For mu’mineen, the longing for the Ziyarat of Imam Hussain (as) lives on throughout the year. It’s not just a physical journey, but a deep spiritual calling that echoes from the heart.
Prophet Muhammad (saww) is reported to have said:
“Surely, there exists in the hearts of the believers, regarding the martyrdom of Hussain (as), a heat that never subsides.” (Mustadrak al-Wasail, v.10)
This burning love draws us to Karbala, whether by foot, by prayer, or by sincere intention. And even for those unable to make the journey, reciting ziyarah from afar with recognition and love carries great reward.
Learn more about Karbala here.
Ibn Qulawayh shares many narrations of Imam Ja’far Al-Sadiq (as) on the merits of the Ziyarah of Imam Hussain (as) in Kamil al-Ziyarah. Let’s explore six that highlight the immense blessings of visiting Aba Abdillah (as)
Imam Al-Sadiq (as) is reported to have said, “Do not neglect going to the Ziyarah of the grave of Hussain (as) because of fear. Verily, he who abandons the Ziyarah of Hussain (as) (for any reason) will regret it so much that he will wish that his grave was next to him. Do you not like Allah (swt) to see you among those for whom the Messenger of Allah (saww), Ali (as), Fatima (sa), and the Imams (as) pray?!” (Kamil al-Ziyarah, Ch.40, H.1)
This hadith shows the spiritual weight of Ziyarah. It’s not just an act of devotion, but one that places you in the prayers of The Prophet (saww), Lady Fatima (sa), Imam Ali (as), and the rest of the Masumeen (as).
To be remembered by them is an honour beyond measure.
The Qur’an reminds us in Surah ash-Shura of the special status of Rasoolallah (saww) and the Ahlulbayt (as), “(O Muhammad, say to your followers:) “I do not ask of you any reward for it (i.e., the task of conveying Allah’s message to you) except love for (my) near relatives.” (42:23)
By visiting Imam Hussain (as), we fulfill this divine command: to love and stay connected to the Ahlulbayt (as) through loyalty, remembrance, and prayer.
Imam Al-Sadiq (as) is reported to have said, “Do not neglect going to the Ziyarah of Hussain (as). Do you not like to be among those for whom the angels pray?!” (Kamil al-Ziyarah, Ch.41, H.3)
The one who visits Imam Hussain (as) earns the prayers of angels, pure creations of Allah (swt) who ask forgiveness and mercy for the believers. .
The Qur’an states in Surah ash-Shura, “The angels sing the praise of their Lord and ask forgiveness for those (fallible ones) on the earth.” (42:5)
Through Ziyarah, we are included in their blessed prayers, gaining spiritual support from the unseen realm.
Imam Al-Sadiq (as) is reported to have said, “The Almighty Allah (swt) records a thousand good deeds and erases a thousand sins for every step taken by one who performs the Ziyarah of Imam Hussain (as) on foot. He (swt) will also increase their status a thousand times for every step.”
(Kamil al-Ziyarah, Ch.49, H.4)
Every step taken toward the grave of Imam Hussain (as) is loaded with divine reward. The physical effort of walking reflects deep devotion, and Allah (swt) responds with multiplied mercy: writing good deeds and erasing sins. Through this, our ranks are elevated.
This Qur’an also says in Surah al-An’am, “Whoever brings a good deed, he shall have ten times as much (in reward). (4:160)
And for the sincere visitor, that reward is multiplied even further. Ziyarah becomes not only an act of love, but a path to spiritual purification and elevation.
Imam Al-Sadiq (as) is reported to have said, “One who performs the Ziyarah of Imam Hussain (as) expecting divine rewards, without arrogance and ungratefulness and without seeking fame or to show off, will be purified of his sins just as clothes are purified with water. And no impurity will remain on them. With every foot he places, a Hajj will be written for him, and every time he raises his foot, an Umrah will be written for him.” (Kamil al-Ziyarah, Ch.57, H.1)
This beautiful narration highlights two immense benefits of Ziyarah: spiritual purification and the reward of Hajj and Umrah for each step taken with sincerity.
When performed without pride or self-display, Ziyarah becomes a means of cleansing the soul – just as water cleans clothes – and a source of unmatched reward.
The Qur’an tells us in Surah al-Ma’idah, “Allah accepts (the offerings) only from the pious people.” (5:27)
When a person walks toward Karbala with pure intention, their steps echo with the weight of worship, each one counted like a pilgrimage, each one a sign of closeness to Allah (swt).
The Ziyarah of Imam Hussain (as) is not just a journey; it is an act of love, devotion, and transformation. Through it, sins are forgiven, ranks are raised, and the soul is purified.
Whether we walk the sands of Karbala or send our salutations from afar, every sincere step and every tearful prayer draws us closer to Allah (swt).
May we be among those counted in the prayers of the Masumeen (as), and may the road to Karbala always remain open in our hearts.
Ziyarah can be performed any day of the year. However, some days hold special significance, such as the Day of Arafah, Ashura, and Arba’een, when the spiritual rewards are even greater.
Yes, there are many rewards. For example, it helps purify the soul, forgives sins, increases good deeds, and brings a person closer to Allah (swt).
Walking to the grave on foot is highly recommended because every step taken is rewarded with multiplied blessings, including forgiveness of sins and elevation in spiritual rank.
Because his sacrifice preserved the essence of Islam. Visiting him is an act of honoring truth, standing against oppression, and strengthening our bond with the Ahlulbayt (as). It is both a personal act of love and a spiritual stand for justice.
