Ghadir Khumm is not merely an announcement of political succession or the introduction of a distinguished figure. In Shia narrative sources, this day is regarded as a turning point in the history of guidance and misguidance; the day when the boundary between “divine guardianship (wilayah)” and “the front of Devil” became more pronounced than ever. In the traditions, Devil’s reaction to the announcement of the wilayah of Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) is depicted in such a way that all his long-standing schemes for misguiding humanity seem to have been placed under serious threat.
The Narration of Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) about the Event of Ghadir and the Wrath of Devil
In this writing, a narration from Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) is presented in which the event of Ghadir Khumm is related from a different perspective – one centered on Devil’s reaction to the announcement of the wilayah of the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him).
Jafar ibn Muhammad al-Khuza’i narrates from his father that Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) said regarding Ghadir Khumm:
“When the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him and his family) at Ghadir Khumm said what he had to say about Amir al-Muminin (peace be upon him) and introduced him as the leader and guardian of the people, Devil screamed in rage.”
The devils around him gathered and asked:
“O our master, what is this scream for?”
Devil replied:
“Woe to you! Today reminds me of the (decisive) day of Jesus. By God, today I will misguide the people.”
At that moment, the following verse of the Quran was revealed:
“And Devil indeed found his assumption about them to be true, so they followed him, except a party of the believers.” (Saba’ 34:20)
After that, Devil screamed again. The devils came to him once more and asked:
“O our master, what is this second scream for?”
Devil said:
“Woe to you! Allah has mentioned my words in the Quran and revealed: ‘And Devil indeed found his assumption about them to be true…'”
Then Devil raised his head toward the sky and said:
“By Your might and glory, I will surely join this group (the few believers) to the others [as well].”
At that moment, the Prophet (peace be upon him and his family) said:
“In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Indeed, My servants – you have no authority over them.” (al-Hijr 15:42)
Devil screamed a third time. The devils came to him and asked:
“O our master, what is this third scream for?”
He said:
“By God, these are the companions of the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him); but by Your might and glory, O Lord, I will beautify sins for them so that I may make them detestable in Your sight.”
Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) then continued:
“By Him who sent Muhammad (peace be upon him and his family) with the truth, verily the devils and Satan surround the believers as bees surround flesh, but the believer is more steadfast than a mountain. A mountain can be hewn and reduced with an axe, but nothing can reduce the religion of a believer.” [1]
The Narration of Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) about the Four Lamentations of Devil
Four historical lamentations of Devil are enumerated – the day of the curse, the day of his descent to the earth, the day of the Prophet’s mission (bi’tha), and the day of Ghadir – which indicate the special status of these junctures in the defeat and failure of Satan’s front.
Imam al-Sadiq (peace be upon him) narrates from his father that he said:
“Devil wailed and screamed out of intense rage and grief on four days: the first day, when he was cursed by Allah; the second day, when he was expelled from heaven and descended to the earth; the third day, at the time of the mission of the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him and his family); and the fourth time, on the day of Ghadir Khumm, when the wilayah of the Commander of the Faithful, Ali (peace be upon him), was announced.” [2]
[1] Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 37, p. 164; Tafsir al-‘Ayyashi; Tafsir al-Burhan, 2:427; Rawdat al-Kafi, p. 344, hadith 542.
[2] Bihar al-Anwar, vol. 37, p. 121.
