Imam Hussain (a.s) is unique and distinguished due to several reasons.
This is evident by the intensified mourning upon him, the established rituals in remembrance of his tragedy and the travelling towards his holy shrine on every important Islamic occasion. The narrations which have been narrated by AhlulBayt (a.s) make great emphasis on the pilgrims of Imam Hussain (a.s) and also on those who maximize their rituals in their love for him (a.s). Such individuals are said to be due unprecedented rewards.
As for the day of Ashuraa', it has been narrated that Imam Hassan (a.s) said to his brother Imam Hussain (a.s): “ There is no day like your day O ’ father of Abdullah ”.
This brings to mind the phrase which a vast majority of people tend to quote: “ Every land is Karbala and every day is Ashuraa ”. This phrase uttered is actually incorrect, since it contradicts what has been narrated from the infallibles (a.s), in that, “ There is no land like Karbala and no day similar to Ashuraa ” .
As for the land of Karbala, It has been narrated from Imam al Sadiq (a.s): “ The land of the Ka'ba said: “ Which land is like me? For the house of Allah has been built on me; people come towards me from far distances and I have been made the shrine of Allah and his safe place. Allah Almighty then addressed it stating: Enough and keep quiet, the grace of what you have been favored with is like a drop on a needle that has been placed into the ocean and lifted up from the ocean of grace that I have favored Karbala with. And if it was not for the soil of Karbala I would have not favored you and if it was not for whom Karbala had embraced [i.e. Imam Hussain (a.s)] I would not have created you or the house you have prided yourself with (the Ka'ba above you). Therefore, calm down, do not utter and be obedient, humble and submissive toward the land of Karbala.”
It has also been narrated in a long hadith from the Messenger of Allah Almighty (saww), that he stated: “ Karbala…it is the best part of the earth, and of greatest sanctity. ”
Therefore the duty of the believers is that they increase their efforts for the sake of spreading the imperishable teachings of Karbala and the establishment of the rituals of Imam Hussain (a.s), along with enduring hardships and difficulties, the same way the believers had endured them in the past; since Allah Almighty deals with whatever is related to Imam Hussain (a.s) in a very special manner.
Throughout history, the Eminent Islamic Shi'i Jurisdictions adhered to the values of Ashuraa'. An example of these Eminent Islamic Jurisdictions is the sacred Jurisdiction of the honorable Shirazi family, who specifically, in the past two decades have revived the matter of Imam Hussain (a.s) due to their devotion and love for him (a.s) and are thus acknowledged for their piety and sincerity.
The Grand Islamic Authority and Jurist late Imam Sayid Mohammad Shirazi (May Allah Almighty elevate his statuses) along with the current Marj'a Taqlid of the Shi'a world, The Grand Islamic Authority and Jurist Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Shirazi, have constantly emphasized the importance of reviving the principles of Karbala and the values of Ashuraa' in every instant. The two eminent jurists have and still urge for the revival of the rituals and the establishment of mourning gatherings upon the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (a.s). This is a reality that is most certainly sensed through their various valuable publications and writings.
This booklet between your hands is a compilation of questions that have been directed to The Eminent Grand Islamic Authority Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Hussaini Shirazi along with their answers, teachings and phrases that have been translated for the benefit of Muslims residing in Western and English speaking countries. This booklet also includes various religious enquiries which have been forwarded to his eminence in the same respect.
I ask Allah Almighty to include us in His absolute bounty, and to rescue us from His indignation and wrath that He has placed upon those that opposed, oppose or shall oppose Imam Hussain (a.s) and his rituals. May He (swt) help the believers to be from amongst those who encourage the establishment of Hussaini rituals and bestow upon them enough strength to endure hardships and difficulties in the path of Imam Hussain (a.s).
And May the peace and blessings be bestowed upon the Noble Prophet and Messenger Mohammad (saww) and upon his pure progeny.
Source:
SECRETS BEHIND VISITING KARBALA
The Eminent Grand Islamic Authority and Jurist Ayatollah Sayid Sadiq Hussaini Shirazi
Presented and Translated by: Brother Tawhidi
[Vol. 1 - P. 8-10].
