ABWA Official Website – On the eve of the Arbaeen of Imam Hussain (a.s.) and the participation of the enthusiasts of that Imam (a.s.) on the Arbaeen Walk, the scientific session “Theological Analysis of Ziyarat Arbaeen” was held on Thursday, August 26, 2023, in the conference hall of ABNA News Agency.
In this session, Hojat al-Islam, Dr. Mohammad Ranjbar Hosseini, faculty member of Quran and Hadith University, stated, “Supplications and Ziyarats are Shiite encyclopedias, in which many theological teachings of the Imamiyah school are crystallized. Analyzing the content of these rich Islamic sources provides us with many data.”
Referring to the importance of Ziyarat Arbaeen from the point of view of the Infallibles (a.s.), he said, “According to Imam Hasan Askari (a.s.), a believer has five signs, which are performing 50 rak'ahs of prayer, that is, all obligatory and recommended prayers, reading Ziyarat Arbaeen, putting an agate ring on the right hand, prostrating on the soil, and reciting aloud “بسم الله الرحمن الرحیم” (In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful) in Salah.”
In the explanation of the phrase “وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ الْأَئِمَّةَ مِنْ وُلْدِکَ کَلِمَةُ التَّقْویٰ وَأَعْلامُ الْهُدیٰ” in Ziyarat Arbaeen, Hosseini stated, “In this paragraph, Imam Hassan Askari (a.s.) refers to his ancestor, Imam Hussain (a.s.) and testifies that the Imamate is from his generation. He goes on to say that the Imam is a symbol and banner of guidance. In the analysis of this paragraph, it should be said that the reason for the creation of different sects and denominations, as well as numerous deviations from the path of guidance, is the distance of Muslims from the AhlulBayt (a.s.), the fact which is mentioned in the sayings of other Imams (a.s.).”
In explaining the phrase “وَالْحُجَّةُ عَلَیٰ أَهْلِ الدُّنْیا”, a faculty member of the University of Quran and Hadith stated, “In the system of Shiite theological beliefs, the earth is never empty of God’s Hujjat (proof). Imam Hassan Askari (a.s.) also introduced AhlulBayt (a.s.) as proof for all people, not only for Shiites and Muslims. In all supplications and Ziyarats, especially the Ziyarat Jamia Kabira, which is considered a manifesto of Imamate discussions, this important issue has been emphasized.”
Regarding the Infallible Imam (a.s.) as Hujja (proof) of God, he added, “In the Shiite religious discussions, we believe in the formative Wilayah (guardianship) of Imams (a.s.). That is, as long as the earth is not free from God’s proof, the whole world will move around its orbit, and the earth is firm and established by the presence of divine proofs. Therefore, the existence of God’s proof in the world is certain. But, currently, the proof of God and the Imam of the Time (a.s.) is absent, but his influence is present in the whole world.”
Referring to the phrase “وَأَشْهَدُ أَنِّی بِکُمْ مُؤْمِنٌ و َبِإِیابِکُمْ مُوقِنٌ” in Ziyarat Arbaeen, Hosseini stated, “Imam Hassan Askari (a.s.) testifies: “I am a believer in you, and I believe in your Return.” This sentence refers to the exclusive belief of the Shia, namely “رجعة” (Raj'a or returning). In the Shite belief system, Raj'a means the return to the life of Shiites, including Imam Hussain (a.s.), which will occur before the Day of Judgment or Resurrection. Some Sunnis also admit this. “Returning” or “Raj'a” to this world life may be intellectually unlikely. But since it was narrated by a truthful informant, it is proof for us and we believe it, even if we do not understand exactly the quality of this matter.”
Referring to the fact that the Infallibles (a.s.) were selected from humans, the faculty member of the University of Quran and Hadith stated, “In the Quran and the texts of Shiite supplications, it is pointed out that the Imams (a.s.) are God’s selected and chosen ones among humans so that they can play the role of “حبل المتین” (Habl al-Matin or Strong Rope) and “العروة الوثقی” (Urwa al-Wuthqa or firmest handle or trustworthy hand-hold).”
About the characteristics of the Infallible Imams (a.s.), he said, “Infallibility is the first characteristic of the Imam so that his words and actions can be fully trusted and relied upon. The second characteristic is family nobility and purity of lineage. So that if the Imam’s family is infamous (God forbid), it will cause the followers to lose their trust in him.”
Concluding his words, Ranjbar Hosseini said, “Supplications and Ziyarats, especially those in which the Infallibles (a.s.) address another Imam, contain transcendental and pure teachings, from the analysis of which valuable points can be obtained. In Ziyarat Arbaeen, Imam Hassan Askari (a.s.) addresses his ancestor Imam Hussain (a.s.) and mentions notes like the Imam is the proof of God and his chosen one, his lineage, and his Raj'a (Returning).”
**************
End/ 345
