Ziyarat Arbaeen, Arabic, English Translation and Transliteration
Ziyarat Arbaeen is a devotional salutation addressed to Imam Hussain ibn Ali (A.S.) and especially recited on the 20th of Safar, the day of Arbaeen. Its words honour his martyrdom, explain the reformative purpose of his sacrifice and express the reciter’s loyalty to the guidance of the Ahlul Bayt (A.S.).
This page provides the complete Ziyarat Arbaeen Arabic text with reader-friendly transliteration and a carefully reviewed English translation. It also explains the source, attribution, meaning, major themes and recommended method of recitation.
Quick Answer
Ziyarat Arbaeen is a ziyarat of Imam Hussain (A.S.) reported from Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq (A.S.) through Safwan al-Jammal. It is especially recited on 20 Safar. The text honours Imam Hussain’s sacrifice, explains that he gave his life to rescue people from ignorance and misguidance, condemns those responsible for his killing and renews loyalty to the Ahlul Bayt (A.S.).
Table of Contents
What Is Ziyarat Arbaeen?
Ziyarat Arbaeen is a recognised Shia devotional text addressed to Imam Hussain (A.S.). The Arabic word ziyarat means a visit or salutation. A believer may recite a ziyarat while physically visiting the shrine of an Imam or while sending salutations from another place.
Ziyarat Arbaeen is particularly connected with Arbaeen, the twentieth day of Safar and the fortieth day after Ashura. It presents Imam Hussain (A.S.) not only as a martyr to be mourned, but as a divinely guided leader whose sacrifice confronted ignorance, hypocrisy, misguidance and oppression.
Readers looking for the Gregorian date and international observance may read the complete Arbaeen 2026 date and observance guide.
Source and Attribution of Ziyarat Arbaeen
Ziyarat Arbaeen is reported from Imam Ja‘far al-Sadiq (A.S.) through Safwan ibn Mihran, commonly known as Safwan al-Jammal. Shaykh al-Tusi transmitted it in Tahdhib al-Ahkam and Misbah al-Mutahajjid.
According to the transmitted instruction, Imam al-Sadiq (A.S.) instructed Safwan to recite the Ziyarat after part of the day had passed on Arbaeen. The report then mentions performing two rak‘ahs of prayer and presenting one’s supplications to Allah.
When Is Ziyarat Arbaeen Recited?
Ziyarat Arbaeen is especially recited on 20 Safar. The Gregorian date changes each year because the Islamic calendar follows lunar months.
For 2026, Arbaeen is presently expected around 3–4 August 2026, depending on regional moon sighting and the religious authority followed by each community. The final date may vary by one day between Iraq, Iran, Pakistan, India, the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Australia and Gulf countries.
How to Recite Ziyarat Arbaeen
Ziyarat Arbaeen may be recited at the shrine of Imam Hussain (A.S.), at home, in an imambargah, at an Islamic centre or in another respectful location.
Recommended Preparation
- Choose a clean and respectful place.
- Perform wudu where possible.
- Face towards Karbala if the direction is known and doing so is practical.
- Read slowly and consider the meaning of each declaration.
- Use the transliteration as a temporary aid rather than a replacement for learning correct Arabic pronunciation.
- After the Ziyarat, the transmitted method mentions two rak‘ahs of prayer and personal supplication.
Ziyarat Arbaeen Arabic, English Translation and Transliteration
Complete Ziyarat Arbaeen Reader
Read each passage in Arabic, followed by transliteration and a clear English translation.
Opening Salutations
اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَىٰ وَلِيِّ اللّٰهِ وَحَبِيبِهِ
Al-salāmu ʿalā waliyyi-llāhi wa ḥabībih.
Peace be upon the devoted friend of Allah and His beloved.
اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَىٰ خَلِيلِ اللّٰهِ وَنَجِيبِهِ
Al-salāmu ʿalā khalīli-llāhi wa najībih.
Peace be upon the close friend of Allah and His chosen one.
اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَىٰ صَفِيِّ اللّٰهِ وَابْنِ صَفِيِّهِ
Al-salāmu ʿalā ṣafiyyi-llāhi wabni ṣafiyyih.
Peace be upon the chosen one of Allah and the son of His chosen one.
اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَىٰ الْحُسَيْنِ الْمَظْلُومِ الشَّهِيدِ
Al-salāmu ʿalā al-Ḥusayni al-maẓlūmi al-shahīd.
Peace be upon Hussain, the wronged and martyred.
اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَىٰ أَسِيرِ الْكُرُبَاتِ وَقَتِيلِ الْعَبَرَاتِ
Al-salāmu ʿalā asīri al-kurubāti wa qatīli al-ʿabarāt.
Peace be upon the one beset by sorrows and the slain for whom tears are shed.
Imam Hussain’s Position and Mission
اَللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أَشْهَدُ أَنَّهُ وَلِيُّكَ وَابْنُ وَلِيِّكَ وَصَفِيُّكَ وَابْنُ صَفِيِّكَ الْفَائِزُ بِكَرَامَتِكَ
Allāhumma innī ashhadu annahu waliyyuka wabnu waliyyika, wa ṣafiyyuka wabnu ṣafiyyika, al-fāʾizu bi-karāmatik.
O Allah, I testify that he is Your devoted friend and the son of Your devoted friend, Your chosen one and the son of Your chosen one, who attained success through Your honour.
أَكْرَمْتَهُ بِالشَّهَادَةِ وَحَبَوْتَهُ بِالسَّعَادَةِ وَاجْتَبَيْتَهُ بِطِيبِ الْوِلَادَةِ
Akramtahu bil-shahādati wa ḥabawtahu bil-saʿādati wajtabaytahu bi-ṭībi al-wilādah.
You honoured him with martyrdom, bestowed felicity upon him and selected him through purity of birth.
وَجَعَلْتَهُ سَيِّدًا مِنَ السَّادَةِ وَقَائِدًا مِنَ الْقَادَةِ وَذَائِدًا مِنَ الذَّادَةِ
Wa jaʿaltahu sayyidan mina al-sādati wa qāʾidan mina al-qādati wa dhāʾidan mina al-dhādah.
You made him a master among masters, a leader among leaders and a defender among defenders.
وَأَعْطَيْتَهُ مَوَارِيثَ الْأَنْبِيَاءِ وَجَعَلْتَهُ حُجَّةً عَلَىٰ خَلْقِكَ مِنَ الْأَوْصِيَاءِ
Wa aʿṭaytahu mawārītha al-anbiyāʾi wa jaʿaltahu ḥujjatan ʿalā khalqika mina al-awṣiyāʾ.
You granted him the inheritances of the Prophets and made him, from among the successors, a proof over Your creation.
فَأَعْذَرَ فِي الدُّعَاءِ وَمَنَحَ النُّصْحَ وَبَذَلَ مُهْجَتَهُ فِيكَ
Fa-aʿdhara fī al-duʿāʾi wa manaḥa al-nuṣḥa wa badhala muhjatahu fīk.
He fulfilled the call so completely that no excuse remained, offered sincere counsel and gave his lifeblood for Your cause.
لِيَسْتَنْقِذَ عِبَادَكَ مِنَ الْجَهَالَةِ وَحَيْرَةِ الضَّلَالَةِ
Li-yastanqidha ʿibādaka mina al-jahālati wa ḥayrati al-ḍalālah.
So that he might rescue Your servants from ignorance and the bewilderment of misguidance.
Those Who Opposed Imam Hussain
وَقَدْ تَوَازَرَ عَلَيْهِ مَنْ غَرَّتْهُ الدُّنْيَا وَبَاعَ حَظَّهُ بِالْأَرْذَلِ الْأَدْنَىٰ
Wa qad tawāzara ʿalayhi man gharrat-hu al-dunyā wa bāʿa ḥaẓẓahu bil-ardhali al-adnā.
Those deceived by worldly life joined forces against him and sold their share for what was lowest and most contemptible.
وَشَرَىٰ آخِرَتَهُ بِالثَّمَنِ الْأَوْكَسِ وَتَغَطْرَسَ وَتَرَدَّىٰ فِي هَوَاهُ
Wa sharā ākhiratahu bil-thamani al-awkasi wa taghaṭrasa wa taraddā fī hawāh.
They exchanged their Hereafter for the poorest price, behaved arrogantly and plunged into their desires.
