It was 12th Zilqad 1412 A.H., a Friday. I went to meet Ayatullah Behjat to know his opinion of Ziyarat Ashura. I said, ‘I am compiling a book on all those people who have benefited by the grace and blessing of Ziyarat Ashura. Very soon I am planning to have this book published for the common masses. I also, wish to include your opinion on the effects of this Ziyarat. That is why I request you to illumine me of some of its benefits.’
Ayatullah narrated, ‘The existence of Ziyarat Ashura itself, is ample proof of its miraculous nature. And when one considers the fact that Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (a.s.) had narrated this Ziyarat to (Safwan), then its significance increases manifold. Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (a.s.) related to Safwan, I guarantee a few things for the one who recites this Ziyarat:
- His Ziyarat will be accepted
- His action will be considered virtuous
- No matter what his demands maybe, Allah will not turn him back dejected and disheartened.’ .
‘And O Safwan! I have heard about this guarantee from my father and he from his father and this chain goes until Amir al Muminin (a.s.) the latter heard it from the Messenger of Allah (s.a.). Who narrated from Jibrail. and the latter from Allah Himself. Allah swears by His pure and holy self, that one who recites the Ziyarat with the dua (Alqamah) from near or far, his Ziyarat will be accepted and his demands will be fulfilled.’
Ayatullah Behjat further narrated that, ‘The chain of this Ziyarat makes it among the Ahadith Qudsi. (Ahadith Qudsi are those remarks and proclamations that are attributed to Allah, but are not revealed in the Quran). And it is this very Ziyarat that the most distinguished of Shia scholars used to recite with regularity, despite their busy schedules and stressful engagements, viz.
- Ayatullah Shaykh Muhammad Husayn Isfahni, who was my teacher. He had compiled many books and had requested Allah to capture his soul while he was reciting Ziyarat Ashura. Allah accepted this request and he expired while he was reciting the Ziyarat.
- Ayatullah Shaykh Mulla Sadra who was a master in both science logical and traditional. He was totally habitual to the recitation of this Ziyarat and would never disregard it. I am not aware of anyone more sincere and regular in the recitation of Ziyarat Ashura.
- One eminent scholar narrates, ‘I was in Wadius Salaam at the station of Imam Mahdi (a.s.), (Maqame Mahdi). I was surprised to see a very bright faced old man reciting Ziyarat Ashura. He seemed a pilgrim. However, when I approached him my amazement increased even further. It was as if a veil had been lifted. I saw the shrine of Imam Husayn (a.s.) and there was a procession of pilgrims entering and exiting the shrine. I could not believe my eyes. When I stepped back a little the entire spectacle vanished from my eyes. When I advanced a few steps I was able to witness that scene once again. I tried this several times, with the same result. The following morning, I went back to the same place where I saw those pilgrims so as to assess the identity of that lone pilgrim. The people living in that neighbourhood informed me that, that pilgrim used to come, but by now had left. Since I still had the urge to meet to him, I again went to Wadi-us Salaam. However, this time I saw someone else in his place. When I asked that person about the other person’s identity he said that the person had left the day before.
Miracles of Ziyarat e Ashura – P.E.T Publications