CALIFORNIA, United States: The Messenger of Allah (blessings of Allah be upon him and his family) has said, “The day of Ghadeer Khum is the best Eid of my nation. It is the day on which Allah, the High, ordered me to mention the appointment of my brother, Ali ibn Abi Talib as the flag and standard of my nation. People shall be guided by him after me and this is the day in which Allah completed the religion and perfected the bounties upon my nation and on which He was pleased with Islam as their religion.”

Hundreds turn out to celebrate Eid al-Ghadeer and the return of the Hujjaj at IECOC (Islamic Educational Center of Orange County, Costa Mesa, California) on Saturday, Dec. 29th.

A Journey Towards Islam

Featured guest speaker, Br. Chris Hawes, a former Baptist minister who embraced Islam.

Br. Chris Hawes from Minnesota was this year's guest speaker at the Ghadeer event. A former Baptist minister, Br. Hawes came to Islam and embraced the School of Ahlul-Bayt after a careful study of the history and significance of Ghadeer Khum.

Br. Chris enlightened the audience on his spiritual and intellectual journey to find the true religion and why he left Christianity after 30 years. To hear his inspiring story, visit our website for the full audio lecture.

Children Perform Eid Nasheeds
IECOC Sunday Weekend School performs Muslim songs praising Eid al-Ghadeer.

The event also included a sermon by Imam Sayed Moustafa al-Qazwini on the significance of Eid al-Ghadeer (visit IECOC website to hear his sermon). First-time hujjaj also delivered their personal reflections on the Hajj pilgrimage.

Eid al-Ghadeer and the Return of the Hujjaj is a yearly event held at IECOC to recognize the appointment of Imam Ali (as) as the Prophet's successor to lead the Muslim ummah. In addition, IECOC honors those who have completed the Hajj pilgrimage.