Prayers & Ziyarat of Ashura
Marking the Day
The days of Muharram — and Ashura above all — are kept with recitation, salutation and mourning. These are some of the devotions traditionally observed by the followers of the Ahl al-Bayt. Full texts are available on Al-Islam.org.
Ziyarat Ashura
The central salutation of the day — a recited greeting to Imam Husayn that renews loyalty to him and the Ahl al-Bayt and disavows those who wronged them. Many recite it each day through the first ten days of Muharram.
Ziyarat al-Warith
A salutation naming Husayn the heir (warith) of the prophets — Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses and Jesus — and of Muhammad and Ali. It is recited at his shrine and from afar.
Dua Alqama
A supplication recited after Ziyarat Ashura, asking God by the right of Husayn to grant needs and the intercession of the Ahl al-Bayt.
Ziyarat Arba'een
Recited on the fortieth day after Ashura — one of the signs of a believer. It retells the purpose of Husayn’s sacrifice: to rescue people from ignorance and misguidance.
Elegies & Mourning (Latmiyya)
Poetry recited in the majalis that retells Karbala and moves the gathering to tears — the living tradition of grief that keeps the memory of Husayn alive.
Deeds of the Day
On Ashura believers set aside worldly pursuits and joy, devote the day to mourning and the ziyarat, offer one another condolences for Imam Husayn, and give food and water in charity in memory of the thirst of Karbala.