FORWARD
We thank God the Almighty for the opportunity granted to us to undertake the preparation of IMAM REZA'S PILGRIMAGE PROCEDURES AND PRAYERS. Imam Reza (MGB)
1 is the eighth Immaculate Leader of Muslims from the progeny of Muhammad the Prophet of God (MGB). Imam Ali ibn Musa known as al-Reza was also known as Abal-Hassan. He was born in Medina on Thursday, 11th Dhu'l Qi'dah 148 A.H. (765 A.D.). He was poisoned by alMa'mun at the age of 55 in Mashhad on Tuesday, 7th Saffar 203 A.H. (818 A.D.) and buried in Mashhad.
Imam Reza (MGB) was brought up under the holy guidance of his father for 35 years. His own insight and brilliance in religious matters combined with the excellent training and education given by his father made him unique in his spiritual leadership. Imam Reza (MGB) was a living example of the piety of the great Prophet Muhammad (MGB) and the chivalry and generosity of Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib (MGB).
In this book we have presented several traditions regarding the nobility of the pilgrimage to the Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (MGB) and two authentic pilgrimage procedures and
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1 MGB stands for May God Bless Him or May God Bless Him and his Household.
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prayers from Sheikh Sadooq's book Uyun Akhbar al-Reza, the first of which was quoted on the authority of Muhammad ibn al-Hassan - may God be pleased with him. The second one was quoted on the authority of Imam Reza (MGB). We have also included a third pilgrimage prayer called Ziyarat-i-Jame'a Kabeere that is an authentic pilgrimage prayer recorded by Sheikh Sadooq in his books Man La Yahzorohul Faqih and Uyoon Akhbar al-Reza. Sheikh Toosi has also quoted it in his book Tahzibul Ahkam. Concerning this pilgrimage prayer, Allamah Majlisi has said: "Ziyarat-i-Jame'a is authentic from the aspect of the chain of narrators. It is eloquent and has an expressive text that makes it the best pilgrimage prayer."
1 This pilgrimage prayer was taught by Imam Ali Naqi (MGB) to his companion Musa ibn Imran an-Nakha'ee upon Musa's personal request. We hope that the readers benefit from this book and pray for our salvation.
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1 Bihar-ul-Anwar, vol. 102, p. 144.
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Love Prayers
(Originally in Farsi)
Greetings my dear1 who are so honored
Who are in constant contact with the Image of the Mirror2
You are the stranger in the Town of Heart and there is turmoil
to see you You have a tribe of divine lovers attached to your hair
Do not blame me for entering the shrine in a rush
You are used to my stubbornness for many years now
I continually fly around your shrine
Since you smell and look better than jasmines
You have many white and colored flocks of doves
Flying around you and making sounds
Do you not want a dove as black as the night?
I am dead drunk as long as you are holding the cup
O the pure flowing water - help me since Iam thirsty
I am so thirsty as if I am in a desert. Would you kindly quench
my thirst?
I am eager to be blamed for wickedness
You have many like me along your river
I have sinned and now I hug you
Cleansed you are whom the filthy seek
I wish to attend the weeping behind your back
You are my source of honor since you face the Qibla
(Reza1) come and say two units of law prayers
Now that you have made ablutions with your lover's wine.
Reza Rezaie
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1 Refers to Imam Reza (MGB).
2 Refers to God.
3 Refers to the author of this poem.
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Reza's Lovers
We are all Reza's1 lovers; In his love we are known to everyone;
We are all Reza's lovers; We shall all gather in his court;
We are all Reza's lovers; From far distances we come to see him;
We are all Reza's lovers; We come to circumambulate around his shrine;
We are all Reza's lovers; We are all enthusiastic to see him;
We are all Reza's lovers; We have no friends but him in this world;
We are all Reza's lovers; We have piece of mind due to you;
We are all Reza's lovers; We ask him for the fulfillment of all our needs;
We are all Reza's lovers; We accompany Reza in expressing love for the One to be worshipped;
We are all Reza's lovers; We cannot sleep due to our love for Reza;
We are all Reza's lovers; We are Reza's friends in the court of the Lord.
Talat June Peiravi
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1 Referring to Imam Reza (MGB).