وَأَسْخَطَكَ وَأَسْخَطَ نَبِيَّكَ وَأَطَاعَ مِنْ عِبَادِكَ أَهْلَ الشِّقَاقِ وَالنِّفَاقِ
Wa askhaṭaka wa askhaṭa nabiyyaka wa aṭāʿa min ʿibādika ahla al-shiqāqi wa al-nifāq.
They incurred Your displeasure and the displeasure of Your Prophet and obeyed the people of dissension and hypocrisy.
وَحَمَلَةَ الْأَوْزَارِ الْمُسْتَوْجِبِينَ النَّارَ
Wa ḥamalata al-awzāri al-mustawjibīna al-nār.
The bearers of sinful burdens who made themselves deserving of the Fire.
فَجَاهَدَهُمْ فِيكَ صَابِرًا مُحْتَسِبًا حَتَّىٰ سُفِكَ فِي طَاعَتِكَ دَمُهُ وَاسْتُبِيحَ حَرِيمُهُ
Fa-jāhadahum fīka ṣābiran muḥtasiban ḥattā sufika fī ṭāʿatika damuhu wa ustubīḥa ḥarīmuh.
He struggled against them for Your sake with patience, seeking Your reward, until his blood was shed in obedience to You and the sanctity of his household was violated.
اَللّٰهُمَّ فَالْعَنْهُمْ لَعْنًا وَبِيلًا وَعَذِّبْهُمْ عَذَابًا أَلِيمًا
Allāhumma falʿanhum laʿnan wabīlan wa ʿadhdhibhum ʿadhāban alīmā.
O Allah, therefore condemn them with a severe condemnation and punish them with a painful punishment.
Salutation and Testimony
اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا ابْنَ رَسُولِ اللّٰهِ اَلسَّلَامُ عَلَيْكَ يَا ابْنَ سَيِّدِ الْأَوْصِيَاءِ
Al-salāmu ʿalayka yā bna Rasūli-llāh. Al-salāmu ʿalayka yā bna sayyidi al-awṣiyāʾ.
Peace be upon you, O son of the Messenger of Allah. Peace be upon you, O son of the master of the successors.
أَشْهَدُ أَنَّكَ أَمِينُ اللّٰهِ وَابْنُ أَمِينِهِ عِشْتَ سَعِيدًا وَمَضَيْتَ حَمِيدًا وَمُتَّ فَقِيدًا مَظْلُومًا شَهِيدًا
Ashhadu annaka amīnu-llāhi wabnu amīnihi, ʿishta saʿīdan wa maḍayta ḥamīdan wa mutta faqīdan maẓlūman shahīdā.
I testify that you are the trusted one of Allah and the son of His trusted one. You lived blessed, departed in a praiseworthy state and died mourned, wronged and martyred.
وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ اللّٰهَ مُنْجِزٌ مَا وَعَدَكَ وَمُهْلِكٌ مَنْ خَذَلَكَ وَمُعَذِّبٌ مَنْ قَتَلَكَ
Wa ashhadu anna-llāha munjizun mā waʿadaka wa muhlikun man khadhalaka wa muʿadhdhibun man qatalak.
I testify that Allah will fulfil what He promised you, destroy those who abandoned you and punish those who killed you.
وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّكَ وَفَيْتَ بِعَهْدِ اللّٰهِ وَجَاهَدْتَ فِي سَبِيلِهِ حَتَّىٰ أَتَاكَ الْيَقِينُ
Wa ashhadu annaka wafayta bi-ʿahdi-llāhi wa jāhadta fī sabīlihi ḥattā atāka al-yaqīn.
I testify that you fulfilled your covenant with Allah and strove in His way until certainty—death—came to you.
فَلَعَنَ اللّٰهُ مَنْ قَتَلَكَ وَلَعَنَ اللّٰهُ مَنْ ظَلَمَكَ وَلَعَنَ اللّٰهُ أُمَّةً سَمِعَتْ بِذٰلِكَ فَرَضِيَتْ بِهِ
Fa-laʿana-llāhu man qatalaka wa laʿana-llāhu man ẓalamaka wa laʿana-llāhu ummatan samiʿat bi-dhālika fa-raḍiyat bih.
May Allah condemn those who killed you, those who wronged you and a community that heard of what happened and approved of it.
