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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Islamic Culture and Religious Studies Book - 1 Lesson 16 : the Two Weighty Things It was during the last year of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.)'s life that he invited Muslims to join him for the pilgrimage to the holy house of Allah (S.W.T.). The majority of pilgrims who joined him were from Mecca and the pilgrimage came to be known as Hajjatul-Wida (The Farewell Hajj) in history.

After completing all the religious rite and duties of Hajj, the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) announced that all the pilgrims were to meet with their caravans at a strategic place called "GHADEER KHUM" which was on the outskirts of Mecca. The purpose of this gathering was that he had an important message to deliver to the Muslim Ummah.

Some pilgrims went ahead immediately after completion of hajj to reach the place, while others joined them later It was midday by the time all the people finally gathered at Ghadeer. The sun was overhead and the heat intense. Many wondered at the reason for the Prophet (s.a.w.w.)'s command and everyone was curious about what he had to say. After the entire congregation - of thousands - completed the noon prayers led by the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) himself, the main event began.

A mimbar (Pulpit) was made for the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) so that everyone could see and hear him when he spoke. After praising, glorifying and thanking Almighty Allah (S.W.T.), he began his sermon: "O people! Death is inevitable. It is a reality, which every soul shall taste and experience. I seek His mercy now that I am coming to the last stages of my life. I also ask Him to protect you and you to accept death as a natural process. Indeed! You are all aware of your Islamic duties.

I have been able to spread the message of Islam to you all and have guided you towards the right path. "I have been inspired by the Almighty that my time of death is near. Soon I shall no longer be amongst you. I leave behind for you TWO WEIGHTY THINGS. They will never be separated from each other. I ask you to be steadfast and uphold these two things so that you may never go astray. They are the Holy Qur'an and my Ahlul-bayt and both are great, valuable treasures.

Again I say, they will never be separated from each other… "The Holy Qur'an is the final heavenly book from Allah (S.W.T.) for the guidance of mankind. The other weighty thing - the Ahlul-bayt - is my pure family.