An Analysis of the Time and Place of Imam Ali's Ring Bestowal and the Revelation of the Verse of Wilayah in the Narrations of the Two Major Islamic Sects

Verse 55 of Surah Al-Ma'idah, known as the Verse of Wilayah, was revealed in honor of Imam Ali, specifically referring to his ring bestowal during the act of bowing in prayer (rukoo'). Following this event, according to verse 67 of the same Surah, the Holy Prophet was commanded during the Ghadir Khum incident to convey the meaning and identity of wilayah to the people. Therefore, it is essential to have a precise understanding of the time and place of the revelation of the Verse of Wilayah. The main objective of this research is to analyze the narrations of the two major sects (Shia and Sunni) regarding the time and place of Imam Ali's ring bestowal and the revelation of the Verse of Wilayah. The research methodology involves collecting narrations from library sources and employing a descriptive-analytical approach. The findings of this study indicate that the bestowal of the ring upon Imam Ali and the revelation of the Verse of Wilayah took place in the final year of the Prophet's life during the Farewell Pilgrimage and after Imam Ali's return from Yemen, specifically on the evening of the Day of Arafah. Furthermore, the location of this event was in Mecca and the Sacred Mosque. Accordingly, the phrase “ma anzala” in the verse of Tabligh, which entrusted the Holy Prophet with conveying it during the Ghadir Khum incident, refers to the issue of Imam Ali's succession mentioned in the Verse of Wilayah, which had been revealed a short time earlier on the evening of Arafah in the Sacred Mosque.