Spiritual Rewards for the Ziyarat of Imam Hussain (as) 

For mu’mineen, he yearning to perform the Ziyarah of Imam Hussain (as) is a constant call of the heart. It goes beyond a physical trip and becomes a spiritual journey. 

Prophet Muhammad (saww) is reported to have said: 
“Surely, there exists in the hearts of the believers, regarding the martyrdom of Hussain (as), a heat that never subsides.” (Mustadrak al-Wasail, v.10) 

This deep love draws many to Karbala, whether by foot, prayer, or intention. Even those unable to travel can earn great rewards by reciting the Ziyarah with sincerity from afar 

Learn more about Karbala here. 

Ibn Qulawayh records many narrations from Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (as) on the merits of Ziyarah in Kamil al-Ziyarah. Here are six that demonstrate the immense blessings of visiting Aba Abdillah (as). 

1. Prayers from the Masumeen (as) 

Imam Al-Sadiq (as) is reported to have said, “Do not neglect going to the Ziyarah of the grave of Hussain (as) because of fear. Verily, he who abandons the Ziyarah of Hussain (as) (for any reason) will regret it so much that he will wish that his grave was next to him. Do you not like Allah (swt) to see you among those for whom the Messenger of Allah (saww), Ali (as), Fatima (sa), and the Imams (as) pray?!” (Kamil al-Ziyarah, Ch.40, H.1) 

Visiting Imam Hussain (as) places you in the prayers of Prophet Muhammad (saww), Sayyida Fatima (sa), Imam Ali (as), and the other Masumeen (as).  

It is a tremendous honor. 

The Qur’an reminds us in Surah ash-Shura of the special status of Rasoolallah (saww) and the Ahlulbayt (as), “(O Muhammad, say to your followers:) “I do not ask of you any reward for it (i.e., the task of conveying Allah’s message to you) except love for (my) near relatives.” (42:23) 

By visiting Imam Hussain (as), we fulfill this divine command: to love and remain connected to the Ahlulbayt (as) through loyalty and prayer. 

2. Prayers from the Angels 

Imam Al-Sadiq (as) is reported to have said, “Do not neglect going to the Ziyarah of Hussain (as). Do you not like to be among those for whom the angels pray?!” (Kamil al-Ziyarah, Ch.41, H.3) 

Those who visit Imam Hussain (as) receive the prayers of angels, who seek mercy and forgiveness for believers. 

The Qur’an states in Surah ash-Shura, “The angels sing the praise of their Lord and ask forgiveness for those (fallible ones) on the earth.” (42:5) 

Through Ziyarah, we are included in these blessed prayers, gaining spiritual support from the unseen. 

3. Good Deeds Written and Sins Forgiven 

Imam Al-Sadiq (as) is reported to have said, “The Almighty Allah (swt) records a thousand good deeds and erases a thousand sins for every step taken by one who performs the Ziyarah of Imam Hussain (as) on foot. He (swt) will also increase their status a thousand times for every step.” 

(Kamil al-Ziyarah, Ch.49, H.4) 

Every step toward Imam Hussain’s shrine carries immense reward. The physical effort shows devotion, and Allah (swt) responds with mercy by writing good deeds and erasing sins. 

This Qur’an also says in Surah al-An’am, “Whoever brings a good deed, he shall have ten times as much (in reward). (4:160) 

For sincere visitors, the reward multiplies even more. Ziyarah purifies and elevates the soul. 

4. Spiritual Purification and the Reward of Hajj and Umrah 

Imam Al-Sadiq (as) is reported to have said, “One who performs the Ziyarah of Imam Hussain (as) expecting divine rewards, without arrogance and ungratefulness and without seeking fame or to show off, will be purified of his sins just as clothes are purified with water. And no impurity will remain on them. With every foot he places, a Hajj will be written for him, and every time he raises his foot, an Umrah will be written for him.” (Kamil al-Ziyarah, Ch.57, H.1) 

This narration highlights two great benefits: purification of the soul and the reward of pilgrimage for each sincere step. 

Like pure water cleansing clothing, Ziyarah cleanses the soul of sins. It is only through humility and sincerity that the full reward is received. 

 
The Qur’an tells us in Surah al-Ma’idah, “Allah accepts (the offerings) only from the pious people.” (5:27) 

When walking towards Karbala with a pure heart, every step counts as worship and closeness to Allah (swt). 

Conclusion 

Ziyarah of Imam Hussain (as) is more than a journey. It is an act of love and transformation. It purifies the soul, forgives sins, and raises status before Allah (swt). 

Whether traveling to Karbala or sending salutations from afar, sincere prayers and devotion bring us closer to God. 

May we all be among those remembered in the prayers of the Masumeen (as), and may the path to Karbala remain open in our hearts. 

Have Ziyarah performed on your behalf or that of a loved one this Muharram through our Ziyarah Niyabah appeal. 

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