Ziyarat of Imam Husayn (a.s.) — Karbala (All 6 General Forms)

Text and Translation

First Ziyarah

When you attend the sessions of the ruling authorities and mention the Imams, say:

اَللَّهُمَّ أَرِنَا ٱلرَّخَاءَ وَٱلسُّرُورَ

ALLAAHUMMA ARENAR RAKHAAA-A WAS SOROORA

‘O Allah, (please) show us luxury and pleasure.

When you mention Imam al-Husayn (a.s.), repeat three times:

صَلَّىٰ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْكَ يَا أَبَا عَبْدِ ٱللَّهِ

SALLAL LAAHO A’LAYKA YAA ABAA A’BDIL LAAHE

‘May Allah bless you, O Abu-`Abdullah.’

When you come to Abu-`Abdullah (al-Husayn), bathe yourself on the bank of the River Euphrates.

Put on (ceremonially) pure clothes and walk barefooted, because you are in the sanctuary of Almighty Allah and His Messenger.

Until you stop at the gate of the shrine, repeat often: Allahu akbar, la ilaha illa Allah, subhan Allah, and Allahumma salli ala Muhammad wa ali Muhammad.

At the gate of the shrine, say:

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا حُجَّةَ ٱللَّهِ وَٱبْنَ حُجَّتِهِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA HUJJATAL LAAHE WABNA HUJJATEHI

Peace be upon you, O Argument of Allah and son of His Argument.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ يَا مَلاَئِكَةَ ٱللَّهِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKUM YAA MALAAA-EKATAL LAAHE

Peace be upon you all, O Allah’s angels

وَزُوَّارَ قَبْرِ ٱبْنِ نَبِيِّ ٱللَّهِ

WA ZUWWAARA QABRIBNE NABIYYIL LAAHE

and visitors of the tomb of the son of Allah’s Prophet.

You should then walk for ten steps and stop again to repeat the following statement thirty times:

اَللَّهُ أَكْبَرُ

ALLAAHO AKBARO

Allah is the Most Great.

You should then move towards the tomb from the side of the Imam’s face having your face to be to the face of the Imam and the kiblah direction to be between your shoulders. You should then say the following:

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا حُجَّةَ ٱللَّهِ وَٱبْنَ حُجَّتِهِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA HUJJATAL LAAHE WABNA HUJJATEHI

Peace be upon you, O Allah’s Argument (on His creatures) and son of His Argument.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا قَتِيلَ ٱللَّهِ وَٱبْنَ قَتِيلِهِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA QATEELAL LAAHE WABNA QATEELEHI

Peace be upon you, O killed for Allah’s sake and son of the killed for His sake.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا ثَارَ ٱللَّهِ وَٱبْنَ ثَارِهِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA SAARAL LAAHE WABNA SAAREHI

Peace be upon you, O vengeance of Allah and son of His vengeance.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا وِتْرَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلْمَوْتُورَ فِي ٱلسَّمَاوَاتِ وَٱلأَرْضِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA WITRAL LAAHIL MAWTOORA FIS SAMAAWAATE WAL ARZE

Peace be upon you, O he whose blood-claimer is Allah and whose blood is also claimed by the heavens and the earth.

أَشْهَدُ أَنَّ دَمَكَ سَكَنَ فِي ٱلْخُلْدِ

ASH-HADO ANNA DAMAKA SAKANA FIL KHULDE

I bear witness that your blood has resided in the Eternity,

وَٱقْشَعَرَّتْ لَهُ أَظِلَّةُ ٱلْعَرْشِ

WAQ SHA-A’RRAT LAHU AZILLATUL A’RSHE

the shades of the Divine Throne have shivered for it,

وَبَكَىٰ لَهُ جَمِيعُ ٱلْخَلاَئِقِ

WA BAKAA LAHU JAMEE-U’L KHALAAA-EQE

and all creatures have wept for it,

وَبَكَتْ لَهُ ٱلسَّمَاوَاتُ ٱلسَّبْعُ وَٱلأَرَضُونَ ٱلسَّبْعُ

WA BAKAT LAHUS SAMAAWAATUS SAB-O’ WAL ARAZOONAS SAB-O’

including the seven heavens, the seven layers of the earth,

وَمَا فِيهِنَّ وَمَا بَيْنَهُنَّ

WA MAA FEEHINNA WA MAA BAYNAHUNNA

whatever is within them, whatever is between them,

وَمَنْ يَتَقَلَّبُ فِي ٱلْجَنَّةِ وَٱلنَّارِ مِنْ خَلْقِ رَبِّنَا

WA MAN-Y YATAQALLABO FIL JANNATE WAN NAARE MIN KHALQE RABBENAA

all the inhabitants of Paradise and Hellfire from the creatures of our Lord,

وَمَا يُرَىٰ وَمَا لاََ يُرَىٰ

WA MAA YORAA WA MAA LAA YORAA

whatever can be seen, and whatever cannot be seen.

