Often it so happens that a person is capable, has all the means and resources to perform Ziyaarat, and more importantly has also made an intention to visit the Chief of Martyrs (viz. Imam Husain (a.s.)) but, is unable to visit due to various reasons like being occupied with work, illness or any other reason. Should such a person be disappointed? No, he should not despair or feel dejected because he can earn the enormous rewards of Ziyaarat even without visiting.
Ibn Qulawayh quotes that my father, may Allah have mercy on him, narrated to me from Muhammad Ibn Idrees and Muhammad Ibn Yahya al-Attaar from Amraki Ibn Ali who said that Yahya narrated to us while he was in the presence of Imam Abu Ja’far al-Thaani viz. Imam Muhammad Taqi (a.s.) from Ali from Safwaan al-Jaamaal in a lengthy tradition, that he asked Imam Ja’far Sadiq (a.s.),
“What is the reward for the one who recites prayers near the sacred grave of Imam Husain (a.s.)?”
Imam (a.s.) replied, “Whoever recites a 2-unit prayer there and then supplicates to Allah for his needs, then indeed Allah will bestow him with it.”
Safwaan asked again, “What about the one who takes a ritual bath (Ghusl) with the water of Euphrates and then goes to his grave?”
Imam (a.s.) replied, “If he takes a ritual bath with the water of Euphrates with the intention of performing Ziyaarat, his sins will shed and he will be purified just like the day when his mother gave birth to him.”
Safwaan further asked, “What about the one who made arrangements for Ziyaarat but could not perform it for any reason?”
At this the Imam (a.s.) responded, “For every Dirham he spent in this way, Allah will reward him equal to the size of Mount Uhud and whatever he spent, he will receive an increased amount back. Calamities that were sure to befall him will be repelled and his wealth will be protected and safeguarded.”
[Kaamil al-Ziyaaraat, chapter 46, p. 129, H. 5]
Note:
▪If we ponder over this tradition, every person who cannot perform Ziyaarat for genuine reasons, can still earn its great rewards by spending in this way – either by making arrangements for it, helping those who are visiting, or sponsoring someone who does not have the means.
▪All our efforts must be directed towards staying connected with the Ziyaarat of His Eminence Abaa Abdillah al-Husain (a.s.).
O Allah! We beseech you in the name of Muhammad and his progeny (a.s.), grant every person an opportunity to visit Karbala, whose heart yearns for Karbala and those who cannot visit for a reason, include them in the great rewards as per this tradition, by serving the pilgrims. Ameen, O Lord of the worlds!