The Virtue of Visiting the Grave of Imam Hussein (AS) on Arbaeen

Question

Peace be upon you. Are there any hadiths that indicate the significance of visiting Imam Hussein (AS) on Arbaeen, whether on foot or not?

Answer 1

Peace be upon you and the mercy of Allah and His blessings.

There are narrations that encourage us to walk to the grave of our master, the master of martyrs and the stranger of strangers. These narrations are general, meaning they apply to all nights and days and are not restricted to a specific time.

On one hand, the visit on Arbaeen is undoubtedly established as a significant occasion.

As for walking during the visit on Arbaeen, the idea emerged, as some scholars mention, as a means of showing solidarity with the family of Hussein (peace be upon him), who came to the land of Karbala to renew their grief for our master, the master of martyrs, on the twentieth of Safar.

Just as the family endured hardships, we emulate them and bear some difficulties.

We take this opportunity to highlight an important point:

Today, the visit represents a strength for our sect and a magnificent display of loyalty to the noble Ahlulbayt.

Walking to his grave (peace be upon him) carries significant meanings and has made the visit one of the signs of our commitment. It also renews our pledge and allegiance to him, both young and old, in heart and body, in feeling and expression, with our actions and intentions, as we still live with him and hear the echo of his voice calling, 'Is there anyone to help us?' and we respond, 'Here I am, O Abu Abdullah.'

We must be cautious of spreading doubts or raising questions that may confuse people and disturb their minds.

Indeed, any student of religious sciences with even a basic understanding of foundational issues has encountered discussions about the generality of narrations concerning walking, which includes walking for Hussein (peace be upon him) on Arbaeen. So, what is the reason for doubting them?

Finally, we note that the virtue of walking to his grave is mentioned in reliable books that researchers refer to:

For example, in the book 'Kamal al-Ziyarat' by Ibn Qulawayh, page 253, chapter 49, regarding the reward for visiting Hussein (peace be upon him) whether riding or walking:

'O Hussein, whoever leaves his home intending to visit the grave of Hussein ibn Ali (peace be upon them), if he is walking, Allah writes for him a good deed for every step and erases a sin from him, until he reaches the shrine, and Allah writes him among the successful ones. When he completes his rituals, Allah writes him among the winners, and when he intends to leave, an angel comes to him and says: The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him and his family) sends you greetings and says: Start anew, for what has passed is forgiven.'

There are also references in the book 'Al-Kafi', volume 4, page 58, chapter on the virtue of visiting Abu Abdullah Hussein (peace be upon him), and in the book 'Al-Tahdhib' by Sheikh Al-Tusi, volume 6, page 43, chapter on the virtue of visiting Hussein (peace be upon him).

Additionally, Sheikh Al-Hurr Al-Amili mentioned in his book 'Wasail al-Shi'a', where he gathered some narrations supporting our point under the title:

'Chapter on the virtue of walking to visit Hussein (peace be upon him).'

May you remain under the protection of Allah.