أَشْهَدُ أَنَّكَ حُجَّةُ ٱللَّهِ وَٱبْنُ حُجَّتِهِ

ASH-HADO ANNAKA HUJJATUL LAAHE WABNO HUJJATEHI

I bear witness that you are Allah’s Argument and son of His Argument.

وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّكَ قَتِيلُ ٱللَّهِ وَٱبنُ قَتِيلِهِ

WA ASH-HADO ANNAKA QATEELUL LAAHE WABNO QATEELEHI

I bear witness that you were killed for Allah’s sake and you are the son of him who was killed for the same.

وأَشْهَدُ أَنَّكَ ثَارُ ٱللَّهِ وَٱبْنُ ثَارِهِ

WA ASH-HADO ANNAKA SAARUL LAAHE WABNO SAAREHI

I bear witness that you are Allah’s vengeance and the son of His vengeance.

وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّك وِتْرُ ٱللَّهِ ٱلْمَوْتورُ فِي ٱلسَّمَاوَاتِ وَٱلأَرْضِ

WA ASH-HADO ANNAKA WITRUL LAAHIL MAWTOORO FIS SAMAAWAATE WAL ARZE

I bear witness that Allah is your blood-claimer and your blood is also claimed by the heavens and the earth.

وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّكَ قَدْ بَلَّغْتَ وَنَصَحْتَ

WA ASH-HADO ANNAKA QAD BALLAGHTA WA NASAHTA

I bear witness that you conveyed (the message), acted sincerely,

وَوَفَيْتَ وَأَوْفَيْتَ

WA WAFAYTA WA AWFAYTA

carried out (your duties), fulfilled (your pledges),

وَجَاهَدْتَ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ

WA JAAHADTA FEE SABEELIL LAAHE

strove for Allah’s sake,

وَمَضَيْتُ لِلَّذِي كُنْتَ عَلَيْهِ شهَيداً وَمُسْتَشْهِداً

WA MAZAYTA LILLAZEE KUNTA A’LAYHE SHAAHEDANW WA MUSTASH-HEDAN

you advanced to that on which you were witness and that which you were asked to witness,

وَشَاهِداً وَمَشْهُوداً

WA SHAAHEDANW WA MASH-HOODAN

and you were observer and you were watched.

أَنَا عَبْدُ ٱللَّهِ وَمَوْلاَكَ

ANAA A’BDUL LAAHE WA MAWLAAKA

I am the slave of Allah, the servant of you,

وَفِي طَاعَتِكَ وَٱلْوَافِدُ إِلَيْكَ

WA FEE TAA-A’TEKA WAL WAAFEDO ELAYKA

the obedient to you, and the visitor of you.

أَلْتَمِسُ كَمَالَ ٱلْمَنْزِلَةِ عِنْدَ ٱللَّهِ

ALTAMESO KAMAALAL MANZELATE I’NDAL LAAHE

I seek for a perfect position with Allah,

وَثَبَاتَ ٱلْقَدَمِ فِي ٱلْهِجْرَةِ إِلَيْكَ

WA SABAATAL QADAME FIL HIJRATE ELAYKA

I seek steadfastness through my pilgrimage to you,

وَٱلسَّبِيلَ ٱلَّذِي لاََ يَخْتَلِجُ دوُنَكَ

WAS SABEELAL LAZEE LAA YAKHTALEJO DOONAKA

and I seek the path that cannot be passed without you

مِنَ ٱلدُّخُولِ فِي كِفَالَتِكَ ٱلَّتِي أُمِرْتَ بِهَا

MENAD DOKHOOLE FEE KEFAALATEKAL LATEE OMIRTA BEHAA

so that I will be allowed to enter in your guarantee that you have been ordered to give.

مَنْ أَرَادَ ٱللَّهَ بَدَأَ بِكُمْ

MAN ARAADAL LAAHA BADA-A BEKUM

He who seeks Allah must begin with you,

بِكُمْ يُبَيِّنُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْكَذِبَ

BEKUM YOBAYYENUL LAAHUL KAZEBA

because only through you has Allah disclosed forgery.

وَبِكُمْ يُبَاعِدُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلزَّمَانَ ٱلْكَلِبَ

WA BEKUM YOBAA-E’DUL LAAHUZ ZAMAANAL KALEBA

Through you only does Allah throw away difficult days.

