Shrine of Imam Hussain (as) in Karbala
Spiritual preparation

Ziyarat Ashura and Ziyarat Warith

Two of the most recited Ziyarats of Imam Hussain (as). What they mean, when they are recited, and etiquette when you stand at the Haram in Karbala.

Guide · Updated 27 October 2026

Ziyarat Ashura

Ziyarat Ashura is a salutation to Imam Hussain (as) narrated from Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (as) in Kamil al-Ziyarat and other early sources. It sends peace upon Imam Hussain (as), his family and his companions, renews the pilgrim’s loyalty to the Ahlul Bayt (as), and dissociates from those who wronged them.

Many believers recite it daily, especially during Muharram and Safar, and it can be recited from anywhere in the world, facing toward Karbala.

السَّلامُ عَلَى الحُسَيْنِ، وَعَلَى عَلِيِّ بْنِ الحُسَيْنِ، وَعَلَى أوْلادِ الحُسَيْنِ، وَعَلَى أصْحابِ الحُسَيْنِ
Peace be upon Hussain, upon Ali son of Hussain, upon the children of Hussain, and upon the companions of Hussain.

Ziyarat Warith

Ziyarat Warith, narrated from Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (as), greets Imam Hussain (as) as the inheritor (warith) of the Prophets: Adam, Nuh, Ibrahim, Musa and Isa (as), and of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and Imam Ali (as). It is the Ziyarat most often recited by pilgrims standing at the Haram itself.

Etiquette at the Haram

  • Perform ghusl for Ziyarat before visiting, if you can.
  • Wear clean, modest clothes and approach with humility.
  • Seek permission to enter (Idhn al-Dukhul) at the door.
  • Recite the Ziyarat, then pray two rak’at of Ziyarat namaz.
  • Remember those who asked you to pray for them.

On KBM Tours trips, the group recites Ziyarat Warith and Ziyarat Ashura together at the Haram in Karbala.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

Who narrated Ziyarat Ashura?

It is narrated from Imam Muhammad al-Baqir (as), recorded in Kamil al-Ziyarat and other early sources.

Can Ziyarat Ashura be recited from home?

Yes. Many believers recite it daily from anywhere in the world, facing toward Karbala.

What is Ziyarat Warith?

A Ziyarat of Imam Hussain (as), narrated from Imam Jafar al-Sadiq (as), that greets him as the inheritor of the Prophets.

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