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Master of the Shrine
O the Master of the Holy Shrine
You are the Majestic and the Divine
O the Gem of Muhammad's Crown
You are the light of God in our town
O the golden hands that fly
Above the sick and those who cry
O the saviour of the deer
People love you so sincere
O the shining star of the sky
You are always out there so high
O the source of light in the believer's heart
You are always shining there so bright
O the shining face in my eye
I cannot stand to tell you goodbye
O the preacher of the Holy Book
Tell me the words and catch me on your hook
O the rain of peace and glory
Your life is filled with many a story.
Talat June Peiravi
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On the Nobility of the Pilgrimage to the Shrine of Imam Reza (MGB)1
In the Name of Allah, Most Beneficent, Most Merciful
There are many traditions about the nobility of and the procedures for the pilgrimage to the shrine of our Master - leader of the people and the genies - Abul Hassan Ali ibn Musa al-Reza who is of the flesh and blood of the Master of the Mortals.
2 He (Reza) is buried in the land of loneliness. May God's blessings be upon him (who is the leader towards guidance), and blessings be upon his forefathers and his progeny. The nobility of pilgrimage to the shrine of that Blessed Leader is beyond measure. It will suffice to mention a few reliable traditions here about this nobility.
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1 Koliat Mafatih al-Jinan, Haj Sheikh Abbas Qummi. For completeness, some of the traditions cited here are presented in a more complete form than they appear in Mafatih al-Jinan.
2 Referring to the Prophet Muhammad (MGB).
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1- Muhammad ibn Ibrahim ibn Ishaq al-Taliqani - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Abdul Aziz ibn Yahya quoted on the authority of Muhammad ibn Zakariya, on the authority of Ja'far ibn Muhammad ibn Am'mareh, on the authority of his father, on the authority of Ja'far ibn Muhammad, on the authority of his father, on the authority of his forefathers, on the authority of the Commander of the Faithful Ali (MGB) that God's Prophet (MGB) said:
"Soon one of my own flesh and blood will be buried in the land of Khorasan. Any believer who goes on pilgrimage to his shrine will be rewarded by God. Heaven will be guaranteed for him and his body will be secure from the Fire of Hell."1
2 - Ahmad ibn Zyad ibn Ja'far al-Hamezani - may God be pleased with him - narrated that Ali ibn Ibrahim ibn Hashim quoted on the authority of Muhammad ibn Isa ibn Ubayd, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Soleiman
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1 Uyun Akhbar al-Reza, vol. 2, Tradition No. 66-4.
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al-Misri, on the authority of his father, on the authority of Ibrahim ibn Abi Hajar al-Aslami, on the authority of Qabisat, on the authority of Jabir ibn Yazid al-Joafi: "I heard the Trustee of the Trustees, the inheritor of the Prophets' knowledge - Aba Ja'far Muhammad ibn Ali ibn al-Hussein ibn Ali ibn Abi Talib (MGB)1 say: The Master of the Worshippers, Ali ibn al-Hussein2 narrated that the Master of the Martyrs al-Hussein ibn Ali quoted the Master of the Trustees - the Commander of the Faithful - Ali ibn Abi Talib, on the authority of God's Prophet (MGB):
"One of my own flesh and blood will be buried in Khorasan. God the High will surely remove the sorrows of any sorrowful person who goes on pilgrimage to his shrine. God will surely forgive the sins of any sinful person who goes on pilgrimage to his shrine."3
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1 Imam Bagir (MGB).
2 Imam Sajjad (MGB).
3 Uyun Akhbar al-Reza, vol. 2, Tradition No. 66-14.
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3- Ja'far ibn Muhammad ibn Masroor -may God be pleased with him-narrated that al-Hussein ibn Muhammad ibn A'mir quoted on the authority of his uncle Abdullah ibn A'mir, on the authority of Soleiman ibn Hafs al-Marvazi who said that he heard Aba'l-Hasan Musa ibn Ja'far (MGB) say:
"God the Most High will grant anyone who goes on pilgrimage to the shrine of my son Ali the reward of seventy accepted pilgrimages to the Ka'ba."1
He was asked: "The reward of seventy accepted pilgrimages to the Ka'ba?" The Imam (MGB) said: "Yes. The reward of seventy-thousand pilgrimages to the Ka'ba!" He replied:
"Yes. There are many occasions on which one's pilgrimage to the Ka'ba may not be accepted. When someone goes on pilgrimage to him2 or spends one night next to him, it is as if he has gone on the pilgrimage to God the Most High at His Throne."
