The 9th of Rabi al-Awwal: The Second Ghadir

The 9th of Rabi al-Awwal (التاسع من ربيع الأول) holds a special place in the school of Ahl al-Bayt (أهل البيت عليهم السلام) and is remembered as a day of joy and happiness. It is also known as the Second Ghadir, and it marks the beginning of the Imamate of Imam al-Mahdi (الإمام المهدي عليه السلام), the final Imam from the family of the Prophet Muhammad (p).

The significance of the 9th of Rabi al-Awwal is also reflected in a remarkable narration transmitted from Imam Ali al-Hadi (الإمام علي الهادي عليه السلام).

A Remarkable Gathering in Samarra

Ahmad ibn Ishaq al-Qummi (أحمد بن إسحاق القمي) was one of the close companions of Imam al-Hadi (p) and Imam Hasan al-Askari (p), and he was also honored to meet Imam al-Mahdi (p).

Ahmad ibn Ishaq relates that on one occasion, on the 9th of Rabi al-Awwal, he and a group of believers went to visit Imam al-Hadi (p) in Samarra.

When they entered, they noticed that the atmosphere was different from an ordinary day.

The gathering had been beautifully prepared. An incense burner was placed before the Imam, and he was placing fragrant oud (العود) into it with his own hand. A pleasant fragrance filled the room, and even the Imam’s servants and attendants were dressed in fine clothing.

The visitors were surprised.

They asked the Imam:

“O son of the Messenger of God! May our fathers and mothers be sacrificed for you. Has some new occasion of joy occurred today for the Ahl al-Bayt?”

Imam al-Hadi (p) replied:

“What day could be greater and more honored than this day among the Ahl al-Bayt?”

His answer showed that this was no ordinary occasion. The day possessed a particular significance within the household of the Prophet (p).

A Narration Going Back to the Messenger of God (p)

Imam al-Hadi (p) then related a narration that had been transmitted through his family.

He explained that his father had told him about Hudhayfah ibn al-Yaman (حذيفة بن اليمان), the well-known companion of the Messenger of God (p).

Hudhayfah once entered the presence of the Prophet Muhammad (رسول الله صلى الله عليه وآله) on the 9th of Rabi al-Awwal.

There he saw Amir al-Mu’minin Imam Ali (أمير المؤمنين عليه السلام) together with his two sons, Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain (الإمام الحسن والإمام الحسين عليهما السلام), eating with the Messenger of God (p).

The Prophet (p) was smiling at his grandsons and said to them:

“Eat, and may the blessings and happiness of this day be pleasant for you.”

The Messenger of God (p) then spoke about the importance of that day and the events associated with it.

He said:

“For this is the day on which God will destroy His enemy and the enemy of your grandfather, and on this day He will answer the prayer of your mother.”

He then told Imam Hasan and Imam Hussain (p):

“Eat and rejoice, for this is the day on which God accepts the deeds of your followers and those who love you.”

The Prophet (p) continued:

“Eat, for on this day the words of God are made manifest: ‘There are their houses, fallen empty because of the injustice they committed.’”

And he said:

“Eat and be joyful, for this is the day on which the power and strength of the enemy of your grandfather will be broken.”

He further said:

“Eat, for this is the day on which God will turn the deeds of their enemies into scattered dust.”

A Day of Joy for the Ahl al-Bayt (p)

This narration gives us a glimpse into why the 9th of Rabi al-Awwal has traditionally been associated with happiness and rejoicing among the followers of Ahl al-Bayt (p).

The scene described by Ahmad ibn Ishaq is particularly meaningful. Imam al-Hadi (p) did not merely explain the significance of the day verbally. The atmosphere of his home itself reflected happiness: the gathering was prepared, beautiful fragrances filled the room, and those around the Imam were dressed appropriately for an occasion of joy.

When his companions asked about this unusual atmosphere, the Imam emphasized the greatness of the day:

“What day could be greater and more honored than this day among the Ahl al-Bayt?”

For the followers of Ahl al-Bayt (p), therefore, the 9th of Rabi al-Awwal is an opportunity to remember the happiness of the household of the Prophet (p) and to renew their connection with them.

The Beginning of the Imamate of Imam al-Mahdi (p)

The days of Rabi al-Awwal carry another profound meaning for believers: the beginning of the Imamate of Imam al-Mahdi (عجل الله تعالى فرجه الشريف).

Imam al-Mahdi (p) is the twelfth and final Imam from the Ahl al-Bayt (p). His Imamate represents the continuation of the divine guidance entrusted to the family of the Messenger of God (p).

For those who await him, remembering the beginning of his Imamate should be more than a historical commemoration. It is an opportunity to renew our relationship with the Imam of our time.

Waiting for Imam al-Mahdi (p) means striving to become among those who would sincerely support truth, justice, faith, compassion, and obedience to God.

It is therefore appropriate that this occasion becomes a moment to ask ourselves:

What is our relationship with the Imam of our time?

Are we preparing ourselves to be among his true supporters?

Do our actions reflect the values of the Ahl al-Bayt (p) whom we claim to love?

Renewing Our Connection With the Imam of Our Time

The 9th of Rabi al-Awwal, the Second Ghadir, can therefore be understood as a day of joy, gratitude, remembrance, and renewed commitment.

We rejoice in the joy of Ahl al-Bayt (p).

We thank God for the blessing of their guidance.

And we renew our allegiance and love for Imam al-Mahdi (p), praying for the day when justice and righteousness will prevail throughout the world.

May God hasten his blessed reappearance:

اللَّهُمَّ عَجِّلْ لِوَلِيِّكَ الْفَرَج

O God, hasten the relief and reappearance of Your representative.

And may He make us among those who sincerely recognize, love, and support the Imam of our time.

📗Bihar al-Anwar, v. 31, p. 122