The Shrine and Mausoleum of Imam Hussein (as) is the locus and focal point of the millions of faithful who traverse the great distances from all over the world to partake in his visitation. Ironically, according to Islamic theology, one need only reflect for the briefest moment, from wherever they are on earth and utter the simple invocation of “Asalaamu alayka ya Aba Abdullah” (Peace be upon you oh Aba Abdullah), which is a name attributed to Imam Hussein and immediately their salaams and visitations are recorded for them in heavenly records. Yet despite this simplicity and ease of communication, despite the little needed to gain the favour and intercession of the great Imam (as) with God. For 1400 years, often at great and mortal risk to themselves, most notably in the modern era, from tyrants like Saddam Hussein and the demonic ISIS, who would spill the blood of the lovers of Imam Hussein, in the vilest and most barbaric manner, simply because of their love for him.

Men, women and children, the elderly, the young, the rich and poor, the needy, the sick and all those walking the paths of life and in need of solace and inspiration, come flocking to Imam Hussein. Most arrive in tears, most beating their chests in lamentation. Anecdotally it is often reported by all who are questioned, that they arrive at the shrine shattered for Imam Hussein (as). Shattered for what befell him, the calamities he, his family and companions, endured and untimely succumbed to on the very plains where they now stood.

The one certainty is that no amount of anecdotal, academic or second hand knowledge, can ever prepare a person for the avalanche of emotions that wash over one who makes the journey themselves. There is no scale by which one can measure their experience. In an ocean of millions upon millions, the journey to Imam Hussein (as) will forever be an individual and personal undertaking that is nearly impossible to articulate, but rather one that is only ever understood by the ones fortunate enough to carry the title, “Zaair” or “Zoowar” (Visitor) of Imam Hussein (as).