وَبِكُمْ فَتَحَ ٱللَّهُ

WA BEKUM FATAHAL LAAHO

For your sake only has Allah started (creation).

وَبِكُمْ يَخْتِمُ ٱللَّهُ

WA BEKUM YAKHTEMUL LAAHO

With you only will Allah seal.

وَبِكُمْ يَمْحُو مَا يَشَاءُ وَيُثْبِتُ

WA BEKUM YAMHOO MAA YASHAAA-O WA YUSBETO

Through you only does He erase whatever He wills and establishes (whatever He wills).

وبِكُمْ يَفُكُّ ٱلذُّلَّ مِنْ رِقَابِنَا

WA BEKUM YAFUKKUZ ZULLA MIR REQAABENAA

Through you only does He release us from humility.

وَبِكُمْ يُدْرِكُ ٱللَّهُ تِرَةَ كُلِّ مُؤْمِنٍ يُطْلَبُ بِهَا

WA BEKUM YUDREKUL LAAHO TERATA KULLE MOAMENIN-Y YUTLABO BEHAA

Through you only will Allah avenge every faithful believer.

وَبِكُمْ تُنْبِتُ ٱلأَرْضُ أَشْجَارَهَا

WA BEKUM TUNBETUL ARZO ASHJAARAHAA

Through you only does the soil grow its trees.

وَبِكُمْ تُخْرِجُ ٱلأَرْضُ ثِمَارَهَا

WA BEKUM TUKHREJUL ARZO SEMAARAHAA

Through you only does the earth produce its fruits.

وَبِكُمْ تُنْزِلُ ٱلسَّمَاءُ قَطْرَهَا وَرِزْقَهَا

WA BEKUM TUNZELUS SAMAAA-O QATRAHAA WA RIZQAHAA

Through you only does the sky pour down its drops and sustenance.

وَبِكُمْ يَكْشِفُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْكَرْبَ

WA BEKUM YAKSHEFUL LAAHUL KARBA

Through you only does Allah relieve from agonies.

وَبِكُمْ يُنَزِّلُ ٱللَّهُ ٱلْغَيْثَ

WA BEKUM YONAZZELUL LAAHUL GHAYSA

Through you only does Allah cause the rain to come down.

وَبِكُمْ تُسَبِّحُ ٱلأَرْضُ ٱلَّتِي تَحْمِلُ أَبْدَانَكُمْ

WA BEKUM TOSABBEHUL ARZUL LATEE TAHMELO ABDAANAKUM

Through you only does the earth that carries your bodies glorify (the Lord)

وَتَسْتَقِرُّ جِبَالُهَا عَنْ مَرَاسِيهَا

WA TASTAQIRRO JEBAALOHAA A’LAA MARAASEEHAA

and are the mountains made firm.

إِرَادَةُ ٱلرَّبِّ فِي مَقَادِيرِ أُمُورِهِ تَهْبِطُ إِلَيْكُمْ

ERAADATUR RABBE FEE MAQAADEERE OMOOREHI TAHBETO ELAYKUM

The will of the Lord regarding the estimations of His affairs come down to you

وَتَصْدُرُ مِنْ بُيُوتِكُمْ

WA TASDORO MIN BOYOOTEKUM

and are issued from your houses.

وَٱلصَّادِرُ عَمَّا فُصِّلَ مِنْ أَحْكَامِ ٱلْعِبَادِ

WAS SAADERO A’MMAA FUSSELA MIN AHKAAMIL E’BAADE

So do the details of the decrees to the servants.

لُعِنَتْ أُمَّةٌ قَتَلَتْكُمْ

LO-E’NAT UMMATUN QATALATKUM

Cursed be the people who killed you.

وَأُمَّةٌ خَالَفَتْكُمْ

WA UMMATUN KHAALAFATKUM

Cursed be the people who dissent from you,

وَأُمَّةٌ جَحَدَتْ وِلاَيَتَكُمْ

WA UMMATUN JAHADAT WELAAYATAKUM

the people who deny your (Divinely commissioned) leadership,

وَأُمَّةٌ ظَاهَرَتْ عَلَيْكُمْ

WA UMMATUN ZAAHARAT A’LAYKUM

the people who supported each other against you,

وَأُمَّةٌ شَهِدَتْ وَلَمْ تُسْتَشْهَدْ

WA UMMATUN SHAHEDAT WA LAM TUSTASH-HAD

and the people who witnessed you but they shunned being martyred for you.

اَلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ ٱلَّذِي جَعَلَ ٱلنَّارَ مَأْوَاهُمْ

ALHAMDO LILLAAHIL LAZEE JA-A’LAN NAARA MAAWAAHUM

All praise be to Allah Who has decided Hellfire to be the dwelling of these peoples.

وَبِئْسَ وِرْدُ ٱلْوَارِدِينَ

WA BEASA WIRDUL WAAREDEENA

Woeful indeed will be the place to which they shall be led

وَبِئْسَ ٱلْوِرْدُ ٱلْمَوْرُودُ

WA BEASAL WIRDUL MAWROODO

and woeful indeed will be the place to which they shall be brought.

وَٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَالَمِينَ

WAL HAMDO LILLAAHE RABBIL A’ALAMEENA

All praise be to Allah, the Lord of the worlds.

You should then repeat the following words three times:

وَصَلَّىٰ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْكَ يَا أَبَا عَبْدِ ٱللَّهِ

WA SALLAL LAAHO A’LAYKA YAA ABAA A’BDIL LAAHE

And may Allah bless you, O Abu-`Abdullah

then you should then repeat the following words three times

أَنَا إِلَىٰ ٱللَّهِ مِمَّنْ خَالَفَكَ بَريءٌ

ANAA ELAL LAAHE MIMMAN KHAALAFAKA BAREE-UN

I disavow, in the presence of Allah, all those who dissented you.

You should then stand up and direct towards his son, `Ali, who is buried to the side of the Imam’s feet, and say the following words:

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا بْنَ رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YABNA RASOOLIL LAAHE

Peace be upon you, O son of Allah’s Messenger.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا بْنَ أَمِيرِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YABNA AMEERIL MOAMENEENA

Peace be upon you, O son of the Commander of the Faithful.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا بْنَ ٱلْحَسَنِ وَٱلْحُسَيْنِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YABNAL HASANE WAL HOSAYNE

Peace be upon you, O son of al-Hasan and al-Husayn.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا بْنَ خَدِيجَةَ وَفَاطِمَةَ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YABNA KHADEEJATA WA FAATEMATA

Peace be upon you, O son of Khadijah and Fatimah.

صَلَّىٰ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْكَ

SALLAL LAAHO A’LAYKA

May Allah bless you.

صَلّىٰ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْكَ

SALLAL LAAHO A’LAYKA

May Allah bless you.

صَلَّىٰ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْكَ

SALLAL LAAHO A’LAYKA

May Allah bless you.

لَعَنَ ٱللَّهُ مَنْ قَتَلَكَ

LA-A’NAL LAAHO MAN QATALAKA

May Allah curse those who killed you.

لَعَنَ ٱللَّهُ مَنْ قَتَلَكَ

LA-A’NAL LAAHO MAN QATALAKA

May Allah curse those who killed you.

لَعَنَ ٱللَّهُ مَنْ قَتَلَكَ

LA-A’NAL LAAHO MAN QATALAKA

May Allah curse those who killed you.

أَنَا إِلَىٰ ٱللَّهِ مِنْهُمْ بَريءٌ

ANAA ELAL LAAHE MINHUM BAREE-UN

I disavow all of them in the presence of Allah.

You should then stand up and point to the martyrs with your hand, may Allah be pleased with them, and say the following words:

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKUM

Peace be upon you.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKUM

Peace be upon you.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKUM

Peace be upon you.

فُزْتُمْ وَٱللَّهِ

FUZTUM WAL LAAHE

You, by Allah, have achieved success.

فُزْتُمْ وَٱللَّهِ

FUZTUM WAL LAAHE

You, by Allah, have achieved success.

فُزْتُمْ وَٱللَّهِ

FUZTUM WAL LAAHE

You, by Allah, have achieved success.

فَلَيْتَ أَنِّي مَعَكُمْ فَأَفُوزَ فَوْزاً عَظيماً

FALAYTA ANNEE MA-A’KUM FA-AFOOZA FAWZAN A’ZEEMAN

Would that I were with you, then should I achieve a great success.

