Alhassanain(p) Network for Heritage and Islamic Thought

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SECRETS BEHIND VISITING KARBALA

The Eminent Grand Islamic Authority and Jurist Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Hussaini Shirazi

Presented and Translated by: Brother Tawhidi

www.alhassanain.org/english

Rasul Akram Cultural Institute

Republic of Iran

The Holy City of Qum

Khiabane Inqilaab, K4, K2, Plack 31

English edition, 2012

www.Shirazi.ir

www.Shirazionline.com

www.s-alshirazi.com

In the name of Allah, Lord of the worlds.

May peace and blessings be bestowed upon the Messenger of Allah, Mohammad, and his pureprogeny,

along with the severest curses upon their enemies

until the Day of Judgment.

“Whoever was to visit the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s) by the Euphrates River is similar to the one who has visited

Allah Almighty above His throne”.

- Imam Retha (a.s)

Al Tahthib, Volume 6, Chapter 16, Page 45, Hadith:13 .

Notice:

This version is published on behalf of www.alhassanain.org/english with special permission of Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Hussaini Shirazi’s Office.

The composing errors are not corrected.

Table of Contents

Foreword 8

Questions and Answers 11

Visiting Imam Hussain (a.s) is a vital deed 12

His visit is obligatory upon men and women 13

Angels welcome visitors to Imam Hussain (a.s) 14

The Ka'ba and Karbala 15

The soil of Karbala exceeds the seven heavens 16

The status of the water of the Euphrates River 17

Prophets yearn to visit the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s) 18

The reward of visiting Karbala 19

Similar to the reward of the angels 20

Imam Hussain (a.s)'s pilgrim saved on Judgment Day 21

Visiting Imam Hussain (a.s) while thirsty, sorrowful and sinful 22

The Prophet (saww) visits the pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s) 23

Fatimatul Zahra (a.s) and the pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s) 24

Allah Almighty is satisfied with the pilgrim of Imam Hussain (a.s) 25

The minimum reward for the pilgrim of Imam Hussain (a.s) 26

The pilgrim of Imam Hussain (a.s) and hell fire 27

The ostentation of Allah Almighty 28

The reward of the pilgrim of Imam Hussain (a.s) 29

Regret on the Day of Judgment 30

The visitation and the length of life 31

The accountability on the Day of Judgment 32

The remission of sins 33

The status of the pilgrim in the hereafter 34

The visitation to Allah Almighty 35

The elect of Allah Almighty 36

The intention of the pilgrim 37

Gathering along with Imam Hussain (a.s) 38

Under the banner of Imam Hussain (a.s) 39

Imam Hussain (a.s) seeks forgiveness for his pilgrims 40

If they knew, they would die out of eagerness 41

The pilgrim of Imam Hussain (a.s) and eternal happiness 43

The visitor of Imam Hussain (a.s) and rebirth 44

The answering of supplications 45

Continual visits to the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s) 46

Infinite remission and forgiveness 47

A fearful visitation 48

The one who does not visit the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s) 50

Notes 51

Foreword

All praise is due to Allah Almighty, and may the prayers be bestowed upon Mohammad and his pure progeny, along with the severest curses upon their enemies until the Day of Judgment.

Indeed, the love of Imam Hussain (a.s) is present in the heart of every Shi'i Muslim, and that the mystery behind the permanence of Shi'ism is its inspiration from the principles of the incident which took place in the holy land of Karbala on the day of Ashuraa'.

There are four people who are known to be better than Imam Hussain (a.s). These being his grandfather, the Messenger of Allah Almighty (saww), his father Imam Ali (a.s), his mother Fatimatul Zahra (a.s) and his brother Imam Hassan (a.s). Imam Hussain (a.s) stated in Karbala:“My grandfather is better than me, my father is better than me, my mother is better than me and my brother is better than me, and for me and every Muslim is an excellent example in the Messenger of Allah Almighty” .[1]

However, the tragedy of Imam Hussain (a.s) gives rise to gatherings which entail mourning, weeping, rituals, feeding Muslims and other various services within the twenty four hours of the 10th of Muharram.