He was asked: "The reward is like going on the pilgrimage to God at His Throne?" He replied:
"Yes. When the Resurrection Day comes, there will be four of the previous and four of the latest leaders present at the Throne of the High God. Those of the previous leaders will be Noah (MGB), Abraham (MGB), Moses (MGB) and Jesus (MGB). And those of the latest
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1 The Hajj.
2 Imam Reza (MGB).
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leaders will be Muhammad (MGB), Ali (MGB), Hassan (MGB) and Hussein (MGB). Then a rope will be extended out from the base of the Throne and those who have gone on pilgrimage to the shrines of the Immaculate Imams will sit there along with us."1 Indeed those who have gone on pilgrimage to the shrine of my son Ali will have the highest rank there and will receive the greatest rewards."2
4- Ahmad ibn al-Hassan al-Qatan, Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Ibrahim al-Laythi, Muhammad ibn Ibrahim
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1 Members of the Holy Household of the Prophet (MGB).
2 Uyun Akhbar al-Reza, vol. 2, Tradition No. 66-20.
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ibn Ishaq al-Mokat'tib al-Taliqani and Muhammad ibn Bikran al-Naq'qash narrated that Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Sa'eed al-Hamedani, the servant of the Hashimites, quoted on the authority of Ali ibn al-Hassan ibn Ali ibn Faz'zal, on the authority of his father, on the authority of Abil-Hassan Ali ibn Musa al-Reza (MGB):
"There is a shrine in Khorasan where angels come and go. All the time, a group of angels will be landing there from the sky, and another group will be departing from there to go to the heavens. This will continue forever until the Trumpet is sounded."1
He was asked: "O son of the Prophet of God! Whose shrine is that?" He replied:
"It is located in the land of Toos. And by God it is a garden - one of the gardens of Heaven. Whoever visits me there in that shrine, it is as if he has visited God's Prophet (MGB). God the Most High will record for him the reward of one thousand accepted obligatory pilgrimages to the Ka'ba, and one thousand accepted 'Umrah (supererogatory) pilgrimages to the Ka'ba. Also my forefathers and I will intercede on his behalf on the Resurrection Day."2
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1 This refers to the coming of the Judgment Day when "The Day that the Trumpet shall be sounded, and ye shall come forth in crowds" [The Holy Quran Nabaa 78:18].
2 Uyun Akhbar al-Reza, vol. 2, Tradition No. 66-5
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5- Muhammad ibn al-Hassan ibn Ahmad ibn al-Walid may God be pleased with him-narrated that Muhammad ibn al-Hassan al-Saffar quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Isa, on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Abi Nasr alBazanti according to which Abi Nasr narrated that he read a letter from Imam Reza (MGB) in which it was written:
"Let my followers know that God considers visiting my shrine to be like one thousand pilgrimages (to the Ka'ba)."
Then he went to Imam Muhammad Taqi (MGB) and asked him about this issue. The Imam (MGB) said:
"Yes. By God. There is the reward of one million pilgrimages to the Ka'ba for anyone who visits his
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shrine and recognizes his rightfulness."1
6- Ali ibn Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn al-Imran alDaq'qaq, Muhammad ibn Ahmad al-Sanani, Ali ibn Abdullah al-Var'raq and Hussein ibn Ibrahim ibn Husham al-Mokat'tib-may God be pleased with them-narrated that Muhammad ibn Abi Abdullah al-Koofi alAsadi quoted on the authority of Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Saleh al-Razi, on the authority of Himdan al-Divani that al-Reza (MGB) said:
"Whoever visits me in spite of the far distance to my tomb, I will come to save him on the Resurrection Day on three occasions until I liberate him from his terrors: when the Letters of Deeds are handed to his right and left hands, at the moment of his crossing the Bridge, and at the time when the Balance of Deeds is set up."2
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1 Uyun Akhbar al-Reza, vol. 2, Tradition No. 66-10.