Renewal of Loyalty
اَللّٰهُمَّ إِنِّي أُشْهِدُكَ أَنِّي وَلِيٌّ لِمَنْ وَالَاهُ وَعَدُوٌّ لِمَنْ عَادَاهُ
Allāhumma innī ushhiduka annī waliyyun liman wālāhu wa ʿaduwwun liman ʿādāh.
O Allah, I call You to witness that I am loyal to whoever is loyal to him and opposed to whoever is hostile to him.
بِأَبِي أَنْتَ وَأُمِّي يَا ابْنَ رَسُولِ اللّٰهِ
Bi-abī anta wa ummī yā bna Rasūli-llāh.
May my father and mother be offered for you, O son of the Messenger of Allah.
Purity, Imamate and Guidance
أَشْهَدُ أَنَّكَ كُنْتَ نُورًا فِي الْأَصْلَابِ الشَّامِخَةِ وَالْأَرْحَامِ الْمُطَهَّرَةِ
Ashhadu annaka kunta nūran fī al-aṣlābi al-shāmikhati wa al-arḥāmi al-muṭahharah.
I testify that you were a light within noble loins and purified wombs.
لَمْ تُنَجِّسْكَ الْجَاهِلِيَّةُ بِأَنْجَاسِهَا وَلَمْ تُلْبِسْكَ الْمُدْلَهِمَّاتُ مِنْ ثِيَابِهَا
Lam tunajjiska al-jāhiliyyatu bi-anjāsihā wa lam tulbiska al-mudlahimmātu min thiyābihā.
The age of ignorance did not stain you with its impurities, nor did its enveloping darkness clothe you in its garments.
وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّكَ مِنْ دَعَائِمِ الدِّينِ وَأَرْكَانِ الْمُسْلِمِينَ وَمَعْقِلِ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ
Wa ashhadu annaka min daʿāʾimi al-dīni wa arkāni al-muslimīna wa maʿqili al-muʾminīn.
I testify that you are among the pillars of religion, the supports of the Muslims and the stronghold of the believers.
وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّكَ الْإِمَامُ الْبَرُّ التَّقِيُّ الرَّضِيُّ الزَّكِيُّ الْهَادِي الْمَهْدِيُّ
Wa ashhadu annaka al-imāmu al-barru al-taqiyyu al-raḍiyyu al-zakiyyu al-hādī al-mahdiyy.
I testify that you are the righteous, God-conscious, pleasing, pure, guiding and rightly guided Imam.
وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّ الْأَئِمَّةَ مِنْ وُلْدِكَ كَلِمَةُ التَّقْوَىٰ وَأَعْلَامُ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْعُرْوَةُ الْوُثْقَىٰ وَالْحُجَّةُ عَلَىٰ أَهْلِ الدُّنْيَا
Wa ashhadu anna al-aʾimmata min wuldika kalimatu al-taqwā wa aʿlāmu al-hudā wa al-ʿurwatu al-wuthqā wa al-ḥujjatu ʿalā ahli al-dunyā.
I testify that the Imams from your descendants are the word of God-consciousness, the signs of guidance, the firmest handhold and the proof over the people of the world.
Final Commitment and Salawat
وَأَشْهَدُ أَنِّي بِكُمْ مُؤْمِنٌ وَبِإِيَابِكُمْ مُوقِنٌ بِشَرَائِعِ دِينِي وَخَوَاتِيمِ عَمَلِي
Wa ashhadu annī bikum muʾminun wa bi-iyābikum mūqinun bi-sharāʾiʿi dīnī wa khawātīmi ʿamalī.
I testify that I believe in you and in your return, certain of the ordinances of my religion and the final outcomes of my deeds.
وَقَلْبِي لِقَلْبِكُمْ سِلْمٌ وَأَمْرِي لِأَمْرِكُمْ مُتَّبِعٌ وَنُصْرَتِي لَكُمْ مُعَدَّةٌ حَتَّىٰ يَأْذَنَ اللّٰهُ لَكُمْ
Wa qalbī li-qalbikum silmun wa amrī li-amrikum muttabiʿun wa nuṣratī lakum muʿaddatun ḥattā yaʾdhana-llāhu lakum.
My heart is at peace with your hearts, my affairs follow your command and my support is prepared for you until Allah grants you permission.