These rituals most evidently exceed those which take place for the tragedies of the other holy thirteen infallibles (a.s) throughout the entire year. It is apparent that the participants in the gatherings and rituals of Imam Hussain (a.s) are a lot greater in number and undoubtedly, this is due to the fact that it is only Allah Almighty who wishes for this to occur. He (swt) has made Imam Hussain (a.s) and his matter an exception, just as the Prophet (saww), Imam Ali (a.s), Fatimatul Zahra (a.s) and all the Imams (a.s) up until Imam Mahdi (a.s) had dealt with the incident of Ashuraa’ in an exclusive manner.

In regards to Imam Hussain (a.s), Imam Mahdi (a.s) said:“And for you, I shall shed blood instead of tears” .[ 2]

Imam Mahdi (a.s) mentioned the shedding of blood for his grandfather Al-Hussain (a.s), something which he (a.s) never expressed for any other from amongst his infallible forefathers (a.s) or even his grandmother Fatimatul Zahra (a.s).

It is therefore crystal clear that the matter of Imam Hussain (a.s) is exclusive in all aspects.

Imam Hussain (a.s) is unique and distinguished due to several reasons. This is evident by the intensified mourning upon him, the established rituals in remembrance of his tragedy and the travelling towards his holy shrine on every important Islamic occasion. The narrations which have been narrated by AhlulBayt (a.s) make great emphasis on the pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s) and also on those who maximize their rituals in their love for him (a.s). Such individuals are said to be due unprecedented rewards.

As for the day of Ashuraa', it has been narrated that Imam Hassan (a.s) said to his brother Imam Hussain (a.s):“There is no day like your day O’ father of Abdullah” .[ 3]

This brings to mind the phrase which a vast majority of people tend to quote:“Every land is Karbala and every day is Ashuraa” . This phrase uttered is actually incorrect, since it contradicts what has been narrated from the infallibles (a.s), in that,“Thereis no land like Karbala and no day similar to Ashuraa” .

As for the land of Karbala, It has been narrated from Imam al Sadiq (a.s):

“The land of the Ka'ba said: “Which land is like me? For the house of Allah has been built on me; people come towards me from far distances and I have been made the shrine of Allah and his safe place. Allah Almighty then addressed it stating: Enough and keep quiet, the grace of what you have been favored with is like a drop on a needle that has been placed into the ocean and lifted up from the ocean of grace that I have favored Karbala with. And if it was not for the soil of Karbala I would have not favored you and if it was not for whom Karbala had embraced [i.e. Imam Hussain (a.s)] I would not have created you or the house you have prided yourself with (the Ka'ba above you). Therefore, calm down, do not utter and be obedient, humble and submissive toward the land of Karbala.” [4]

It has also been narrated in a long hadith from the Messenger of Allah Almighty (saww), that he stated:“Karbala…it is the best part of the earth, and of greatest sanctity.” [5]

Therefore the duty of the believers is that they increase their efforts for the sake of spreading the imperishable teachings of Karbala and the establishment of the rituals of Imam Hussain (a.s), along with enduring hardships and difficulties, the same way the believers had endured them in the past; since Allah Almighty deals with whatever is related to Imam Hussain (a.s) in a very special manner.

Throughout history, the Eminent Islamic Shi'i Jurisdictions adhered to the values of Ashuraa'. An example of these Eminent Islamic Jurisdictions is the sacred Jurisdiction of the honorable Shirazi family, who specifically, in the past two decades have revived the matter of Imam Hussain (a.s) due to their devotion and love for him (a.s) and are thus acknowledged for their piety and sincerity.

The Grand Islamic Authority and Jurist late Imam Sayid Mohammad Shirazi (May Allah Almighty elevate his statuses) along with the current Marj'a Taqlid of the Shi'a world, The Grand Islamic Authority and Jurist Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Shirazi, have constantly emphasized the importance of reviving the principles of Karbala and the values of Ashuraa' in every instant. The two eminent jurists have and still urge for the revival of the rituals and the establishment of mourning gatherings upon the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s). This is a reality that is most certainly sensed through their various valuable publications and writings.