You should then turn around and make the tomb of Abu-`Abdullah in front of you (i.e. stop behind the tomb) and offer a six-unit prayer. Thus, you have accomplished the visitation of Imam al-Husayn’s tomb. You may then leave, if you wish. (Here end the instructive words of Imam al-Sadiq)

Second Ziyarat (by Imam Ali al-Naqi)

Shaykh al-Kulayni reports Imam `Ali al-Naqi (al-Hadi) to have said:

When you are at al-Husayn’s tomb, you should say the following words:

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا أَبَا عَبْدِ ٱللَّهِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA ABAA A’BDIL LAAHE

Peace be upon you, O Abu-`Abdullah.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا حُجَّةَ ٱللَّهِ فِي أَرْضِهِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA HUJJATAL LAAHE FEE ARZEHI

Peace be upon you, O Allah’s Argument in His lands

وَشَاهِدَهُ عَلَىٰ خَلْقِهِ

WA SHAAHEDAHU A’LAA KHALQEHI

and His witness on His creatures.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا بْنَ رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YABNA RASOOLIL LAAHE

Peace be upon you, O son of Allah’s Messenger.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا بْنَ عَليٍّ ٱلْمُرْتَضَىٰ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YABNA A’LIYYENIL MURTAZAA

Peace be upon you, O son of `Ali the well-pleased.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا بْنَ فَاطِمَةَ ٱلزَّهْرَاءِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YABNA FAATEMATAZ ZAHRAAA-E

Peace be upon you, O son of Fatimah the Luminous.

أَشْهَدُ أَنَّكَ قَدْ أَقَمْتَ ٱلصَّلاَةَ وَآتَيْتَ ٱلزَّكَاةَ

ASH-HADO ANNAKA QAD AQAMTAS SALAATA WA AATAYTAZ ZAKAATA

I bear witness that you performed the prayers, defrayed the poor-rate,

وَأَمَرْتَ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ وَنَهَيْتَ عَنِ ٱلْمُنْكَرِ

WA AMARTA BIL-MA’ROOFE WA NAHAYTA A’NIL MUNKARE

enjoined the right, forbade the wrong,

وَجَاهَدْتَ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ حَتَّىٰ أَتَاكَ ٱلْيَقِينُ

WA JAAHADTA FEE SABEELIL LAAHE HATTAA ATAAKAL YAQEENO

and strove for Allah’s sake until death came upon you.

فَصَلَّىٰ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْكَ حَيّاً وَمَيِّتاً

FASALLAL LAAHO A’LAYKA HAYYANW WA MAYYETAN

So, Allah may bless you in your lifetime and after your death.

You may then stick your right cheek to the tomb and say these words:

أَشْهَدُ أَنَّكَ عَلَىٰ بَيِّنَةٍ مِنْ رَبِّكَ

ASH-HADO ANNAKA A’LAA BAYYENATIM MIR RABBEKA

I bear witness that you are verily relying on clear proof from your Lord.

جِئْتُ مُقِرّاً بِٱلذُّنُوبِ

JEATO MOQIRRAN BIZ-ZONOOBE

I have come confessing of my sins

لِتَشْفَعَ لِي عِنْدَ رَبِّكَ

LE-TASHFA-A’ LEE I’NDA RABBEKA

so that you may intercede for me before your Lord.

يَا بْنَ رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ

YABNA RASOOLIL LAAHE

O son of Allah’s Messenger.

You should then mention the Holy Imams by names respectively and then say the following words:

أَشْهَدُ أَنَّكُمْ حُجَجُ ٱللَّهِ

ASH-HADO ANNAKUM HOJAJUL LAAHE

I bear witness that you are verily Allah’s Arguments (against His creatures).

أُكْتُبْ لِي عِنْدَكَ مِيثَاقاً وَعَهْداً

UKTUB LEE I’NDAKA MEESAAQANW WA A’HDAN

Please, write down for me a covenant and a pledge with you.

إِنِّي أَتَيْتُكَ مُجَدِّداً ٱلْمِيثَاقَ

INNEE ATAYTOKA MOJADDEDANIL MEESAAQA

I have come to you to refresh my covenant;

فَٱشْهَدْ لِي عِنْدَ رَبِّكَ

FASHHAD LEE I’NDA RABBEKA

so, testify this to me before your Lord.

إِنَّكَ أَنْتَ ٱلشَاهِدُ

INNAKA ANTASH SHAAHEDO

You are verily the Witness.

Third Ziyarat (by Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq)

When you arrive at the tomb of al-Husayn ibn `Ali (`a), stop at the gate and say:

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا وَارِثَ آدَمَ صَفْوَةِ ٱللَّهِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA WAARESA AADAMA SAFWATIL LAAHE

Peace be upon you, O inheritor of Adam the chosen by Allah.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا وَارِثَ نُوحٍ نَبِيِّ ٱللَّهِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA WAARESA NOOHIN NABIYYIL LAAHE

Peace be upon you, O inheritor of Noah the prophet of Allah.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا وَارِثَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ خَلِيلِ ٱللَّهِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA WAARESA IBRAAHEEMA KHALEELIL LAAHE

