Ziyara: Difference between revisions

[[File:حرم نبوی.jpg|thumbnail|right|The recommendation of the ziyarah of the shrine of the Prophet (s) is accepted by all of Muslims]]

'''Zīyārah''' (Arabic:{{ia| الزيارة}}, literally: visit) is a religious act which means to attend before religious leaders or their graves in order to express and show love and reverence and acquire spiritual blessings. Visiting religious personalities and their graves have always been among recommended acts in [[Islam]] and during history, [[Muslims]] have paid attention to it and followed it. However, ziyarah of [[the Prophet (s)]] and [[Imams (a)]] has had a great importance among Shi'a and many spiritual benefits and rewards have been mentioned for them. Since ziyarah is greatly important in Shi'a culture, it has been regarded among the characteristics of Shi'a.

== Importance in Shi'a Culture ==

In Shi'a culture, ziyarah means the connection with the infallible Imam (a) and admitting his [[Wilaya]], ziyarah has a tight relation with the issue of the love of the [[Ahl al-Bayt (a)]], [[Tawalli]] [Loving] and [[Tabarri]] [rejecting].

One of the fruits of Imam's Wilaya is his control over the hearts, meaning that Imam has control over souls and hearts of people. In most ziyarah texts, such a Wilaya and Imama is admitted; for example, it is mentioned in texts for ziyarah of Imams (a), "I attest that you see me here and hear my word and answer my salutation." In Shi'a view, the soul of Imam becomes aware about his visitor with God's permission and this has made ziyarah for Shi'a a lovely and spiritual meeting, the influence of which can obviously be seen in Shi'a prose and poetry. Ziyarah and the holy shrines of the [[Ahl al-Bayt (a)]] have had great roles in Shi'a history and paying great attention to these is considered among significant cultural symbols of Shi'a.

* Visiting [[Ka'ba]]: which is performing [[Hajj]], [['Umra]] or circumambulation ([[Tawaf]]) of Ka'ba. Recommendation of ziyarah of Ka'ba and obligation of Hajj is among definite rulings agreed by all Muslims. Also, according to hadiths, Ka'ba has been also respected by all prophets of the past.

* Going near the grave, so that the visitor reaches [[Darih]] and hang on it, provided that he does not have any bothering for other visitors and do not lead to mixing with [[Non-Mahrams]]. (However, ziyarah of Imams (a) is not only touching and kissing Darih; but the visitor can receive the full rewards of ziyarah without touching Darih, only by reciting ziyarah text and saluting those honorable ones; and the idea that if a person does not reach Darih or kiss it, his ziyarah would be incomplete, is wrong.)

* Doing two [[rak'a]]s of [[prayer]] and gifting its reward to the dweller of the grave

* Reciting du'a and the [[Qur'an]] and gifting its reward to the dweller of the grave

* Exiting the shrine (especially from around Darih) after ziyarah to empty room for others to make ziyarah and also not become tired of ziyarah and to keep the love of ziyarah in his heart.

There are different types of Ziyarah, each of which has unique benefits. For example, ziyarah of [[Ka'ba]] has certain philosophy and certain manners of performance which are mentioned in the references of du'a and ziyarah in details.

Ziyarah of the faithful and their graves is a mutual relationship which has benefits and fruits both for the visitor and the visited. In addition to abundant rewards for visiting the faithful, it is mentioned in many hadiths that the dweller of the grave senses the presence of his visitor and becomes happy with their presence. Among other benefits of the ziyarah of the graves of the faithful are being reminded about death, take lesson and to be prepared for correction.

Accordingly, the merits of ziyarah can be understood, since ziyarah is among the best ways to connect to the [[infalliblity|infallible]] leaders which brings about great opportunities and spirituality. Also, respecting Imams (a) strengthens the spiritual connection between the visitor and Imam (a) and in fact makes their spiritual path continue.

* Imam al-Rida (a) said, "Anyone who visits me in this lonely town ([[Mashhad]]), I will come visit him in three places and will free him from fears: when his records of actions is submitted to him, when he passes [[Sirat]] and when his actions are being measured."

* Keeping the collective spirit alive and strengthening it and also continuing oppositions of Imams (a) among people

* Preaching the spirit of seeking truth and justice and focusing on claiming people's rights and performance of justice as the most important goal of Shi'a which can obviously be learned through the texts of Ziyarah.

Ziyarah texts received from the [[Ahl al-Bayt (a)]] mostly have content rich from authentic Islamic beliefs and teachings. Some of such Ziayarah texts have found more importance and fame due to their special content or reference; such as [[Ziyarh 'Ashura]], [[Ziyara Jami’a Kabira|Ziyarah al-Jami'a al-kabira]], [[Ziyarah Amin Allah]], [[Ziyarah Warith]], [[Ziyarah Al Yasin]] and [[Ziyarah Jami'a A'immat al-Mu'minin]].

* Making [[Du'a]] for enjoying [[intercession]] of Imam (a)

== Questions of the Critics ==

In contemporary time, [[Wahhabites]] have made superficial interpretations of the verses of the [[Qur'an]] and raised questions about [[Ziyarah of the graves]]. These questions have been answered in different books of Shi'a and Sunni scholars.