This booklet between your hands is a compilation of questions that have been directed to The Eminent Grand Islamic Authority Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Hussaini Shirazi along with their answers, teachings and phrases that have been translated for the benefit of Muslims residing in Western and English speaking countries. This booklet also includes various religious enquiries which have been forwarded to his eminence in the same respect.

I ask Allah Almighty to include us in His absolute bounty, and to rescue us from His indignation and wrath that He has placed upon those that opposed, oppose or shall oppose Imam Hussain (a.s) and his rituals. May He (swt) help the believers to be from amongst those who encourage the establishment of Hussaini rituals and bestow upon them enough strength to endure hardships and difficulties in the path of Imam Hussain (a.s).

And May the peace and blessings be bestowed upon the Noble Prophet and Messenger Mohammad (saww) and upon his pure progeny.

Questions and Answers

Visiting Imam Hussain (a.s) is a vital deed

Question (1): Is visiting the shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s) a vital deed for every Muslim and believer?

Answer: Yes, undoubtedly. Many narrations exist regarding this matter and from amongst themis the following narration from Imam Sadiq (a.s):

“If any of you performs Hajj his entire lifetime but does not visit the shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s), he would have left a right of the rights of the Prophet (saww); because the right of Imam Hussain (a.s) is a duty from Allah Almighty upon every Muslim that it be fulfilled.” [6]

Visiting the shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s) has also proven to be a necessity in which the benefits and blessings one may receive have been emphasized in the following narration of Imam Baqir (a.s):

“Order our Shi'a to visit the shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s), since doing so increases sustenance, extends life, and removes evil; and that visiting the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s) is a duty upon every believer who believes in Imamate from Allah Almighty.” [7]

His visit is obligatory upon men and women

Question (2): Is this necessity allocated to men alone or are women also included?

Answer: It includes women as well, and various venerable narrations have confirmed that there is no difference between men and women in this matter.

It has been narrated from Um Saeed Al-Ahmasiyah that she said:“I was asked by Imam Sadiq (a.s): Do you visit the shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s)?

I replied: Yes, I do.

He then said: visit him because the visiting of Imam Hussain (a.s) is obligatory upon both men and women.” [8]

Angels welcome visitors to Imam Hussain (a.s)

The grand Islamic Authority and Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Hussaini Shirazi then added: The pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s) have a high and great status near Allah Almighty, and that the angels greet, welcome and convoy them when they are leaving the Holy shrine.

Imam Sadiq (a.s) said:“Four thousand angels with tousled and dusty hair are crying on the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s) till the judgment day, and their leader is an angel called Mansour. All the pilgrims are greeted and welcomed by these angels and when the pilgrim is leaving, they bid farewell and convoy him and if he was to become ill, they would visit him or if he dies they will pray on his body and ask for his remission after his death.” [9]

This narration highlights the magnificence, greatness and uniqueness of visiting the shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s) and the exclusivity of his visitation.

The Ka'ba and Karbala.

Question (3): Are there any exclusives with regards to Karbala and the land which Imam Hussain (a.s) is buried in?

Answer: Yes, the same way there are exclusives for the lovers of Imam Hussain (a.s), the same applies to his pure land.

Imam Sadiq (a.s) had stated that:“The land of the Ka'ba said: “Which land is like me? For the house of Allah has been built upon me; people come towards me from far distances and I have been made the shrine of Allah and his safe place. Allah Almighty then addressed it stating: Enough and keep quiet, the grace of what you have been favored with is like a drop on a needle that has been placed into the ocean and lifted up from the ocean of grace that I have favored Karbala with. And if it was not for the soil of Karbala I would have not favored you and if it was not for whom Karbala had embraced (i.e. Imam Hussain (a.s)) I would not have created you or what you are proud of (the Ka'ba above you). Therefore, calm down, do not utter and be obedient, humble and submissive toward the land of Karbala; and do not become arrogant towards the land of Karbala, otherwise I shall wipe you to the fire of hell.” [10]

Imam Sadiq (a.s) also states in regards to the soil of Karbala:“In the soil of Karbala is a remedy of every illness and it is the greatest medicine.” [11]

His eminence then expressed another narration confirming that the land of Karbala is a portion from heaven:

