Ziyarat Ashura (Ashura Visitation Prayer)

Ziyarat Ashura (Arabic: زيارة عاشوراء) is one of the most significant and most recited visitation prayers (ziyarat) in Shia Islam. It is a greeting and tribute to Imam Husayn ibn Ali (peace be upon him), who was martyred in Karbala on the 10th of Muharram 61 Hijri (680 CE), and to his faithful companions who fell with him.

Ziyarat Ashura is narrated from Imam al-Baqir (peace be upon him) through the reliable chain of narration via Alqamah ibn Muhammad al-Hadrami. It is documented in Kamil al-Ziyarat by Ibn Qulawayh and in Misbah al-Mutahajjid by Shaykh al-Tusi. Imam al-Baqir said to Alqamah: "If you can visit Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) with this ziyarat from nearby, then do so. And if you cannot, then point toward him from afar and recite it."

Ziyarat Ashura contains: greeting to Imam Husayn (peace be upon him), curse (la'n) upon his murderers and oppressors, 100 repetitions of the curse, 100 repetitions of the greeting, a concluding du'a, two rak'ah prayer, and additional du'as. The entire recitation typically takes 30-45 minutes.

Shia scholars attribute immense spiritual reward to Ziyarat Ashura. Imam al-Baqir said: "The one who visits Imam Husayn (peace be upon him) with Ziyarat Ashura for 40 days without interruption, Allah will fulfill every need for him" (Kamil al-Ziyarat). Many Shia Muslims recite it daily as part of their spiritual practice. It is included in Mafatih al-Jinan and available in apps and online. Ziyarat Ashura is not merely a prayer, but an expression of loyalty to Imam Husayn's cause of justice and truth.