Visiting Imam Husain (a.s.) is one of the most distinguished acts of worship in Shia tradition, carrying immense blessings for pilgrims. This visitation not only strengthens spiritual and emotional bonds with the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) but also stands as a testament of faith and love for the Holy Prophet’s (s.a.w.a.) household. According to narrations, this act holds such a lofty status that it surpasses many other forms of worship.
Unique Virtues of Visiting Imam Husain (a.s.)
This sacred pilgrimage is highly emphasized in Islamic teachings and is considered a profound means of drawing closer to Allah and the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.).
Below are some of its extraordinary merits:
Divine Selection for the Pilgrims of Karbala
A profound narration from Imam al-Sadeq (a.s.) states:
عَن أَبى عَـبدِاللّه عليه السلام قـالَ: مَـنْ أَرادَ اللّه ُ بِـهِ الْخَـيْرَ قَذَفَ فِى قَلْبِهِ حُبَّ الْحُسَيْنِ عليه السلام وَ زِيارَتَهُ، وَ مَـنْ أَرادَ اللّه ُ بِـهِ السُّـوءَ قَذَفَ فِى قَلْبِهِ بُغْضَ الْحُسَيْنِ عليه السلام وَبُغْضَ زِيارَتِهِ
“Whoever Allah wishes good for, He plants the love of Imam Husain (a.s.) and the desire to visit him in their heart. And whoever Allah wishes ill for, He fills their heart with hatred toward Imam Husain (a.s.) and aversion to his visitation.”
Ref: Behar al-Anwaar, vol 98, pg 76.
This hadith clearly illustrates that love for Imam Husain (a.s.) is a sign of divine favour, while rejection of him indicates spiritual deprivation. Visiting his shrine is not merely a ritual; it is a divinely inspired act that elevates the soul.
Rewards in the Hereafter
The blessings of this visitation extend into the afterlife. Imam al-Sadeq (a.s.) says:
مَا مِنْ أَحَدٍ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ إِلَّا وَ هُوَ يَتَمَنَّى أَنَّهُ مِنْ زُوَّارِ الْحُسَيْنِ لِمَا يَرَى مِمَّا يُصْنَعُ بِزُوَّارِ الْحُسَيْنِ ع مِنْ كَرَامَتِهِمْ عَلَى اللَّهِ تَعَالَى
“On the day of judgment, when people witness the honour and high status granted to the visitors of Imam Husain (a.s.), they will deeply regret not having performed this visitation.”
Ref: Kaamil al-Ziyaaraat, Ch. 50
This regret signifies the unmatched spiritual rank of those who visit Karbala—so exalted that even those who neglected it will long for its rewards.
Visiting Imam Husain (a.s.) is Equivalent to Visiting Allah on His Throne
One of the most remarkable honours is narrated by Imam al-Reza (a.s.):
عَنْ أَبِی الْحَسَنِ الرِّضَا ع قَالَ مَنْ زَارَ قَبْرَ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع بِشَطِّ الْفُرَاتِ کَمَنْ زَارَ اللَّهَ فَوْقَ عَرْشِهِ
“Whoever visits Imam Husain’s (a.s.) grave by the Euphrates is like one who has visited Allah upon His Throne.”
Ref: Tahzeeb al-Ahkam, vol 1, pg. 45
This comparison highlights that the visitation is not merely physical—it is a deep spiritual journey that connects the pilgrim to Allah through love for Imam Husain (a.s.).
Companionship with the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) in Paradise
Imam al-Sadeq (a.s.) declared:
عَنْ أَبِی عَبْدِ اللَّهِ ع قَالَ مَنْ أَرَادَ أَنْ یَکُونَ فِی جِوَارِ نَبِیِّهِ وَ جِوَارِ عَلِیٍّ وَ فَاطِمَةَ فَلَا یَدَعْ زِیَارَةَ الْحُسَیْنِ ع
“Whoever wishes to be in the company of the Prophet (s.a.w.a.), Imam Ali (a.s.), and Hazrat Fatima (a.s.) in the Hereafter must never abandon the visitation of Imam Husain (a.s.).”
Ref: Wasa’il al-Shi’ah, Volume 14, Pg. 425
This ensures that pilgrims will stand among the noblest souls in the afterlife, benefiting from their intercession.
Visiting Imam Husain (a.s.) is Superior to (Mustahabb) Hajj
Imam al-Sadeq (a.s.) told Ibn Abi Ya’fur:
“By Allah, if I were to explain the virtue of visiting Imam Husain (a.s.), you would abandon (mustahabb) Hajj entirely, and none of you would perform it again!”
Ref: Wasa’il al-Shi’ah, Volume 14, Pg. 514
This shows that while Hajj is a pillar of Islam, visiting Karbala holds even greater spiritual weight due to its connection with sacrifice, truth, and divine love.
Blessings of Visiting Aba Abdillah al-Husain (a.s.)
The rewards are so immense that they erase sins, grant intercession, and elevate spiritual ranks.
Imam al-Baqir (a.s.) said:
“If people knew the true virtue of visiting Imam Husain (a.s.), they would die from longing, and their breaths would be cut short in regret.”
Ref: Wasa’il al-Shi’ah, Volume 14, Pg. 453
Imam Musa al-Kazim (a.s.) added:
“The smallest reward for a pilgrim is the forgiveness of all past and future sins.”
Ref: Al-Kafi, Volume 4, Pg. 582
The Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) Seek Forgiveness for the Pilgrims
Imam al-Sadeq (a.s.) explained:
“Imam Husain (a.s.) has attained such a status before Allah that he recognizes his visitors and seeks forgiveness for them, and he asks the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.) to pray for them as well.”
Ref: Wasa’il al-Shi’ah, Vol14, Pg. 423
This means that visiting Imam Husain (a.s.) not only purifies the soul but also ensures divine mercy and intercession from the Ahlul Bayt (a.s.).
Finally, we entreat Allah to hasten the reappearance of our Master (a.t.f.s.) and enumerate us among the visitors of Imam Husain’s (a.s.) shrine. Aameen