Imam Ali Ibn Al-Hussain (a.s) said:“God has chosen the land of Karbala as a safe and blessed shrine twenty four thousand years before creating the land of the Ka'ba, and if Allah Almighty was to cause the earth to quake, He shall uplift the land of Karbala with its glowing soil to the sky and place it in the finest garden of heaven and it is the best settlement in heaven, whereby none other than Prophets and Messengers would reside there; and that this land will shine for the inhabitants of the heaven as a luminous star that shines for the people of earth. Its light shall make the inhabitants of heaven stare as it calls: I am the pure, holy and blessed land of Allah Almighty that has embraced the prince of martyrs within it.” [12]

The soil of Karbala exceeds the seven heavens

Imam Sadiq (a.s) stated:

“If one was to complete one round of prayer beads made from the clay of Karbala by seeking forgiveness from Allah Almighty or any other prayer, Allah Almighty shall count it as seventy times and that prostrating upon it [during prayer] would penetrate through the seven heavens [while the prayer is being lifted up].” [13]

This truly is an amazing narration which, after pontification, aids us to recognize the grandeur and generosity of Almighty Allah (swt), in that He has bestowed upon us such great rewards for something which is not so difficult to carry out. It is incumbent upon us that webe thankful and grateful towards Him as He (swt) has given us such a blessed advantage of being able to prostrate on the soil of Imam Hussain (a.s).

The status of the water of the Euphrates River

Question (4): Just like the land of Karbala and its exclusiveness from other lands, does the water of Euphrates have any form of exclusivity as well? Is there any difference between the water of Euphrates and other rivers of the world?

Answer: Yes. The water of Euphrates is an exception the same way in which there is an exclusivity in the status of the soil of Imam Hussain (a.s)'s grave, his lovers, pilgrims and mourners. There are several narrations evidencing this reality which are as follows:

Imam Ali (a.s) said:“Euphrates is the best of waters in this world and the hereafter.” [14]

Ibn Qowlowaih has narrated:“Imam Ali ibn Al-Hussain (a.s) said: “Every night an angel comes to earth along with three ounces of musk from Heaven, and places them in the Euphrates, and there is neither a river in the east or west with greater blessings than it.” [15]

Another narration that has reached us in respect of the Euphrates River had been narrated from Imam Hussain (a.s), as he said:“Heavenly drops fall into the Euphrates daily.” [16]

Indeed, the splendor of Allah Almighty is ever so great and His generosity upon his creation is abundant in that He has glorified the believers on the visitation of Karbala and has given them special treatment by inviting them through his beloved Prophet (saww) and His pure progeny (a.s). They are given a chance to purify themselves and drink from the water of the river Euphrates which itself, has its own specific holy qualities, as well as concluding by visiting the holy shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s). This is of the mercy and affection from Allah Almighty towards the pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s). Our duty is only but to thank Allah Almighty for His bestowment of such a wonderful blessing.

Prophets yearn to visit the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s)

Question (5): Is yearning to visit the shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s) related to his lovers and his Shi'a alone? And in another phrase: How do Prophets deal with the matter of Imam Hussain (a.s)?

Answer: The visitation of Imam Hussain (a.s) is not specialized in the loving Shi'a alone. In fact, even the Prophet's (a.s) of Allah Almighty yearn to visit the holy shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s).

Imam Sadiq (a.s) stated:“There is no Prophet in the heaven and on earth that does not ask Allah Almighty to provide him with permission in order to visit the shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s), and therefore a group of Prophets descend down to the earth and a group ascends.” [17]

Another narration that indicates the visiting of the angels to the shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s) is as follows:

Imam Sadiq (a.s) said:“Between the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s) and the seventh heaven are descending and ascending angels.” [18]

The reward of visiting Karbala

Question (6): The pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s) are many, and therefore, what is the reward that Allah Almighty shall reward them with?

Answer: Noble ahadith confirm that Allah Almighty has assigned great reward and many advantages for the pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s), of them are: the remission of sins, right of intercession, and more as mentioned in the following noble narration:

It has been narrated that Hussain bin Ali Al-Washa' said:“I asked Imam Retha (a.s): What is the reward of one who visits the grave of one of the Imams (a.s)?

