Ghadir and the meaning of “Mawla” in the Light of Sunni Sources

Considering the circumstances at the event of Ghadir, is it sensible that “mawla” means “friend” and “helper”? Supposing it to be true, did Muslims fulfill the obligation of help and friendship after the demise of the holy Prophet?

Part 1

The event of Ghadir is one of the most important evidences concerning the Imamate of Imam Ali (A.S.). Ghadir is an accepted historical fact that both, Shi’a and Sunni scholars unanimously have narrated it. As the event is not deniable, the opponents attempt to reject its implications by misinterpreting the hadith. “Mawla” is a key word meaning “master” that has misinterpreted as “helper” or “friend”. The paper is to examine the right meaning of “mawla” in this hadith in the light of Sunni sources.

Part 2

Since the event of Ghadir is not deniable, the opponents attempt to misinterpret the hadith. “Mawla” is a key word in this hadith which means “master”, but they misread it as “helper” or “friend”. There are many evidences to prove the right meaning of the word, among which some of them, including the verse of Iblāgh (Delivering), the verse of Ikmāl al-Dīn (perfection of religion), and considering the circumstances; were examined in the part one. There are some other reasons examined in part two to clarify the right meaning of “mawla”.

Dilawar Ali Naqavi

Pakistani Researcher

Iran-Mashhad Seminary member and M.A. student in Quranic Interpretation and Sciences.