Ziyarat
Ziyarat Arbaeen: meaning and significance
Ziyarat Arbaeen is a specific salutation to Imam Hussain (as), recited especially on the fortieth day after Ashura. It is one of the most beloved and widely recited ziyarat in the Shia tradition — a text that puts into words why millions make the journey to Karbala.
What is Ziyarat Arbaeen?
A ziyarat is a salutation or visitation — words of greeting, love and allegiance addressed to one of the sacred figures of Islam. Ziyarat Arbaeen is the particular ziyarat associated with the day of Arbaeen (the 20th of Safar), addressed to Imam Hussain (as). Pilgrims recite it at his shrine in Karbala, and believers recite it from anywhere in the world.
Where it comes from
Ziyarat Arbaeen is narrated from Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq (as), reported by his companion Safwan ibn Mihran al-Jammal. It has been transmitted in the classical books of supplication and preserved and recited for centuries.
One of the signs of a believer
In a well-known narration attributed to Imam Hasan al-Askari (as), the signs of a believer are given as five — among them the recitation of Ziyarat Arbaeen. That a single ziyarat is counted alongside the daily prayers speaks to the place it holds in the tradition, and to why the fortieth day carries such weight.
What the ziyarat expresses
The words of Ziyarat Arbaeen bear witness to why Imam Hussain (as) stood at Karbala. It affirms that he gave everything — his life and his blood — so that people might be freed from ignorance and misguidance, and guided back to truth and sincere worship. It is a declaration of love and loyalty to him and to the family of the Prophet, and of disavowal of those who wronged them. In a few lines, it captures the meaning that the whole pilgrimage is walked to honour. To understand the events it points back to, read what Arbaeen is and the story of Karbala.
When and how it is recited
Ziyarat Arbaeen is recited above all on the day of Arbaeen, the 20th of Safar, but it may be recited on any day. Many believers face towards Karbala when reciting it from afar. It is often accompanied by two units of prayer (salat al-ziyarat) offered as a gift to the Imam.
Reading the full text
For the complete Arabic text, transliteration and translation — to read and recite in full — see our spiritual resources, and refer to a trusted book of supplications or your local religious authority so that the words are recited accurately.
Planning to be in Karbala for Arbaeen? See when Arbaeen falls this year, the Karbala guide, and how to plan your journey.