Shias and devotees of Imam Hussein (AS) from every age, ethnic and racial national background go to Karbala on foot every year to visit the mausoleum of the Imam (AS) on the day of Arbaeen, which marks the day when the prisoners of the Battle of Karbala, the household of Imam Hussein (AS), were returned to the city in the year 61 Hijri (680 A.D.).
In an interview with the Shafaqna website, grand Ayatollah Shobeiri Zanjani has answered questions on the virtue of marching to Karbala for Arbaeen.
The grand sources of emulation said he wished he had the physical ability to go on pilgrimage to Karbala on foot.
Here are excerpts from the interview:
Q: Based on Hadiths from the Ahl-ul-Bayt (AS), what are the virtues of making pilgrimage to Imam Hussein’s (AS) holy shrine?
A: It has been emphasized in many Hadiths. In some narrations, making the pilgrimage is even considered obligatory. Some scholars like Allameh Majlesi and his esteemed father tended to believe that that making the pilgrimage is obligatory once in lifetime for those who have the ability to make it.
According to many Hadiths, the reward for making the pilgrimage to Imam Hussein’s (AS) holy shrine is equal to that of an Umrah and according to some, it is even greater.
There is a credible Hadith that Imam Sadeq (AS) prayed for the pilgrims of Imam Hussein (AS).
Q: Is there any point in travelling to Karbala on foot?
A: Yes. Imam Hassan (AS) and Imam Hussein (AS) went to Makkah on foot as a sign of respect (for the holy city). There is a Hadith in the book Bihar-Al-Anwar that Imam Hassan (AS) also returned from Makkah to Median on foot and it caused his feet swell.
Q: But at that time, there were no such means of transportation as there are today.
A: No. But there were means of transportation and the Imams (AS) have access to them. They had steeds to ride on but went on foot as it was a kind of showing respect.
Q: Is it permitted to make the trip to Karbala if it is hazardous?
A: Scholars have different opinions as to whether dangers would eliminate the necessity of the trip. Some scholars have said even if there are hazards, the trip is permitted.
Q: In your view, is it not better to give the money to the poor rather than spend for making a trip to Karbala?
A: Generally, those who go on pilgrimage to Karbala are the ones who help the poor. … Those who talk about helping the needy instead of making the pilgrimage are just looking for excuses to oppose pilgrimage. They themselves do not help the poor.
Q: Have you been to Karbala?
A: Yes. Thank God, I have had the blessing to go there several times.
Q: Do you wish to go to Imam Hussein’s (AS) holy shrine on foot?
A: Yes, I wish I could but now I no longer have the physical ability to go there on foot.
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