فَمَعَكُمْ مَعَكُمْ لَا مَعَ عَدُوِّكُمْ
Fa-maʿakum maʿakum, lā maʿa ʿaduwwikum.
Therefore, I am with you—with you—and not with your enemy.
صَلَوَاتُ اللّٰهِ عَلَيْكُمْ وَعَلَىٰ أَرْوَاحِكُمْ وَأَجْسَادِكُمْ
Ṣalawātu-llāhi ʿalaykum wa ʿalā arwāḥikum wa ajsādikum.
May the blessings of Allah be upon you, upon your souls and upon your bodies.
وَشَاهِدِكُمْ وَغَائِبِكُمْ وَظَاهِرِكُمْ وَبَاطِنِكُمْ آمِينَ رَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ
Wa shāhidikum wa ghāʾibikum wa ẓāhirikum wa bāṭinikum. Āmīn, Rabba al-ʿālamīn.
Upon those of you who are present and absent, and upon your outward and inward realities. Amen, O Lord of all the worlds.
Reported concluding practice: After completing Ziyarat Arbaeen, the transmitted instruction mentions performing two rak‘ahs of prayer and then presenting one’s personal supplications to Allah.
Meaning and Major Themes of Ziyarat Arbaeen
Recognition of Imam Hussain
The opening salutations recognise Imam Hussain (A.S.) as a chosen servant of Allah, a leader, defender of divine guidance and proof over creation. The Ziyarat therefore begins with recognition of his spiritual position before discussing his martyrdom.
Rescue from Ignorance and Misguidance
One of the most important statements explains that Imam Hussain (A.S.) gave his lifeblood to rescue Allah’s servants from ignorance and the bewilderment of misguidance.
This passage shows that Karbala was not merely an isolated political confrontation. Imam Hussain’s stand represented a struggle to protect truth, religious understanding and moral responsibility.
The Moral Causes of Karbala
The Ziyarat identifies several moral conditions among those who opposed Imam Hussain:
- Attachment to worldly advantage
- Arrogance
- Uncontrolled desire
- Hypocrisy
- Disobedience to Allah
- Obedience to corrupt leadership
- Approval of injustice
These descriptions encourage readers to examine whether similar weaknesses exist within their own decisions and behaviour.
Loyalty Must Influence Conduct
The reciter declares loyalty to those loyal to Imam Hussain and separation from those who opposed him.
This declaration must not be used to attack ordinary Muslims or promote sectarian hostility. Its practical meaning includes loyalty to truth, worship, justice, knowledge, mercy and the guidance of the Ahlul Bayt (A.S.).
Commitment to the Imams
The final passages affirm belief in the Imams from the progeny of Imam Hussain (A.S.). They are described as signs of guidance, the firmest handhold and proofs over the people.
The reciter then declares that the heart, actions and support should remain aligned with their guidance.
For related reading, visit:
Ziyarat e Ashura
Ashura 2026: Complete Date, Aamal and Ziyarat Guide
How to Reflect on Ziyarat Arbaeen
| Theme | Personal Reflection |
|---|---|
| Rescue from ignorance | Do I verify religious information before believing or sharing it? |
| Sincere counsel | Do I advise others respectfully and practise what I recommend? |
| Worldly deception | What principles might I compromise for money, status or comfort? |
| Patience and sacrifice | Can I remain ethical when following the truth becomes difficult? |
| Loyalty to Ahlul Bayt | Does my worship and conduct reflect their teachings? |
| Opposition to injustice | Do I oppose wrongdoing without becoming dishonest or unjust myself? |
Learn Ziyarat with a Qualified Shia Teacher
Correct pronunciation is especially helpful when reading Arabic devotional texts. Students may also benefit from studying the historical background and meaning of each passage rather than reading the words without understanding them.
Shia Quran Tutors offers one-to-one lessons through its Ziyarat & Duas course. Students can study Arabic pronunciation, English or Urdu meaning and the historical context of recognised Shia duas and ziyarat.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Ziyarat Arbaeen
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Reading the words is an important beginning. With personal guidance, students can also improve their Arabic pronunciation, understand each passage and study the message of Imam Hussain (A.S.) in greater depth. Shia Quran Tutors provides individual online lessons for children and adults through its Ziyarat & Duas course.
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