Merits in various stages of Imam Husain's (a.s.) Ziarat

In this article we wish to discuss the merits of the visitor of Imam Husain's (a.s.) shrine right from the time he leaves his house with the intention of Ziarat, to the time he undertakes his journey, reaches

Karbala and finally returns to his house. We have mentioned the reward that he will get at each and every stage of his journey and how his level is raised accordingly. And if the Shia makes this journey

on behalf of Imam Mahdi (a.t.f.s.), the rewards will multiply manifold. This is because when Allah bestows a reward, He also takes into consideration the personality on whom He is bestowing the reward. Intention of Ziarat When a Shia makes the intention to go for Ziarat, he has laid the foundation for his journey. Imam Sadiq (a.s.) narrates, 'Allah has appointed some angels at Imam Husain's grave. When a Shia makes the intention for Imam Husain's (a.s.) Ziarat, Allah forgives all his sins. When he takes a step to go for Ziarat, he erases his sins. His virtues multiply and they increase till the time he becomes worthy of Paradise’.

(Wasailul Mohibbeen, pg. 280)

Ghusl before commencing the journey for Ziarat When a person intends to go for Ziarat and accordingly performs ghusl, at that time the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) calls out to him, 'O guests of Allah! I give you glad tidings of being with me in Paradise.' Ameerul Momeneen (a.s.) declares,

'I guarantee you that your wishes of the world and the hereafter will be fulfilled.

The tribulations of the world and the hereafter will be averted.' After that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and Ameerul Momeneen (a.s.) protect him from the right and the left until he reaches his native place safely.

(Kamiluz Ziaraat, pg.133, Behaarul Anwar vol 101, pg 147, tradition 36)

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) has called the visitor of the shrines as Allah's guest. On the Day of Judgement when Allah unveils the weighing scales (Mizaan), He shall grant His guest innumerable bounties. Not only is the visitor given glad tidings of entry into Paradise, but he will dwell in

the neighbourhood of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) himself. The visitor's status can be gauged from the fact that none will enjoy a higher position than the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) in Paradise.

Ameerul Momeneen (a.s.) has guaranteed that the visitor's adversities will be repelled. And such a guarantee from Ameerul Momeneen (a.s.) is not surprising given the fact that he is the repeller of difficulties (Mushkil kusha).

The Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a.) and Ameerul Mo'mineen (a.s.) shall safeguard him from both sides.

While packing his luggage for the journey

Imam Jafar Sadiq (a.s.) asked Jabir-e-Jo'fi (r.a.), 'What is the distance between you and Imam Husain's (a.s.) shrine? Jabir (r.a.): 'May my father and mother be sacrificed for you, a days journey or even less.'

Imam (a.s.): 'Do you visit the shrine?' Jabir (r.a.): 'Yes' Imam (a.s.): 'Should I not give you glad tidings and inform you about the reward of the visitation?'

Jabir (r.a.): 'May my father and mother be sacrificed for you, do inform me.' Imam (a.s.): 'When the visitor packs his luggage for Imam Husain's (a.s.) visitation, the divine angels are with him.'