Introduction

In Islam, the essence of worship lies in fostering closeness between the servant and the Creator.
Obligatory acts such as Salah (prayers), Sawm (fasting), Hajj (pilgrimage), and Zakat (charity) serve
as spiritual tools to attain purity and righteousness. Among these, Hajj holds a significant status as it
involves the pilgrimage to the Sacred House of Allah. Surprisingly, various authentic narrations
emphasize that the Ziarat (pilgrimage) of Imam Hussain (A.S) is not only equal to Hajj and Umrah
but at times even superior. This promise is not mentioned just once but is a frequently repeated
assurance echoed through the words of the infallibles (A.S). In this article, we will explore the
narrations that highlight the unparalleled virtues of the Ziarat of Imam Hussain (A.S) and its
equivalence to Hajj and Umrah.

Maula Hussain (A.S): A Brief Introduction

Maula Hussain (A.S) is the beacon of hope for the sinners and the gateway to salvation for the
Ummah.

Calling upon him in times of distress brings deliverance from every hardship.

Prostration on his sacred grave lifts all veils and becomes a channel for the acceptance of prayers.

The wasilah of Imam Hussain (A.S) is the nearest and purest path to reach Allah.

Hazrat Ayesha’s Question

Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (A.S) said:

One day, Maula Hussain (A.S) was playing in the blessed lap of his grandfather, the Holy Prophet
Muhammad (S.A.W.W), and was making him happy. Hazrat Ayesha said:

“How much do you love him?”

The Prophet (S.A.W.W) replied:

“How can I not love him? How can he not be dear to me when he is the fruit of my heart, the light of
my eyes, and the comfort of my soul? But my nation will martyr him. After his martyrdom, whoever
performs his Ziarat, Allah will grant them one Hajj from among my Hajj.”

Hazrat Ayesha asked:

“O Messenger of Allah, one Hajj from your Hajj?”

The Prophet (S.A.W.W) said:

“Yes, two Hajj from among my Hajj.”

She inquired again:

“Two Hajj from your Hajj?”

He replied:

“Four Hajj from my Hajj.”

Hazrat Ayesha continued asking, and the Prophet (S.A.W.W) kept increasing the count until he
mentioned ninety Hajj along with Umrah.
Maqtal al-Ma’sur

*The Immense Reward of Visiting Imam Hussain (A.S)

Muhammad bin Muslim narrates from Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (A.S)

“If people knew the true virtue of the Ziarat of Imam Hussain (A.S), they would die from longing, and
their souls would leave their bodies in sorrow for missing it.”

I asked, “What is its reward?”

The Imam replied:

“Whoever visits with sincere yearning, Allah will grant them the reward of 1000 accepted Hajj and
1000 accepted Umrah. They will receive the reward equivalent to that of the martyrs of Badr. It is as
if they have freed 1000 slaves for the sake of Allah. They will be protected from calamities for one
year, the smallest of which is Satan. A noble angel will be appointed to protect them from all
directions. If they die that year, the angels of mercy will attend their burial, perform their Ghusl and
Kafan, and seek forgiveness for them. Their grave will be expanded to the horizon, and they will be
safe from the torment and fear of Munkar and Nakir. A door from Paradise will open in their grave,
and their book of deeds will be handed to them in their right hand. On the Day of Judgement, they
will be given a light that will brighten everything between the East and the West. A caller will
announce:

‘This is the one who visited Imam Hussain (A.S) with sincere devotion.’ Everyone will
wish they had also been among the visitors of Imam Hussain (A.S)
Maqtal al-Ma’sur

*Some Unique Virtues of Ziarat of Imam Hussain (A.S)

Now, let us reflect on a few extraordinary benefits of Ziarat of Imam Hussain (A.S) as narrated by
the Imams (A.S):

Visiting Imam Hussain (A.S) carries the reward equivalent to performing Hajj and Umrah.

A visitor of Imam Hussain (A.S) is rewarded with 1000 accepted Hajj and 1000 accepted Umrah.

The visitor is rewarded as if they performed Hajj with the Prophet (S.A.W.W).

Ziarat of Imam Hussain (A.S) is superior to all other acts of worship.