Imam Retha (a.s) replied: It is similar to visiting the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s).

I then asked: And what is the reward of the person who visits the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s)?

Imam Retha (a.s) replied: “I vow by Allah Almighty that its reward is heaven.” [19]

Similar to the reward of the angels

Question (7): In several noble ahadith, it is confirmed that Allah Almighty has appointed angels near the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s) to worship Him Almighty. Therefore, what is the relation between the angels worshipping Allah Almighty at the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s) and the pilgrims that head towards the holy shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s)?

Answer: The pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s) shall participate in the reward of their worshipping in that sacred and pure place, as well as enjoying its moral and spiritual atmosphere.

Imam Sadiq (a.s) stated:“Allah Almighty has appointed seventy thousand angels to worship him around the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s). One of their prayers is equal to one thousand prayers of a human's prayers; the reward of their prayers shall be counted for Imam Hussain (a.s)'s pilgrims, and upon his killers are the curses of Allah Almighty, the angels and the humans altogether for eternity.” [20]

It is worth mentioning that AhlulBayt (a.s) have encouraged their Shi'a and their lovers in visiting the grave of the prince of martyrs Imam Hussain (a.s) despite being in the state of fear or danger.

Mu'awiyah bin Wahab had narrated: Imam Sadiq (a.s) had said to me:“O Mu'awiyah, do not stop visiting Imam Hussain’s (a.s) grave, because the one who stops visiting Imam Hussain (a.s) would regret doing so as much as he wishes that his own grave would be near the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s). Would you not like that Allah Almighty considers you of those who the Holy Prophet (saww), Lady Fatima (a.s) and the Imams (a.s) had prayed for them? Would you not like to be of those whose past faults were forgiven so that their book of deeds changes and thus their sins during seventy years are remitted? Would you not like to be as those who leave this world while they are pure? Would you not like to be of those who the Holy Prophet (saww) shakes their hands during the Day of Judgment?” [21]

Imam Hussain (a.s)'s pilgrim saved on Judgment Day

Question (8): How shall the situation of the pilgrim of Imam Hussain (a.s) during the Day of Judgment be?

Answer: Imam Hussain’s (a.s) pilgrim shall be included in many advantages during the Day of Judgment as narrated by Imam Baqir (a.s):

“Zurarah inquired from Imam Baqir (a.s): What do you say regarding one that visits the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s) in the state of fear?”

Imam Baqir (a.s) replied:“Allah Almighty shall secure him during the day of great horror and that the angels shall approach him with good tidings and shall state: Do not be afraid, today is your day, the day you shall be successful and victorious in.” [22]

Visiting Imam Hussain (a.s) while thirsty, sorrowful and sinful

Question (9): Imam Hussain (a.s) was martyred while thirsty, sorrowful, compelled and oppressed. Therefore, is there any difference between the pilgrim who heads towards the holy shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s) thirsty, sorrowful, and compelled from the one who visits the holy shrine in a normal state?

Answer: This difference is reported in the following narration by Imam Baqir (a.s):

His eminence had stated:“Hussain, the one residing in Karbala was martyred while oppressed, woeful and thirsty. Therefore, Allah Almighty has promised that whenever a sick, thirsty, sad and sinful pilgrim visits the shrine of Imam Hussain (a.s) and asks Imam Hussain (a.s) to intercede for him towards Allah Almighty, Allah Almighty shall remove his sadness, forgive his sins, bless him with a long life and increase his sustenance so that it may be a lesson and an example for those of vision.” [23]

The Prophet (saww) visits the pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s)

Question (10): Does the Noble Prophet (saww) interact with the pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s) in a special manner during the Day of Judgment?

Answer: Indeed, and the minimum reward is that the Messenger of Allah Almighty visits the pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s) and venerates them.

It has been narrated that Imam Hussain (a.s) had asked his grandfather the Messenger of Allah Almighty saying:“Dear father, what is the reward of one that visits you? The Holy Prophet (saww) replied saying: My son, the one who visits me when I am alive or dead, or if he visits your father, your brother or your sister, it becomes vital that I visit them during the Day of Judgment and release them from their sins.” [24]

Fatimatul Zahra (a.s) and the pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s)

Question (11): Certainly Fatimatul Zahra (a.s) had felt special affection towards Imam Hussain (a.s) as we witness in many narrations, that Imam Hussain (a.s) was the dearest one to her, therefore how shall her eminence deal with the pilgrims of her son Imam Hussain (a.s)?

