Iraq celebrated Eid al-Ghadir as a national holiday for the first time, with leaders across the country extending their congratulations and emphasizing the importance of the occasion. 

Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani, congratulated the Iraqi people and the Islamic nation, highlighting the values of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib.

"I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of our nation and the Islamic Ummah on the occasion of the blessed Eid al-Ghadir. We ask Allah, the Almighty, to bestow upon our country goodness, love, tolerance, and further progress and prosperity,” Sudani wrote on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). 

“By making Eid al-Ghadir an official holiday and a national occasion for all Iraqis, we all recall the lessons contained in the honorable life of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib in establishing the values of truth, social justice, and equality, to be a path for our government and a course to achieve the interests of our people."

Qais al-Khazali, leader of Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq, also delivered a message.

"Allah completed His religion on Eid al-Ghadir and perfected His favor upon all Muslims. Celebrating Eid al-Ghadir this time has an additional and special flavor due to its adoption as a national holiday at the level of the Iraqi state," Khazali said, noting that some parties had attempted to obstruct the legislation of the holiday.

Ammar al-Hakim, head of the National Wisdom Movement, underscored the holiday’s significance for unity.

"The message of Ghadir is a message of unity, coexistence, cohesion for societies, and a rejection of sectarianism, racism, ethnicity, and regionalism," Hakim stated.

Nouri al-Maliki, head of the State of Law Coalition, and Sheikh Humam Hamoudi, head of the Supreme Islamic Council, also extended their congratulations, with Hamoudi highlighting the values of love, tolerance, and solidarity associated with the holiday.

The recognition of Eid al-Ghadir as a national holiday marks a significant moment for Iraq, reflecting its cultural and religious heritage and promoting a message of unity and peace.

Muqtada al-Sadr emphasized the spiritual and communal significance of the holiday, commemorating Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib's guardianship.

Sadr highlighted the importance of unity, love, and the values taught by Imam Ali. He praised the Iraqi parliament's decision to establish Eid al-Ghadir as a national holiday and expressed gratitude to all Iraqis, including fair-minded Sunnis, for their support.

"Ali is for all Muslims, both Sunnis and Shias, and indeed for all humanity," Sadr said, calling for continued unity, moderation, and rejection of sectarianism. 

He concluded by invoking blessings for the nation and expressing hope for a prosperous and harmonious future.

The Shiite community in Iraq, having lived under Baath oppression before 2003, could not celebrate Ghadir as a holiday. The announcement of the holiday in the country is a milestone of their community in the country.