When a Shia knows Imam Husain right over the people and leaves his house for Imam's ziarat in this condition, without any pride and conceit, then a 1,000 angels accompany him from the right, with another 1,000 angels on the left. And he will be rewarded as if he has performed 1,000 Hajj and 1,000 Umrah with a prophet or with the successor of a prophet.” (Behar ul Anwar, vol 101, pg 91, tradition 33)
Most people who have embarked on the journey to Karbala have mentioned that the experience cannot be described in words.
Below are tips and guidance that will facilitate your journey.
Total Distance
80 Km
Total Number of Poles
1452 Poles
Distance Between Each Poles
50 meters [20 Poles = 1 Km]
Approx. Walking Time Required
20 to 25 hours
Estimated Time to Reach the Destination
2-3 Days
Preferred Start Time
17th Safar - After Fajr – 6:45 AM
Expected Completion Time (InshaAllah)
19th Safar – Noon – 12 PM
Who Can Do This?
Anyone (Male/Female/Families)
Now this walk is usually completed by walking for 3 days and resting for the 2 nights in between – this way the physical challenge is well accepted by the body and one is able to perform the required prayers, ziaraat and duas without problems in Karbala upon reaching there.
For the past several years, the weather has been fairly cold at nights so be sure to grab long sleeve apparel and maybe even a jacket.
It is very important to have proper footwear, special walking shoes preferred.
Be light. ANY weight /bag on you will be a bother. You really do not need much other than some extra clothes and money as everything is free food, shelter, sanitation facilities, mobile phone charging, local and international calls, medical care, body & leg massage, tailoring facilities, shoe polishing service, laundry, etc.
Directions from Najaf to Karbala:
Had towards Bab-e-Tousi (Opposite to Bab-e-Qibla) and start walking straight towards Wadi-us-Salam Cemetery. Keep walking straight and you will eventually get to the Highway, turn left, where hundreds of thousands of people will be walking towards Karbala – Join them and you will reach Holy Shrine of al-Abbas after about 75 Km. at Pole # 1452.
Landmarks (Poles):
Pole # 578 City of Haidariya - Haidariya Hospital
Pole # 647 Proper Permanent Washrooms
Pole # 1066 Imam Hassan Pilgrims’ City - Washrooms, Mosque, Rest Area etc.
Pole # 1285 Checking Checkpost - Entrance of Karbala
Pole # 1294 [Optional] Turn Right - Shortcut – After about 4 Km - Poles will again start from 1404 (Most People Do Take this Shortcut)
Pole # 1404 First Sight of the Holy Shrine of Abbas - People who turned right at 1294 will reunite here
Recommended Stops
Spend the 1st Night in a Moukkab somewhere between Poles 400-500. Spend the 2nd Night in a Moukkab somewhere between Poles 1000-1100.You should take stops after every 100 or so poles to re-group with family/friends and take a rest of 5-10 minutes to ease your muscles.
Walking Notes:
Start walking after Fajr and stop walking at Maghrib. Don’t over-stretch yourself during the walk. Take a rest, when required. After Maghrib Prayer, get a place to sleep in one of the Camps or Hussainiyah - There are thousands, so you don't have to worry much.
Belongings' Notes:
Try not to get too much weight with you. Don't take anything to eat or drink, there is already too much on the way. Take any regular medicines that would be required during the 2-3 days’ walk. Prefer a Lightweight backpack to carry stuff during your journey. Proper Clothes to Avoid the Cold - Socks, Hand Gloves, Cap, Ear-cover Jacket & preferably a shawl. Any suitable Cream for Rashes, if you normally get them (they are provided on the route by some mawkibs). You can get a small pocket Quran/Duas/Ziyarat in your mobile (if possible) to pass your time while walking.Important Notes:
For those who doubt they can make it, don't worry. If you really can’t continue at any point, you can take a van to reach Karbala, there are hundreds everywhere. But keep in mind that an average male/female above the age of 10 years is 99.99% likely to complete it on the 3rd day without any issues. You should at least give it a try – it is definitely worth it!! Make sure you know the name of the Hotel; you are intended to stay in Karbala. If you want to make a phone call, make it before Fajr to get your calls through, as they normally don't go through rest of the day due to high network traffic.
Now some other key things to keep in mind:
Those who wish to serve Imam Hussain must serve purely for attaining proximity to ALLAH. Observe prayers on time because they are the main obligations for which Imam Hussain sacrificed his life. And obligatory tasks take priority over recommended tasks. Maintain the atmosphere of sorrow and grief by not laughing and giggling. Keep reciting Subhan Allah, La ilaha illallah and Allahu Akbar during your walk, as it is the best of dhikr, “So make provision for yourselves (Hereafter); for surely the provision is the guarding of oneself”, (Al Baqara:197) like reciting Quran, Duas and Ziyarats. Avoid wasting food and drinks. Owners of Mawakib must pay attention to this and so should you guys. Observe cleanliness in the holy cities and at public places. Remember to recite Ziyarah on behalf of Imam al Mahdi and to pray for his early re-appearance.
- Duas.org
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