Answer: According to various narrations, Fatimatul Zahra (a.s) shall be present on the land of Karbala and shall intercede for the remission of the sins of Imam Hussain (a.s)'s pilgrims.

Imam Sadiq (a.s) had said:“Indeed Fatima (a.s), Prophet Mohammad (saww)'s daughter, shall be present for the pilgrims of the grave of her son Imam Hussain (a.s) and shall ask for the remission of their sins.” [25]

Allah Almighty is satisfied with the pilgrim of Imam Hussain (a.s)

Question (12): It has been mentioned in many narrations that giving donations during Hajj is a good deed. However, does this apply to the visitation of Imam Hussain (a.s) as well?

Answer: Certainly. In fact, Allah Almighty shall greatly multiply the reward of whoever donates in the path of Imam Hussain (a.s).

Ibn Sinan said:“I asked Imam Sadiq (a.s): Your eminent father had once said: For the one who donates several Dirhams during Hajj, each Dirham shall be counted as one thousand Dirhams. Therefore, what is the reward of the one who donates in the way of visiting your grandfather Imam Hussain (a.s)?

Imam Sadiq (a.s) replied saying: O' Ibn Sinan, each Dirham shall be counted as a thousand and a thousand, and Imam Sadiq (a.s) continued counting thousands until he reached ten thousand. He then said: the rewards of one that donates in the way of visiting Imam Hussain (a.s) shall be elevated similarly, along with the acceptance and satisfaction of Allah Almighty and the prayers of Mohammad (saww), Imam Ali (a.s) the noble Imams (a.s) are better for him [and superior than any other reward].” [26]

The minimum reward for the pilgrim of Imam Hussain (a.s)

Allah Almighty stands in protection and support of the pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s) as witnessed in several narrations.

Abdullah Bin Hillal stated:“I asked Imam Sadiq (a.s) saying: May I be a sacrifice for you O' Imam, may you tell me the minimum reward of the visitor of the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s)?

Imam Sadiq (a.s) replied to me saying: O' Abdullah, the minimum reward is that Allah Almighty shall protect him and his family until he returns back to them and during the Day of Judgment Allah Almighty shall be his protector.” [27]

The pilgrim of Imam Hussain (a.s) and hell fire

Angels give good news to the pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s) and state:“We vow before Allah Almighty that you shall never witness the fire of hell with your eyes.”

Ali Ibn Maymoon had narrated that Imam Sadiq (a.s) had said to him:“O' Ali, visit the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s) and do not stop doing so.

Ali Ibn Maymoon then asked: “What is the reward of the one who visits him?”

Imam Sadiq (a.s) replied: “The one who walks to his grave shall be granted a reward for each of his steps towards his holy grave and by every step a sin shall be erased and his status shall be elevated higher. And when the visitor approaches the grave, Allah Almighty appoints two angels to accompany him in order to record the good he utters and that they shall not record bad utterances; and if he was to return, they convoy him saying: O' companion of Allah, you have been forgiven, you are of the group of Allah Almighty, the group of his Holy Prophet (saww) and his pure progeny (a.s), and that we vow that you shall never witness the fire of hell, that the fire of hell shall never see you and neither shall it consume you”.[ 28]

Indeed, the angels shall bring about many good tidings to the pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s) and state: If the pilgrim of Imam Hussain (a.s) knew of such good tidings, he would spend his entire life beside the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s) until the emergence of death.

Jabir al Ja'fi had narrated:“Imam Sadiq (a.s) remarked in a detailed statement: If you were to return from the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s), a caller shall call out to you and if you were to hear his call, you would spend your entire life near the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s). As he shall be saying: Blessed are you O' servant [of Allah Almighty], indeed you have achieved, attained and that you are safe; and that Allah Almighty has forgiven your past sin, and your actions are now fresh.” [29]

The ostentation of Allah Almighty

Question (13): The last two narrations have displayed good tidings from the infallible and the angels to the visitor of the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s). However, what are the promises of Allah Almighty to the pilgrim of Imam Hussain (a.s)?

