Analysis and study of inclusiveness and ambiguity of the term “Movla” in Ghadir hadith

Few quotations are found in the course of history whose evidence is as strongly documented as the main part of Ghadir Hadith (…من کنت مولاه).The Hadith is a truthful, undeniable quote from the holy Prophet. Those who undermine the veracity of this hadith argue that it does not carry implications to the righteousness of Imam Ali as the successor of prophet. One of the arguments put forward is about the brevity and ambiguity of the term “movla”used in this hadith to refer to Imam Ali. The current study aims to explore multiple meanings of the above-mentioned term and seeks to prove that on the basis of definite evidence, the term abosulutely and without an iota of doubt denotes guardianship and authority to lead. Then, the current research assumes that the evidences presented are insufficient and attempts to attribute other meanings to the term and prove righteousness of Imam Ali as the successor of prophet based on the other denotations and connotations of the term. This research moves on to argue, should there still remain brevity and ambiguity, two solutions need to be accepted. First attributing two meanings to the term and second performing practical principles. It is hereby proved that Ghadir Hadith specifically implies the righteousness of Imam Ali as the successor of prophet beyond any reasonable doubt, and there is no way to bring it under question. Although there has been some vain attempts to distort the historical evidences of the hadith, the line of reasoning for the opposite camp has more ground and solidity.