Elements of Monotheism in Ziyārat Wārith and Its Impact on the Pilgrim’s Understanding

Exploring Monotheistic Themes and Their Impact in Ziyārat Wārith

الملخص

The fundamental and key principle of religious beliefs is Tawḥīd (monotheism), and acceptance of other beliefs, including imāmate, is based on the acceptance of Tawḥīd. Shīʿa Islam considers the connection between imāmate and Tawḥīd inseparable and believes that entering the fortress of Tawḥīd and being protected from the torment of Hell is impossible without accepting the guardianship of the Imām Maʿṣūm (infallible Imām). The emphasis on visiting the Aʾimma (imāms) is a reflection of this belief, and the Ziyārat prayers are evidence of the belief that the Ahl al-Bayt (the family of the Prophet) are the gates to God and the callers to Tawḥīd. Ziyārat Wārith, as one of the absolute Ziyārats for Imām Ḥusayn, is filled with elements of Tawḥīd and its various levels. These elements have a direct and reciprocal relationship with the pilgrim's theoretical and practical knowledge. From one perspective, the monotheistic elements of this Ziyārat include: divine names and attributes (asmāʾ wa ṣifāt), praise (ḥamd), glorification (tasbīḥ), and exaltation (takbīr) of God, supplication (Duʿāʾ), the act of visiting the Imām, the religious acts performed during the visit, mentioning the sincere monotheists (muwaḥḥidīn) and the bearers of the banner of Tawḥīd, and allegiance (tawallāʾ) and disassociation (tabarrāʾ). This article first explains the monotheistic elements of Ziyārat Wārith and then examines their impact on the pilgrim’s understanding, addressing two fundamental questions: What are the monotheistic elements in Ziyārat Wārith? And what is the impact of these elements on the pilgrim’s knowledge and understanding?