Answer: Allah Almighty bestows one that visits the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s) with the highest degree and status, and that the carriers of His throne and His Prophets display pride by Him. And to know the greatness of the status of the pilgrim of Imam Hussain (a.s), it is worth mentioning this narration from Tharih al Muharibi, as he said:

“I told Imam Sadiq (a.s) what I would be receiving of reactions from my nation if I was to inform them the reward of approaching the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s). And Imam Sadiq (a.s) replied saying: O' Tharih, let people go to what they wish, for I vow by Allah that Allah Almighty prides with the pilgrim of Imam Hussain (a.s) and the entrant [to his shrine] is welcomed by the near angels to Allah Almighty and the carriers of His throne, and that Allah Almighty shall say to them: Do you not see the visitors of the grave of Hussain? They have come out of their eagerness and to Fatima the daughter of the Messenger of Allah; and I swear by My Pride, Lordliness and Greatness, I shall make My honor upon them a must, and I shall enter them My paradise that I had prepared for those loyal to Me, My Prophets and Messengers.

O' angels of Mine, these are the pilgrims of Hussain, the loved one by My Messenger Mohammad, and Mohammad is my loved one, and whoever was to love Me was to love My loved one, and whoever was to love My loved one was to love who he loves, and whoever angers My loved one has indeed angered Me, and whoever was to anger Me would make it of my right to punish him with My intense and most severe punishment and burn him with the heat of My fire, and make hellfire his place of residence and his abode, and I shall punish him with a punishment I shall never bestow upon anyone in the worlds” .[30]

The reward of the pilgrim of Imam Hussain (a.s)

Question (14): The following phrase has been mentioned in the Ziyarat of Imam Hussain (a.s):“I wish I had been amongst you, for I shall win a great winning” . What is the effect of us mentioning such a phrase? And what have noble narrations stated regarding it?

Answer: There is no doubt that such a phrase possesses a positive outcome upon the morale of the human being, as it increases his loyalty and attachment towards Imam Hussain (a.s). It is reported in the following noble narration:

“Rayyan Ibn Shabib had reported that Imam Retha (a.s) had said to him: O' Ibn Shabib, If meeting Allah Almighty [while being] sinless pleases you, then visit Hussain (a.s), O' Ibn Shabib, if living in built rooms along with the Prophet (saww) in paradise pleases you, then curse the killers of Hussain (a.s), O' Ibn Shabib, if having the same reward as those martyred alongside Hussain (a.s) pleases you, therefore state: “I wish I had been amongst them, for I would have won a great winning.” [31]

Therefore mentioning this glorious phrase acquires one with rewards in the hereafter, and whoever was to mention it, would be expressing what he or she hopes and wishes for deep inside their hearts, and it is: wishing for being in Karbala and being martyred between the hands of Imam Hussain (a.s).

Regret on the Day of Judgment

Another narration that indicates to such a meaning, although from a different aspect, has been narrated from Abdullah al Tahaan, that he said: I heard Imam Sadiq (a.s) state: During the day of Judgment, everyone shall wish that they were of the pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s), after they witness their destinations and honors from Allah Almighty.

The visitation and the length of life

Question (15): We sometimes hear believers stating to their friends:“Leave everything else and participate in the mourning gatherings of Imam Hussain (a.s), since the hours of your participation are not deducted from one's lifetime” . Does such a statement have any basis from the noble narrations?

Answer: Indeed, noble narrations have mentioned this matter, and of them is the narration of Mohammad Bin Muslim, as he said:“I heard Imam Baqir (a.s) and Imam Sadiq (a.s) state: Allah Almighty had favored Imam Hussain (a.s) by making the Imams (a.s) from his offspring, a cure in the soil of his grave, and that the days of his visitation shall not be deducted from one's lifetime, whether it be coming [to his grave] or returning from it.” [32]

The accountability on the Day of Judgment

Question (16): Another phrase that we constantly hear from lecturers and eulogists is that: The accountability of the lover of Imam Hussain (a.s) shall be easier and quicker than other people. What is your opinion regarding such a claim?