2 Uyun Akhbar al-Reza, vol. 2, Tradition No. 66-2.
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7- Muhammad ibn Ali Majiloyeh-may God be pleased with him-narrated that Ali ibn Ibrahim ibn Hashim quoted on the authority of his father, on the authority of Abdis-Salam ibn Saleh al-Heravi that he heard al-Reza (MGB) say:
"I shall be killed by poison as a victim of injustice and I will be buried next to Haroon. God will establish my grave as the place of visiting for my followers and those who love me. It will be incumbent upon me to visit on the Resurrection Day whoever visits me in my loneliness. By Him who honored Muhammad (MGB) with the Prophetic mission and chose him over all His creatures, whichever one of you who says two units of prayer next to my tomb will deserve to be forgiven by God the Honored the Exalted on the Day you meet Him. And by Him who honored us with the leadership mission after Muhammad (MGB) and made us especial by granting us the Testamentary Trustee mission, whoever visits my shrine will be of the noblest ones who reaches God on the Resurrection Day. God the Most High will prohibit the Fire from touching the corpse of any believer who visits me, hits himself on the face and sheds a tear,"
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8- Ja'far ibn Ali ibn al-Hussein ibn Ali ibn Abdullah ibn al-Moqayrat al-Koofi-may God be pleased with him-narrated that his grandfather al-Hussein ibn Ali quoted on the authority of al-Hussein ibn Yusuf, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Aslam, on the authority of Muhammad ibn Soleiman:
"I asked Aba Ja'far Muhammad ibn Ali al-Reza (MGB) about a man who has gone to perform his obligatory pilgrimage and has then gone to perform his 'Umrah (supererogatory) pilgrimage, and God the Most High has granted him success in performing both his obligatory and his supererogatory 'Umrah pilgrimages. Then he has gone to Medina and has expressed his submission to Islam to the Prophet (MGB). Then he has gone to visit your forefather - the Commander of the Faithful (MGB) - knowing that he is rightfully the Proof of God for His creatures, and the gate from which we must go to Him"
1.
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1 God.
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Then he has greeted him. Then he has gone to visit Aba Abdullah al-Hussein ibn Ali (MGB), and has greeted him. Then he has gone to Baghdad and greeted Abil Hassan Musa (MGB). Then he has gone back to his hometown. If once again God the Most High has granted him the opportunity to go on pilgrimage, pilgrimage to whom is better under these conditions? Should he who has already performed his Hajj pilgrimage go on pilgrimage to the Ka'ba, or should he turn towards Khorasan to greet and visit the shrine of your father Ali ibn Musa al-Reza (MGB)." He replied:
"Yes. It is better for him to go towards Khorasan to greet my father (MGB). However, this should be done in the month of Rajab. It is not appropriate for him to do this now. Indeed if he does so, both you and I will be blamed by the ruler."
1
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1 Uyun Akhbar al-Reza, vol. 2, Tradition No. 66-15.
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9- Abu Ja'far Muhammad ibn Ali al-Reza (MGB) said:
"There is a piece of land taken from Heaven in between two mountains at Toos. Whoever enters it will be secure from the Fire on the Resurrection Day."1
10- He also said:
"I guarantee Heaven on behalf of God the Honorable the Exalted to anyone who visits the shrine of my father at Toos."
2
11- Abu Ali Muhammad ibn Ahmad ibn Muhammad ibn Yahya al-Mo'azi al-Neishaboori narrated that Abul Hassan Ali ibn Ahmad ibn Ali al-Basri al-Mo'adil said: "One of the good-doers saw the Prophet of God (MGB)
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1 Man La-Yahzaro ul-Faqih, vol. 2, Traditions No. 3185.
2 Man La-Yahzaro ul-Faqih, vol. 2, Tradition No. 3186.
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in his dream. He asked the Prophet (MGB): Prophet of God! Which of your offspring should I go to visit?" The Prophet (MGB) said: "A few of my offspring who have been poisoned have come to me. Also a feel' of my offspring who have been murdered have come to me."
Then he asked: "O Prophet of God! Given the great distances between their shrines (or locations), which one of them do you recommend me to go and visit?"
The Prophet (MGB) said: "Visit the one who is closest to you - that is whom you are near to - and is buried in the land of loneliness."
Then he asked: "O Prophet of God! Do you mean al-Reza (MGB)?"
God's Prophet (MGB) said: "Say: 'God's blessings be upon him.' Say: 'God's blessings be upon hint' three times."1
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1 Uyun Akhbar al-Reza, vol. 2, Tradition No. 69-5.
