event, Prophet Muhammad referred to Imam Mahdi as the “Seal of the Imams.” Recognizing a 24th Imam nullifies the Prophet’s statement and introduces theological confusion.
3. The Verse of Completion
The Quranic verse revealed on the Day of Ghadir states:
“Today I have perfected your religion for you, completed My favor upon you, and have chosen for you Islam as your religion” (Surah Al-Ma’idah 5:3).
This verse affirms that Islam was completed at Ghadir. Ahmad al-Basri’s claim directly contradicts the explicit meaning of this verse.
4. The Stance of Ahl al-Bayt
Members of the Prophet’s family (Ahl al-Bayt) emphasized the significance of Ghadir and rejected any additions or omissions to the religion post-Ghadir. For example, Imam Reza said:
“Whoever thinks that Allah did not complete His religion has rejected the Quran. And whoever rejects the Quran is an infidel.”
5. Doctrinal and Recitational Errors
Ahmad al-Basri not only lacks credible doctrinal knowledge but is also known to have made errors in reciting key verses, including the verse of completion. Such mistakes further question his legitimacy and knowledge as a religious authority.
Conclusion
The claim that the religion of Islam was only completed on the night of the Prophet’s death — and not on the Day of Ghadir — contradicts both Quranic revelation and Shia doctrine. The evidence used by the Yemeni sect lacks authenticity, and the belief in 24 Imams undermines well-established teachings. These inconsistencies highlight a significant deviation from mainstream Shia Islam.
Source: https://daralhidaye.ir/en
