Every year, millions of people from all over the world rush to visit the shrine of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) in Karbala on the fortieth day of his martyrdom. After the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), one of the teachings emphasized by the infallible Imams (peace be upon them) has been the visitation of Karbala. In addition to the educational, spiritual, and moral development benefits embedded in visiting the graves of the pure ones and the shrines of the religious authorities, the pilgrimage to Karbala has other significant aspects. These include keeping the events of Ashura alive in the hearts of the lovers of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) and benefiting from this center of enthusiasm and heroism for the struggle in the path of truth and self-sacrifice for the sake of religion and God.
Despite the prohibitions imposed by the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphs on visiting Karbala, the infallible Imams (peace be upon them) continually encouraged and recommended this act, highlighting the countless virtues for those who visit the grave of the Master of Martyrs (peace be upon him). They intended for this center of spirituality, fervor, and heroism to remain alive and prominent, considering it one of the signs of fulfilling the covenant with the Prophet of Islam (peace be upon him) and his purified family (peace be upon them). It is because of the importance of visiting Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) that the infallible Imams (peace be upon them) did not see any prohibition in visiting his grave, even in situations of danger and insecurity. Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq (peace be upon him), in a narration to Muhammad ibn Muslim about the dangerous roads and areas of the pilgrimage to the shrine of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), said:
“… Whoever encounters danger and fear on the way to visit Hussein (peace be upon him), God will grant him safety from fear and terror on the Day of Judgment”[1].
Visiting Karbala, since it was the center of gathering supporters of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), was always subject to restrictions and prohibitions. Pilgrims did not have complete freedom and peace in their visits. After the uprising of Zayd ibn Ali (son of Imam Zain al-Abidin, peace be upon him) in Kufa and his martyrdom in 121 AH, the prohibition and surveillance of the pilgrimage to Karbala increased. Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik appointed officers to control the movements of people to the area[2]. During the reign of Harun al-Rashid and al-Mutawakkil, the grave of Hussein ibn Ali (peace be upon them) was repeatedly destroyed, and the pilgrimage was prohibited. Even during Harun’s time, a Sidr tree, which marked the location of Imam Hussein’s (peace be upon him) grave, was cut down to confuse people about the location of the grave and prevent gatherings there[3].
However, the persistent restrictions of the caliphs could never sever the people’s connection with the inspiring grave of Hussein ibn Ali (peace be upon him). The officials and governors would report to al-Mutawakkil that people were gathering in the land of Nainawa to visit the grave of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), and through this, large crowds were forming, creating a potential danger. As a result, al-Mutawakkil sent his agents to disperse the crowds, destroy the grave site, and ambush the pilgrims of the Master of Martyrs (peace be upon him)[4].
The visitation of that martyr Imam (peace be upon him), which had been recommended and encouraged by the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them), reflects the affection and attachment of the Shi’ah to the tomb of the martyr of Karbala (peace be upon him). The yearning for pilgrimage has always been a driving force for the Shi’a in expressing their love and allegiance to the infallible Imams (peace be upon them) and the martyrs of Karbala. This culture has been preserved through the centuries as a precious gem, passed down from generation to generation in the hearts of the Shi’ah of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them). This is why, every year, on the occasion of the Arba’een of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), despite all the threats and security risks, millions of people rush with love and devotion to visit the pure shrine of that martyr Imam (peace be upon him) in Karbala.
(Excerpted from the book Messages of Ashura, authored by Hujjat al-Islam Jawad Muhaddithi (with summaries and additions))
Footnotes:
[1] Bihar al-Anwar, Vol. 98, p. 11
[2] Tārīkh al-Nihāyah ‘alā al-Imām al-Shahīd, Vol. 1, p. 126
[3] Tārīkh al-Shī‘ah, Muhammad Husayn al-Muzaffari, p. 89
[4] Turāth Karbalā, p. 34