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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books The Great Companion of the Prophet (s) Abu Dharr (ra) Chapter 9 Historians and traditionists of both the sects (Shi'ah and Sunni) agree that when the Holy Prophet was to start for the last pilgrimage, he proclaimed far and wide that all the companions should accompany him for pilgrimage. After this proclamation the companions of the Prophet started reaching Medina from all quarters.

He had also made it known to the people that those who could not come to Medina, should reach Mecca directly and perform the rites of the pilgrimage with him. The Prophet left Medina on 25th of Ziq'adah l0th A.H.[^1] Innumerable companions started with him from Medina, including Salman, Miqdad, Abu Dharr and Ammar. On reaching Mecca he performed the ceremonies of the pilgrimage. All his Ahlul Bayt, wives and companions joined him in the pilgrimage.

He delivered a sermon also at the time of Hajj in which he enumerated the bright points of the well-being of his followers and explained the means through which the ummah could get salvation. Having finished pilgrimage he left Mecca for Medina. At that time with him were (according to Muhaddis Dehlavi) 1, 25,000 or (according to Khawand Shah) 1, 24,000 companions[^2]. When he reached a place called Ghadir Khum with his companions Jibrail brought the Divine message to him: "O My Messenger!

Deliver what has been revealed to you from your Lord, and if you do not do it, then you have not delivered His message, (convey my message without fear), and Allah will save you from the mischief of the people". (Surah al-Ma'idah, 5:67) [^3] After this clear command there was no alternative left for him except to convey the message to the people. Accordingly he ordered a pulpit to be raised with the pack-saddles of the camel. After that he said to Bilal of Africa, "O Bilal!

Call the people and tell my companions that those who have gone forward should come back and those who have lagged behind must hasten to come forward". Bilal called out, Hayya 'ala Khairil 'amal "Rush for the virtuous act". The crowd gathered round the pulpit of the Prophet. He climbed to the pulpit and after a very long and eloquent sermon called Ali to himself. Then holding the two hands of Ali in his own hands raised him so high that the whiteness of his armpit became completely visible.

Then he said, “Whoever considers me to be his master and patron he should consider Ali also to be his master and patron. O Allah!