Ziyārat ʿĀshūrāʾ

There are many ziyārah texts narrated for Imām Ḥusain (as), and the most popular are Ziyārat Wārith and the ziyārah of Imām Ḥusain (as) on the tenth of Muḥarram, or ʿĀshūrāʾ Day. However, from all these ziyārah texts, nothing can be compared with Ziyārat ʿĀshūrāʾ in its special status and strong emphasis on reciting it. All our esteemed scholars have stressed on the frequent reciting of Ziyārat ʿĀshūrāʾ, and not just on ʿĀshūrāʾ Day. Many scholars and saints have attested to the merit of Ziyārat ʿĀshūrāʾ and how it contributed to their spiritual status. As far as the authenticity of this ziyārah and studying its chain and context, although very important, is beyond this brief introduction. What can be said here is that the text of Ziyārat ʿĀshūrāʾ exists among our very early books, and that throughout our history, there is a consensus amongst Shīʿah scholars on the recommendation of reciting it. There many valuable lessons that can be learnt from reciting Ziyārat ʿĀshūrāʾ, such as:

1. Imām Ḥusain (as) reached such a level of servitude and submission to Almighty Allah, that he was given the teknonym of Abā ʿAbdillah.
2. The tragedy and calamity of Imām Ḥusain (as) is the greatest of all calamities.
3. Following the path of Imām Ḥusain (as) is following the path of Allah , and will get us close to the Almighty.
4. Distancing and disassociating from those who initiated and participated in the oppression against Imām Ḥusain (as) and his family members will also bring us closer to the Almighty.
5. Recognising Ahlul Bayt  and their companions and followers.