The Rewards and Merits of Visiting the Grave of Imam Hussain (A.S)
An in-depth guide to the immense spiritual and religious virtues of performing Ziyarat of Sayyid al-Shuhada, Imam Hussain (A.S), based on authentic Shia sources including Kamil al-Ziyarat.
Introduction
Millions of mourners from around the globe travel to Karbala each year to pay tribute to Imam Hussain ibn Ali (A.S), while many others who are unable to attend Arbaeen plan their visit for the following year. Visiting the shrine of the oppressed Imam is both a gesture of love and a powerful expression of hostility towards his killers. The merits and status of a visitor (Zāʾir) are far too vast to be fully comprehended.
The 11th Imam, Imam Hasan al-Askari (A.S), famously said:
“The signs of a true believer are five…” — and among them, he included attending the Ziyarat of Imam Hussain on Arbaeen.
Numerous traditions from the Holy Imams (A.S) make it clear: visiting the grave of Imam Hussain (A.S) is not just recommended — it is obligatory upon believers. Abandoning this Ziyarat is seen as abandoning the rights of Allah and His Messenger (PBUH).
Key Narrations and Rewards
1. RasoolAllah (PBUH) Will Intercede on Behalf of the Visitors
Imam Ali (A.S) narrates a touching hadith where the Prophet (PBUH) assures Imam Hussain (A.S) that those who visit his grave out of love and loyalty will be held by his hand on the Day of Judgment and saved from hardships.
2. Angelic Companionship
Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (A.S) tells us about 4,000 angels covered in dust who perpetually weep at Imam Hussain’s grave. These angels accompany visitors, visit them during illness, and intercede for them after death.
3. Ziyarat of Imam Hussain is Wajib (Obligatory)
Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (A.S) commands:
“Instruct our Shia to perform the Ziyarat of Hussain (A.S). It is obligatory upon every Momin who recognises his Imamate.”
4. Immense Forgiveness and Radiant Presence
Imam al-Baqir (A.S) says that performing one prayer near Imam Hussain’s grave while seeking nearness to Allah will make one’s face shine brightly on the Day of Judgment. Their sins will be forgiven, and Ameerul Momineen (A.S) will personally greet them at al-Kawthar.
5. Do Not Fear – Ziyarat Must Continue
Even in times of danger, Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (A.S) advises believers not to neglect this Ziyarat. Those who skip it without valid excuse will regret it deeply.
6. Every Dirham Spent Multiplied
Traditions state that for every dirham spent on the journey to Karbala, one thousand dirhams of reward will be given in return.
7. Walking to Karbala – Step by Step Forgiveness
Every step taken toward the shrine wipes away 1,000 sins, adds 1,000 good deeds, and elevates the visitor by 1,000 degrees.
8. Syeda Fatima (S.A) Seeks Forgiveness for Visitors
Imam Sadiq (A.S) said:
“Fatima (S.A) visits the Zuwār of her son and seeks forgiveness for them.”
9. Time Spent at Ziyarat is Not Counted in Life Span
Days spent visiting Imam Hussain (A.S) are not deducted from one’s life span — they are counted as blessed moments.
10. First to Enter Paradise
Imam Sadiq (A.S) states that Zuwār will enter Jannah 40 years before others while they are still held in the Desert of Judgment.
11. Marifat of Imam Hussain (A.S)
One who visits the grave with full recognition of his status and Wilayah will have all past and future sins forgiven.
12. Ziyarat with Pure Intention Purifies Like Water
Ziyarat done sincerely, without riya (showing off), purifies the soul like water cleanses garments.
13. Best of All Deeds
When asked, Imam Sadiq (A.S) declared:
“Ziyarat of Imam Hussain (A.S) is the best of all deeds.”
14. Equal to Visiting Allah or the Prophet (PBUH)
Imam Ridha (A.S) narrates that performing Ziyarat is like visiting Allah on His throne.
15. Increases Rizq and Life Span
Imam al-Baqir (A.S) explains that visiting the grave increases sustenance, extends life, and keeps afflictions away.
16. Equal to Hundreds of Hajj and Umrah
Authentic traditions suggest that one Ziyarat of Imam Hussain (A.S) is better than 20 accepted Hajj, or even 100 Hajj with the Prophet (PBUH).
17. Intercession on the Day of Judgment
A caller will ask the visitors of Hussain (A.S) to take whoever they want into Jannah with them.
18. Neglect is Dangerous
Neglecting Ziyarat makes one’s faith incomplete. Even if admitted into Paradise, the status of such a person will be lower than those who visited.
19. Most Beloved Place for Dua
Imam al-Naqi (A.S) ordered Ziyarat on his behalf during illness, showing Ha’ir (Karbala) is one of the most beloved places of Allah for worship.
20. How Often to Visit
Imam Sadiq (A.S) instructs:
- Those living nearby should visit once a month.
- Those far should try to go at least once every three years.
Not visiting without a valid excuse makes one ungrateful to the Prophet (PBUH).
Source and Authenticity
These narrations are derived from Kamil al-Ziyarat by Ibn Qulawayh al-Qummi (d. 368 AH), one of the most authentic and earliest Shia Hadith scholars, and a student of Shaykh al-Kulayni.
He lived during the Minor Occultation and is recognised by luminaries such as Shaykh al-Tusi, Allama Hilli, and Shaykh Abbas Qummi. His work remains a foundational text in the study of Ziyarat and the spiritual rewards linked to it.
Final Thoughts
Imam Hussain (A.S) not only sacrificed his life but awakened the moral compass of humanity. His martyrdom is a beacon that continues to illuminate the truth. As poet Josh Malihabadi wrote:
“The one whose sajdah calls you to the Masjood; whose being is a sign of the Creator.”
May Allah grant us the recognition, means, and opportunity to perform the Ziyarat of Karbala, again and again.
O Allah! Send your blessings on Muhammad (PBUH) and the progeny of Muhammad (A.S).
