The visitors of the sanctified grave of Imam Husain (a.s.) have their own aim and purpose. Some visit for its rewards, some for getting their needs fulfilled or some to fulfil the covenant with Imam Husain and other Imams (a.s.). Although all these aims are correct in their place and Allah will reward every person according to his intention. But, a completely different and much larger aim has been conveyed to us by the Ahlul Bait (a.s.) themselves.
Ibn Qulawayh narrates from his father (may Allah have mercy on him) from Sa’d Ibn Abdillah from Muhammad Ibn al-Husain Ibn Abi al-Khattaab and he also narrates (through a different chain) from Muhammad Ibn Ja’far al-Razzaaz from Muhammad Ibn al-Husain Ibn Abi al-Khattaab from some of his companions from Juwairyata Ibn al-A’laa from some of his companions from Abu Abdillah Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.) who informed:
“On the Day of Qiyaamah, a caller shall call out
‘Where are the visitors of Husain Ibn Ali (a.s.)?’.
Then, a few people will stand up who cannot be enumerated by anyone except Allah, the High. They will be asked,
‘What was your intention while visiting the grave of Husain (a.s.)?’
They will respond, ‘O Allah! We went to him only due to the love of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.a.) and the love of Ali (a.s.) and Fatima (s.a.) and to offer condolence to him (viz. Imam Husain (a.s.)) for whatever befell him.’ So, they will be told ‘Here are Muhammad, Ali, Fatima, Hasan and Husain (a.s.). Go meet them because you will be with them at their level (in Paradise).’ Go with the flag of Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.). Then they will rush to the flag of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and will be under its shade, while the flag will be in the hand of Ali (a.s.), until they all enter Paradise in a state that they shall surround the flag from its front, right, left and its back.”
[Kaamil al-Ziyaaraat, chapter 55, p. 141, H. 1]
Note:
- Imam Sadiq (a.s.) has drawn our attention to such an innate aspect which most of us are generally negligent of – and that is humanity.
- Offering condolence to someone and his family members on his troubles is basic humanity.
- When this condolence is offered to the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and his family on the martyrdom of his grandson, then this humanity rises to the level of recompense for Prophethood.
- Hence, there is a tradition among the Arabs even today that when they enter the shrine of Imam Husain (a.s.) on the day of Aashura or Arbaeen, they chant –
ھلیوم ھلیوم نعزی فاطمۃ (ع)
Today, we are here to offer our condolences to Fatima (s.a.)
O Allah! For the sake of the spilt blood of Imam Husain (a.s.), grant us the opportunity to visit Karbala and express our condolences to the Ahlul Bait (a.s.), especially the Imam of our time, His Eminence Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.). Aameen, O Lord of the worlds!