Strong Desire to Visit Imām Ḥusayn(a)

Abū Usāma Zaid Shaḥām relates: "I heard Imām Ṣādiq^(a) proclaim that Allah will count those with a fervent desire to visit Imām Ḥusayn^(a) among the protected on Judgment Day. They will receive their book of deeds in their right hand and find shelter under Ḥusayn's flag until they enter paradise, where Ḥusayn^(a) will welcome them to share his heavenly station. Allah is indeed Mighty and Wise."

Abū Baṣīr recalls: Imām Bāqir^(a) advised, "Those yearning for paradise as their final abode must not disregard the ziyārah of the Master of Karbalā." Upon my inquiry about the Master's identity, Imām^(a) clarified, "Ḥusayn b. ʿAlī^(a), the Master of Karbalā. Those whose love for The Messenger of Allah^(p), Amīr al-Muʼminīn^(a), and Lady Fāṭima^(a) draws them to him, will be granted the honour of dining at the heavenly banquet while others face judgment."

Muḥammad b. Muslim narrates: Imām Bāqir^(a) stated, "If people were aware of the reward for visiting Ḥusayn's grave, they would die out of regret for not performing the ziyārah, their souls torn apart by longing. When I inquired about the reward, Imām^(a) described a wealth of blessings bestowed upon those who perform the ziyārah of Ḥusayn^(a) with a longing heart: one thousand accepted Ḥajj, one thousand accepted ʿUmrah, the status of one thousand martyrs from Badr's battle, the fasting of one thousand people, one thousand accepted ṣadaqah (alms), the merit of freeing one thousand slaves in Allah's way, protection from every plague for a year, including the least of all evils, Shayṭān. Moreover, Allah will appoint an honourable angel to guard him from all directions. If he dies within the year, the angels of mercy will perform his ablution and shrouding and attend his funeral, seeking forgiveness for him. His grave will be expanded as far as the eye can see, he will be safe from the terror of the grave and the questioning by the angels Munkar and Nakīr, a door from his grave will open to paradise, and on Judgment Day, his book of deeds will be handed to him in his right hand, accompanied by a brilliant light illuminating all from the east to the west. A crier will announce, 'This is one who visited Ḥusayn^(a) out of longing.' On that Day, everyone will wish they had performed the ziyārah of Ḥusayn^(a)."

Narrated by Muḥammad b. Muslim: I once queried Imām Ṣādiq^(a) about the reward bestowed upon those who partake in the ziyārah of Ḥusayn's grave. The Imām^(a) responded, "Those who embark on the ziyārah of Ḥusayn^(a), with their hearts filled with longing for him, are considered amongst Allah's most esteemed servants. On Judgment Day, they will find solace under the flag of Ḥusayn b. ʿAlī^(a) until they are led to paradise in his company."

Narration from Tharīḥ Muḥaribī: I once expressed my grievances to Imām Ṣādiq^(a) concerning the skeptical treatment I received from my family when I discussed the reward of performing ziyārah to Ḥusayn's grave. They labeled me as untruthful, accusing me of fabricating lies against Jaʿfar b. Muḥammad^(a). The Imām^(a) consoled me, saying, "Tharīḥ, let the people hold their opinions. I assure you by Allah that He extols those who perform the ziyārah of Ḥusayn^(a) in front of the high-ranking angels and the bearers of His throne. They herald the arrivals at Ḥusayn's grave. Allah proclaims to them, 'Witness the visitors of Ḥusayn's grave who are drawn to him out of love for him and Lady Fāṭima^(a), the Daughter of The Messenger of Allah^(p). By my glory and magnificence, I vow to exalt them, and ensure their entry into my paradise prepared for my friends, prophets, and messengers. O' My angels! These are the visitors of Ḥusayn^(a), the beloved of My messenger Muḥammad^(p), My beloved. Loving Me is to love him, and loving him is to love his beloved. Those who detest My beloved, detest Me. It is my prerogative to exact punishment on those who despise Me, subjecting them to the harshest of penalties, the fiery flames of hell, where they shall find their eternal abode, enduring the most severe of torments.'"