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PROCEDURES OF THE PILGRIMAGE
Before You Leave Your Hometown
Whenever you intend to visit (Imam) al-Reza (MGB) in Toos, then perform the ritual bath before you leave your house
1 and say the following while you are performing the ritual bath:
Allaahumma T'ahhirnee wa-T'ahhir Qalbee Wa'shrah' Lee S'adree Wa'ajri "Alaa Lisaanee Midh'atika Wa-Ththanaa'i "Alayka Fa'innahoo Laa H'awla wa Laa Quwwata Illaa Bika.
Allaahumma-J'alhu Lee T'ahooran wa-Shifaa'a(n)
"O God! Please cleanse me, and cleanse my heart! (Please) 'expand my breast2, and let Thy praise and eulogy flow out
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1 In your hometown.
2 See verse 9:25 of the Holy Quran. The breast is reputed to be the seat of knowledge and affections. The gift of the highest spiritual insight is being asked for. The Prophet Muhammad (MGB) was asked about the meaning of this verse when it was revealed. He said: "It is a light that is lit in a believer's heart which leads to his enlightenment." Then he was asked: "Are there any signs for this?" He replied: "Yes. The signs are an attachment to the Eternal Abode, detachment from this world and being prepared for death when it arrives." [Majmaul Bayan vol.4, p.363].
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from my tongue since indeed there is no power but in Thee. O God! Please establish it as a means of cleansing and treatment for me."
Say the following as you leave your house:
Bismil-laahir-Rah'maanir-Rah'eem. Bismillaahi wa-Billaahi wa Ilal-laahi wa-Ilab-ni Rasoolil-Laahi H'asbiyal-laahu Tawakkaltu Allaahumma Ilayka Tawajjahtu wa Ilayka Qas'adtu wa-Maa 'Indaka Aradtu.
"In the name of God, the Beneficent, the Merciful. In the name of God. By God, I turn to God and towards the son of God's Prophet. God suffices me, and I rely on God. O God! I have set out to Thee. And I have decided (to get) what is near Thee."
When you go out stop at the door of your house and say:
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Allaahumma Ilayka Wajjahtu Wajhee Wa'alayka Khallaftu
Ahlee wa-Maalee wa-Waladee wa-Maa Khawwaltanee wa-Bika
Wathigtu Falaa Tukhayyibnee Yaa Man Laa Yukhayyabu Man
Araadahu wa-Laa Yud'ayya'u Man H'afizhahu S'alli 'Alaa
Muh'ammadin wa-Aali Muh'ammadin wa-Hfazhnee Bi
H'ifzhika fa-Innahoo Laa Yad'ee'u Man H'afizht(a).
"O God! I have turned my face towards Thee. And I have left behind my family, wealth and whatever Thee have granted me. I have trusted Thee. Then (please) do not turn me into a loser, O the One who would not make a loser anyone whom Thee wish, and will not ruin whatever he possesses. Blessings be upon Muhammad and Muhammad's Household (MGB). And (please) guard me under Thy custody since nothing that Thee guard gets ruined."
When You Want to Visit the Shrine:
Then whenever you want to go to visit,
1 perform the ritual bathing and while you are bathing say:
Allaahumma T'ahhirnee wa-T'ahhir Qalbee Wa'shrah' Lee S'adree wa-Ajri 'Alaa Lisaanee Mid-h'atika wa-Mah'abbatika
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1 The Holy Shrine of Imam Reza (MGB) from your place of residence in Mashhad.
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wa'th-Thanaa7 'Alayka fa-Innahoo Laa Quwwata Illaa bika wa-qad 'A limtu Anna Qiwaama Deenee al-Tasleemu li-Amrika walit-Tibaa'u Li-Sunnati Nabiyyika wash-Shahaadatu 'Alaa Jamee'i Khalqika. Allaahumma-J'alhu Lee Shifaa'an wa-Nooran Innaka 'Alaa Kulli Shay'in Qadeer.
"O God! Please cleanse me, and cleanse my heart! (Please) 'expand my breast"; and let Thy praise, love and eulogy flow out from my tongue since indeed there is no power but in Thee. I have indeed realized that the strength of my religion depends upon my submission to Thy decrees, and the following of Thy Prophet's traditions, and bearing witness (to this) for all Thy creatures. O God! Please establish it as a means of healing for me, and as a light, since Thee are capable of all things."
Then put on your cleanest clothes.