Peace be upon you, O inheritor of Abraham the friend of Allah.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا وَارِثَ مُوسَىٰ كَلِيمِ ٱللَّهِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA WAARESA MOOSAA KALEEMIL LAAHE

Peace be upon you, O inheritor of Moses the spoken by Allah.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا وَارِثَ عِيسَىٰ رُوحِ ٱللَّهِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA WAARESA E’ESAA ROOHIL LAAHE

Peace be upon you, O inheritor of Jesus the spirit of Allah.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا وَارِثَ مُحَمَّدٍ سَيِّدِ رُسُلِ ٱللَّهِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA WAARESA MOHAMMADIN SAYYEDE ROSOLIL LAAHE

Peace be upon you, O inheritor of Muhammad the chief of Allah’s Messengers.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا وَارِثَ عَليٍّ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA WAARESA A’LIYYIN

Peace be upon you, O inheritor of `Ali

أَمِيرِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ وَخَيْرِ ٱلْوَصِيِّينَ

AMEERIL MOAMENEENA WA KHAYRIL WASIYYEENA

the commander of the faithful and the best of the Prophets’ successors.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا وَارِثَ ٱلْحَسَنِ ٱلرَّضِيِّ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA WAARESAL HASANIR RAZIYYE

Peace be upon you, O inheritor of al-Hasan the amicable,

ٱلطَّاهِرِ ٱلرَّاضِي ٱلْمَرْضِيِّ

ATTAAHERIR RAAZIL MARZIYYE

the immaculate, the content, and the pleased.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ أَيُّهَا ٱلْوَصِيُّ ٱلْبَرُّ ٱلتَّقِيُّ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA AYYOHAL WASIYYUL BARRUT TAQIYYO

Peace be upon you, O dutiful and pious successor.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ وَعَلَىٰ ٱلأَرْوَاحِ ٱلَّتِي حَلَّتْ بِفِنَائِكَ وَأَنَاخَتْ بِرَحْلِكَ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA WA A’LAL ARWAAHIL LATEE HALLAT BE-FENAAA-EKA WA ANAAKHAT BE-RAHLEKA

Peace be upon you and upon these souls who gathered before your yard and resided next to your residence.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ وَعَلَىٰ ٱلْمَلاَئِكَةِ ٱلْحَافِّينَ بِكَ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA WA A’LAL MALAAA-EKATIL HAAFFEENA BEKA

Peace be upon you and upon the angels who are encompassing you.

أَشْهَدُ أَنَّكَ قَدْ أَقَمْتَ ٱلصَّلاَةَ وَآتَيْتَ ٱلزَّكَاةَ

ASH-HADO ANNAKA QAD AQAMTAS SALAATA WA AATAYTAZ ZAKAATA

I bear witness that you performed the prayers, defrayed the poor-rate,

وَأَمَرْتَ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ وَنَهَيْتَ عَنِ ٱلْمُنْكَرِ

WA AMARTA BIL-MA’ROOFE WA NAHAYTA A’NIL MUNKARE

enjoined the right, forbade the wrong,

وَجَاهَدْتَ ٱلْمُلْحِدينَ وَعَبَدْتَ ٱللَّهَ حَتَّىٰ أَتَاكَ ٱلْيَقِينُ

WA JAAHADTAL MULHEDEENA WA A’BADTAL LAAHA HATTAA ATAAKAL YAQEENO

strove against the atheists, and served Allah until death came upon you.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA WA RAHMATUL LAAHE WA BARAKAATOHU

Peace and Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon you.

You may then walk towards the tomb. With each step you make, you will be awarded the reward of one who sacrifices his blood for the sake of Allah. When you approach the tomb, you may wipe your hand over it and say these words:

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا حُجَّةَ ٱللَّهِ فِي سمائه وأرضه

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA HUJJATAL LAAHE FEE SAMAAA-EHI WA ARZEHI

Peace be upon you, O Allah’s Argument in His lands.

You may then go for offering the prayer. For each unit of prayer that you offer near the tomb, you will have the reward of one who went one thousand times on hajj and one thousand times on `umrah, manumitted one thousand slaves for the sake of Allah, and stood in the line of a missioned Prophet one thousand times.”

Fourth Ziyarat

Mu`awiyah ibn `Ammar has reported that he asked Imam al-Sadiq ('a) what to do when visiting Imam al-Husayn’s tomb. The Imam ('a) taught him to say the following words:

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا أَبَا عَبْدِ ٱللَّهِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA ABAA A’BDIL LAAHE

Peace be upon you, O Abu-`Abdullah.