Answer: This is not only the case, rather a place in paradise shall be assigned for the pilgrim of Imam Hussain (a.s), and that he shall be blessed by the blessings of paradise while others are being held accountable. As this has been reported in many noble narrations, such as the narration of Abi Baseer, as he said:“I heard Imam Sadiq or Imam Baqir (a.s) state: Whoever wishes for his place of residence and abode to be paradise, they then should not stop visiting the oppressed.

I then asked: And who is he?

He replied saying: Hussain Ibn Ali Ibn Abi Taleb, in Karbala. Whoever was to approach him with eagerness for him and out of love for the Messenger of Allah Almighty (saww), Fatima, and the commander of the faithful Ali [peace be upon them], Allah Almighty shall place him on the food spreads of paradise as he shall eat with them, while others shall be held accountable.” [33]

The remission of sins

Question (17): Is it true that the sins of the pilgrim of Imam Hussain (a.s) are forgiven?

Answer: This matter had been reported throughout the noble narrations. However, it is not in the sense of absoluteness, and is limited by conditions. It has been narrated from Hussain Bin Mohammad, as he said: Imam Musa Bin Ja'far had said:“The minimum reward that the pilgrim of Imam Hussain (a.s) besides the Euphrates River shall be rewarded with if he was to know his right, sanctity and his guardianship, is that all of his past and future sins shall be forgiven.” [34]

Therefore as narrations have stated, that knowing the Imam, his importance, and his status with a truthful knowing is of the fundamental conditions for achieving the reward of the visitation. And here I shall mention another narration in this respect:

“Hind al Hanaat had stated: I heard Imam Sadiq (a.s) saying: Whoever was to visit Imam Hussain (a.s) while knowing his right and considering him as his Imam, Allah Almighty shall forgive all of his past and future sins” .[35]

Also, it has been narrated from Qa'ed that he said:I entered [to where] Imam Musa Bin Ja'far was and said to him: May I be a sacrifice for you, people who know this matter and who are denying it are all visiting his grave, and that women are travelling to his grave, and that the visitation to his grave has become public. Therefore I have stopped [out of fear] when I had noticed that his visitation has become public [before the eyes of everyone (since it was dangerous to visit the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s) during the time)].

He then paused from replying to me and then approached me and said: O' Iraqi, if they have made themselves publically known [for being visitors to the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s)], then you yourself do not make yourself [publically known in being a pilgrim to the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s)]. I vow by Allah Almighty, whoever was to approach the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s) while being knowledgeable of his right, his past and future sins shall be forgiven.” [36]

Therefore, for the pilgrim to know Imam Hussain (a.s) is of the conditions of the acceptance of the visitation, and the achieving of its reward.

The status of the pilgrim in the hereafter

Question (18): Have noble narrations indicated to the status and degree of the pilgrim of Imam Hussain (a.s) in the hereafter?

Answer: Indeed, it is apparent from several narrations that the status of the pilgrim of Imam Hussain (a.s) is at the'illiyyun [ 37] . Of these narrations is the narration of Utaibah, as he reported from Imam Sadiq (a.s) that he said: Whoever was to approach the grave of Imam Hussain (a.s) while knowing his right, Allah Almighty shall include them amongst the 'illiyyun.

Therefore the narration indicates that the status of 'illiyyun is to be written for the pilgrim that knows the right of Imam Hussain (a.s). There is also another narration that expresses another status for the pilgrim of Imam Hussain (a.s), and it has been narrated by Mohammad Bin Abi Jarir, as he said: I heard Imam Retha (a.s) inform my father: Whoever was to visit Hussain Ibn Ali Ibn Abi Taleb, while being knowledgeable of his right, shall be amongst those that speak and communicate with Allah Almighty above His throne; he then recited:“Indeed, the righteous will be among gardens and rivers, In a seat of honor near a Sovereign, Perfect in Ability.[38]” .[39]

This begs the question, is this not a high and valuable status? Indeed, the visitation of Imam Hussain (a.s) brings about great rewards to the believers.