The Exceptional Narrations

12. Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan ibn Walīd narrated to me from Muḥammad ibn Ḥasan Al-Saffār, from ‘Abbās ibn Ma’rūf, from ‘Abdillāh ibn ‘Abdil Raḥmān Al-Asam, from his grandfather, who said: I asked Abā ‘Abdillāh (Imam Sādiq عليه السلام), “May I sacrifice myself for you! Which deed is better: going for Hajj or giving charity?” Imam عليه السلام said, “(The answer to) this question depends on another question. Are there sufficient funds to go for Hajj?” I replied, “No.” Imam عليه السلام said, “If the money is sufficient to go for Hajj, then going for Hajj is better than giving charity. However, if it is not much (money), then giving charity is better.” I asked, “What about fighting in the way of Allāh?” Imam عليه السلام said, “Fighting in the way of Allāh at the time of Jihād is the best deed after the obligatory prayers. However, it is not accepted unless it is with an Imam.” I asked, “What about going for Ziyārah?” Imam عليه السلام replied, “(Going to) the Ziyārah of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وعلى آله وسلم, the Ziyārah of Ḥamzah عليه السلام, the Ziyārah of the successors عليه السلام, and (specifically) the Ziyārah of Ḥusain عليه السلام in Iraq (is the best of deeds).” I asked, “What are the rewards for going to the Ziyārah of Ḥusain عليه السلام?” Imam عليه السلام replied: Those who go to the Ziyārah of Ḥusain عليه السلام will submerge (themselves) in the Mercy (of Allāh) and earn (His) pleasure. Evil will be kept away from them, their sustenance will increase, and the angels will surround them. They will be surrounded with a light which will allow the Keepers to identify them and they will not pass by any of the Keepers without them praying for them.