It is no coincidence or surprise that the above image is called Heaven’s Gate. It was not meant as a play on words or a clever attempt to rouse imagination or metaphor or even simile. To millions of Muslims world‐wide, this archway or gate is indeed the opening to Heaven, the proverbial gate or portal.

The Shrine of Imam Hussein (as) does not only serve as the physical abode of his worldly, purified body, but as a place for one to gain the great Imams intercession with the Almighty Allah SWT. It is widely narrated in Islamic texts that great sin would be incurred by the one who does not leave the shrine of Imam Hussein (as) on the day of Arbaeem, adamant that their worldly sins had been forgiven, that their slate is wiped clean.

Imam Hussein (as) is said to be for all humanity, a beacon of truth, justice and sacrifice. Beloved by the Prophet and Allah. Though not due to his filial relationship with the prophet but rather because he is chosen by god to hold the position he occupies in the hearts and minds of the believers and the station that he commands in heaven itself.

To walk through the heavenly gates of the shrine of Imam Hussein (as) and stand cluthing the mausoleum, whilst crying, on the day of Arbaeen, is something that cannot be articulated in this passage and nor can it be captured in photographs and nor can it be understood through the experiences of other.

All that can be hoped for is that we all get the chance to experience the undefinable majesty, perfection and euphoria of what is truly “Heavens Gate”