صَلَّىٰ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْكَ يَا أَبَا عَبْدِ ٱللَّهِ

SALLAL LAAHO A’LAYKA YAA ABAA A’BDIL LAAHE

May Allah bless you, O Abu-`Abdullah.

رَحِمَكَ ٱللَّهُ يَا أَبَا عَبْدِ ٱللَّهِ

RAHEMAKAL LAAHO YAA ABAA A’BDIL LAAHE

May Allah have mercy upon you, O Abu-`Abdullah.

لَعَنَ ٱللَّهُ مَنْ قَتَلَكَ

LA-A’NAL LAAHO MAN QATALAKA

May Allah curse those who slew you.

وَلَعَنَ ٱللَّهُ مَنْ شَرِكَ فِي دَمِكَ

WA LA-A’NAL LAAHO MAN SHAREKA FEE DAMEKA

May Allah curse those who took part in shedding your blood.

وَلَعَنَ ٱللَّهُ مَنْ بَلَغَهُ ذٰلِكَ فَرَضِيَ بِهِ

WA LA-A’NAL LAAHO MAN BALAGHAHU ZAALEKA FARAZEYA BEHI

May Allah curse those who are pleased when they knew about it.

أَنَا إِلَىٰ ٱللَّهِ مَنْ ذٰلِكَ بَريءٌ

ANAA ELAL LAAHE MIN ZAALEKA BAREE-UN

I disavow all those in the presence of Allah.

Fifth Ziyarat

From a valid chain of authority, Imam al-Kazim ('a) is reported to have asked Ibrahim ibn Abi’l-Ballad, “What do you say when you visit al-Husayn The man answered: I say the following

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا أَبَا عَبْدِ ٱللَّهِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA ABAA A’BDIL LAAHE

Peace be upon you, O Abu-`Abdullah.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا بْنَ رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YABNA RASOOLIL LAAHE

Peace be upon you, O son of Allah’s Messenger.

أَشْهَدُ أَنَّكَ قَدْ أَقَمْتَ ٱلصَّلاَةَ

ASH-HADO ANNAKA QAD AQAMTAS SALAATA

I bear witness that you performed the prayers,

وَآتَيْتَ ٱلزَّكَاةَ

WA AATAYTAZ ZAKAATA

defrayed the poor-rate,

وَأَمَرْتَ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ

WA AMARTA BIL-MA’ROOFE

enjoining the right,

وَنَهَيْتَ عَنِ ٱلمُنْكَرِ

WA NAHAYTA A’NIL MUNKARE

forbade the evil,

وَدَعَوْتَ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ

WA DA-A’WTA ELAA SABEELE RABBEKA

and called to the way of your Lord

بِٱلْحِكْمَةِ وَٱلْمَوْعِظَةِ ٱلْحَسَنَةِ

BIL-HIKMATE WAL MAW-E’ZATIL HASANATE

with wisdom and excellent exhortation.

وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ ٱلَّذِينَ سَفَكُوٱ دَمَكَ وَٱسْتَحَلُّوٱ حُرْمَتَكَ

WA ASH-HADO ANNAL LAZEENA SAFAKO DAMAKA WAS TAHALLO HURMATAKA

I also bear witness that those who shed your blood and violated your sanctity

مَلْعُونُونَ مُعَذَّبُونَ عَلَىٰ لِسَانِ دَاوُدَ وَعيسَىٰ بْنِ مَرْيَمَ

MAL-O’ONOONA MO-A’ZZABOONA A’LAA LESAANE DAAWODA WA E’ESABNE MARYAMA

have been accursed, and will be tortured, by the tongue of David and Jesus the son of Mary.

ذٰلِكَ بِمَا عَصَوْٱ وَكَانُوٱ يَعْتَدُونَ

ZAALEKA BEMAA A’SAW WA KAANOO YA’TADOONA

This was because they disobeyed and used to exceed the limit.

The Imam ('a) commented, “Yes, this is accurate.” بحار الأنوار: ج101، ص165

Bihar al-Anwar: vol. 101, p. 165.

Sixth Ziyarat

`Ammar has reported Imam al-Sadiq ('a) as saying that when you stop at the grave of Imam al-Husayn ('a), you may say the following words

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا بْنَ رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YABNA RASOOLIL LAAHE

Peace be upon you, O son of Allah’s Messenger.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا بْنَ أَمِيرِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YABNA AMEERIL MOAMENEENA

Peace be upon you, O son of the commander of the faithful.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا أَبَا عَبْدِ ٱللَّهِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA ABAA A’BDIL LAAHE

Peace be upon you, O Abu-`Abdullah.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا سَيِّدَ شَبَابِ أَهْلِ ٱلْجَنَّةِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA SAYYEDA SHABAABE AHLIL JANNATE

Peace be upon you, O chief of the youth of Paradise.

وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ

WA RAHMATUL LAAHE WA BARAKAATOHU

Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon you.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا مَنْ رِضَاهُ مِنْ رِضَا ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA MAR REZAAHO MIR REZAR RAHMAANE

Peace be upon you, O he whose pleasure is part of the pleasure of the All-beneficent Lord

وَسَخَطُهُ مِنْ سَخَطِ ٱلرَّحْمٰنِ

WA SAKHATOHU MIN SAKHATIR RAHMAANE

and whose displeasure is part of the displeasure of the All-beneficent Lord.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا أَمِينَ ٱللَّهِ

ASSALAAMO A’LAYKA YAA AMEENAL LAAHE

Peace be upon you, O trustee of Allah,

وَحُجَّةَ ٱللَّهِ وَبَابَ ٱللَّهِ

WA HUJJATAL LAAHE WA BAABAL LAAHE

Argument of Allah, door to Allah,

وَٱلدَّلِيلَ عَلَىٰ ٱللَّهِ وَٱلدَاعِيَ إِلَىٰ ٱللَّهِ

WAD DALEELA A’LAL LAAHE WAD DAA-E’YA ELAL LAAHE

guide to Allah, and caller to Allah.

أَشْهَدُ أَنَّكَ قَدْ حَلَّلْتَ حَلاَلَ ٱللَّهِ

ASH-HADO ANNAKA QAD HALLALTA HALAALAL LAAHE

I bear witness that you deemed lawful all that which Allah has deemed lawful,

وَحَرَّمْتَ حَرَامَ ٱللَّهِ

WA HARRAMTA HARAAMAL LAAHE

deemed unlawful all that which Allah has deemed unlawful,

وَأَقَمْتَ ٱلصَّلاَةَ

WA AQAMTAS SALAATA

performed the prayers,

وَآتَيْتَ ٱلزَّكَاةَ

WA AATAYTAZ ZAKAATA

defrayed the poor-rate,

وَأَمَرْتَ بِٱلْمَعْروُفِ

WA AMARTA BIL-MA’ROOFE

enjoined the right,

وَنَهَيْتَ عَنِ ٱلْمُنْكَرِ

WA NAHAYTA A’NIL MUNKARE

forbade the evil,

وَدَعَوْتَ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ

WA DA-A’WTA ELAA SABEELE RABBEKA

and called to the way of your Lord

بِٱلْحِكْمَةِ وَٱلْمَوْعِظَةِ ٱلْحَسَنَةِ

BIL-HIKMATE WAL MAW-E’ZATIL HASANATE

with wisdom and excellent exhortation.

وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّكَ وَمَنْ قُتِلَ مَعَكَ

WA ASH-HADO ANNAKA WA MAN QOTELA MA-A’KA

I also bear witness that you, as well as those whom were slain with you,

شُهَدَاءٌ أَحْيَاءٌ عِنْدَ رَبِّكُمْ تُرْزَقُونَ

SHOHADAAA-UN AHYAAA-UN I’NDA RABBEKUM TURZAQOONA

are martyrs, alive, and provided sustenance from your Lord.

وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ قَاتِلَكَ فِي ٱلنَّارِ

WA ASH-HADO ANNA QAATELAKA FIN NAARE

I also bear witness that your slayer shall be in Hellfire.

أَدِينُ ٱللَّهَ بِٱلْبَرَاءَةِ مِمَّنْ قَتَلَكَ

ADEENUL LAAHA BIL-BARAAA-ATE MIMMAN QATALAKA

Before Allah, I profess disavowal of those who slew you,

وَمِمَّنْ قَاتَلَكَ وَشَايَعَ عَلَيْكَ

WA MIMMAN QAATALAKA WA SHAAYA-A’ A’LAYKA

who fought against you, who supported each other against you,

وَمِمَّنْ جَمَعَ عَلَيْكَ

WA MIMMAN JAMA-A’ A’LAYKA

who rallied against you,

وَمِمَّنْ سَمِعَ صَوْتَكَ وَلَمْ يُعِنْكَ

WA MIMMAN SAME-A’ SAWTAKA WA LAM YO-I’NKA

and who heard your call but refrained from helping you.

يَا لَيْتَنِي كُنْتُ مَعَكُمْ فَأَفُوزَ فَوْزاً عَظيماً

YAA LAYTANEE KUNTO MA-A’KUM FA-AFOOZA FAWZAN A’ZEEMAN

Would that I were with you, then should I achieve a great success.