In addition to the holy cities of Makkah-al-Mukarramah and Madinah-al-Munawwarah, the Shia sect of Islam holds the cities of Al Najaf al-Ashraf and Karbala al-Muqaddisah in utmost reverence, where the former enshrines the grave of Amir al-Mumineen, Ali (as). This is the third holiest site for 200 million Shia followers. Next to the grave of Ali (as) are the graves of Adam (as) and Nuh (as). The Shrine of Moula Abal Fadl al-Abbas Ibn Ali (as) is the second sacred place in Karbala after the Shrine of Al Imam al-Husayn (as) in Karbala, the burial place of the heroic son of Amir al-Mumineen Ali (as), and the half-brother of Moula Abi Abdillah Al Imam al-Husayn (as). It is located close to the Shrine of Al Imam al-Husayn ibn Ali (as) which is the most sanctified site in Karbala al-Muqaddasah. It is revered by the Shia for Ziyarah (pilgrimage) alongside Makkah, Madinah and Najaf. Millions of Zaireen (pilgrims), greater in number than at the annual Haj, visit the city of Karbala al-Muqaddasah every year to observe Aashurah and Arbayeen. Pilgrims, travelers and tourists frequently visit these Mashhad. Zaireen visit the Mashhad of Ahl al-Bayt (as) for Ziyarah and to recite Ziyarah Salaam that symbolizes complete submission of a devotee, with his heart and soul. An extract of the Salaam recited at the time of Ziyarah that carries deep meaning is as follows:
“O Moula al-Husayn! I wish I was in Karbala with you and had been among those Shuhada who sacrificed their lives upon you for your cause and achieved Naj’at.”
One of the great Ash’ab, Sayyiduna Jabir bin Abdullah al-Ansari (ra), taught the significance of the Ziyarah and Salaam such that devotees of Ahl al-Bayt (as) wish to perform Ziyarah at least once in their lives. When a Mumin recites Salaam upon his Moula, they reject the immoral desires of the world. Therefore, Zikr al-Husayn (as) has great importance in the life of a Mumin; indeed, this Salaam is an elixir of eternal life.