You may face the tomb of Imam `Ali (‘a) and say the following words:

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا رَسُولَ ٱللَّهِ

as-salamu `alayka ya rasula allahi

Peace be upon you, O Allah’s Messenger.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا صَفْوَةَ ٱللَّهِ

as-salamu `alayka ya safwata allahi

Peace be upon you, O Allah’s select.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا أَمِينَ ٱللَّهِ

as-salamu `alayka ya amina allahi

Peace be upon you, O Allah’s trustee.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ مَنِ ٱصْطَفَاهُ ٱللَّهُ

as-salamu `ala man istafahu allahu

Peace be upon him whom Allah chose,

وَٱخْتَصَّهُ وَٱخْتَارَهُ مِنْ بَرِيَّتِهِ

wakhtassahu wakhtarahu min bariyyatihi

selected, and preferred from amongst His creatures.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا خَليلَ ٱللَّهِ

as-salamu `alayka ya khalila allahi

Peace be upon you, O Allah’s friend

مَا دَجَىٰ ٱللَّيْلُ وَغَسَقَ

ma daja allaylu wa ghasaqa

whenever night darkens and becomes dusk

وَأَضَاءَ ٱلنَّهَارُ وَأَشْرَقَ

wa ada'a alnnaharu wa ashraqa

and whenever daylight shines and gleams.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ مَا صَمَتَ صَامِتٌ

as-salamu `alayka ma samata samitun

Peace be upon you whenever one keeps silent,

وَنَطَقَ نَاطِقٌ وَذَرَّ شَارِقٌ

wa nataqa natiqun wa dharra shariqun

whenever one utters something, and whenever a new day begins.

وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ

wa rahmatu allahi wa barakatuhu

So also be Allah’s mercy and blessings upon you.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ مَوْلاَنَا أَمِيرِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

as-salamu `ala mawlana amiri almu'minina

Peace be upon our master: the Commander of the Faithful,

عَلِيِّ بْنِ أَبِي طَالبٍ

`aliyyi bni abi talibin

`Ali the son of Abu-Talib,

صَاحِبِ ٱلسَّوَابِقِ وَٱلْمَنَاقِبِ وَٱلنَّجْدَةِ

sahibi alssawabiqi walmanaqibi walnnajdati

the owner of unprecedented virtues, merits, and relief,

وَمُبيدِ ٱلْكَتَائِبِ

wa mubidi alkata'ibi

the terminator of the phalanxes of the infidels,

ٱلشَّديدِ ٱلْبَأْسِ

alshshadidi alba'si

the all-courageous,

ٱلْعَظِيمِ ٱلْمِرَاسِ

al`azimi almirasi

the all-powerful,

ٱلْمَكِينِ ٱلأَسَاسِ

almakini al-asasi

the deep-rooted,

سَاقِي ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ بِٱلْكَأْسِ

saqi almu'minina bilka'si

who will serve the believers with water in a cup

مِنْ حَوْضِ ٱلرَّسُولِ ٱلْمَكِينِ ٱلأَمِينِ

min hawdi alrrasuli almakini al-amini

from the Pond of the Messenger—the honorable, the honest.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ صَاحِبِ ٱلنُّهَىٰ وَٱلْفَضْلِ

as-salamu `ala sahibi alnnuha walfadli

Peace be upon the owner of perspicacity, favors,

وَٱلطَّوَائِلِ وَٱلْمَكْرُمَاتِ وَٱلنَّوَائِلِ

walttawa'ili walmakrumati walnnawa'ili

bestowals, honors, and incentives.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ فَارِسِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

as-salamu `ala farisi almu'minina

Peace be upon the knight of the believers,

وَلَيْثِ ٱلْمُوَحِّدينَ

wa laythi almuwahhidina

the lion of the monotheists,

وَقَاتِلِ ٱلْمُشْرِكينَ

wa qatili almushrikina

the slayer of the polytheists,

وَوَصِيِّ رَسُولِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَالَمِينَ

wa wasiyyi rasuli rabbi al`alamina

and the successor of the Messenger of the Lord of the words.

وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ

wa rahmatu allahi wa barakatuhu

May Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon him, too.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ مَنْ أَيَّدَهُ ٱللَّهُ بَجِبْرَئِيلَ

as-salamu `ala man ayyadahu allahu bijabra'ila

Peace be upon him whom Allah supported with (Archangel) Gabriel,

وَأَعَانَهُ بِمِيكَائِيلَ

wa a`anahu bimika'ila

backed with (Archangel) Michael,

وَأَزْلَفَهُ فِي ٱلدَّارَيْنِ

wa azlafahu fi alddarayni

whom Allah has bestowed a close degree in both this abode and the abode to come,

وَحَبَاهُ بِكُلِّ مَا تَقَرُّ بِهِ ٱلْعَيْنُ

wa habahu bikulli ma taqarru bihi al`aynu

and whom Allah has granted all things that act as delight for an eye.

وَصَلَّىٰ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ

wa salla allahu `alayhi

May Allah send blessings upon him

وَعَلَىٰ آلِهِ ٱلطَّاهِرِينَ

wa `ala alihi alttahirina

upon his Household the immaculate,

وَعَلَىٰ أَوْلاَدِهِ ٱلْمُنْتَجَبِينَ

wa `ala awladihi almuntajabina

upon his descendants the choicest ones,

وَعَلَىٰ ٱلأَئِمَّةَ ٱلرَّاشِدينَ

wa `ala al-a'immati alrrashidina

and upon the right-directing Imams,

ٱلَّذينَ أَمَرُوٱ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ

alladhina amaru bilma`rufi

who enjoined the right,

وَنَهَوْٱ عَنِ ٱلْمُنْكَرِ

wa nahaw `an almunkari

forbade the wrong,

وَفَرَضُوٱ عَلَيْنَا ٱلصَّلَوَاتِ

wa faradu `alayna alssalawati

explained to us the duty of prayers,

وَأَمَرُوٱ بِإِيتَاءِ ٱلزَّكَاةِ

wa amaru bi'ita'i alzzakati

ordered us to give alms,

وَعَرَّفُونَا صِيَامَ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ

wa `arrafuna siyama shahri ramadana

made clear for us the observance of fasting during the month of Ramadan,

وَقِرَاءَةَ ٱلْقُرْآنِ

wa qira'ata alqur'ani

and taught us the true recitation of the Qur'an.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا أَمِيرَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

as-salamu `alayka ya amira almu'minina

Peace be upon you, O Commander of the Faithful,

وَيَعْسُوبَ ٱلدِّينِ

wa ya`suba alddini

chief of the religion,

وَقَائِدَ ٱلْغُرِّ ٱلْمُحَجَّلِينَ

wa qa'ida alghurri almuhajjalina

and leader of the white-forehead, marked believers.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا بَابَ ٱللَّهِ

as-salamu `alayka ya baba allahi

Peace be upon you, O door to Allah.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا عَيْنَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلنَّاظِرَةَ

as-salamu `alayka ya `ayna allahi alnnazirata

Peace be upon you, O sighting Eye of Allah,

وَيَدَهُ ٱلبَاسِطَةَ

wa yadahu albasitata

extending Hand of Him,

وَأُذُنَهُ ٱلْوَاعِيَةَ

wa udhunahu alwa`iyata

listening Ear of Him,

وَحِكْمَتَهُ ٱلْبَالِغَةَ

wa hikmatahu albalighata

Allah’s conclusive argument,

وَنِعْمَتَهُ ٱلسَّابِغَةَ

wa ni`matahu alssabighata

His flowing boon,

وَنِقْمَتَهُ ٱلدَامِغَةَ

wa niqmatahu alddamighata

and His forceful punishment.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ قَسِيمِ ٱلْجَنَّةَ وَٱلنَّارِ

as-salamu `ala qasimi aljannati walnnari

Peace be upon the decider between people of Paradise and people of Hellfire.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ نِعْمَةِ ٱللَّهِ عَلَىٰ ٱلأَبْرَارِ

as-salamu `ala ni`mati allahi `ala al-abrari

Peace be upon Allah’s benefaction for the righteous ones

وَنِقْمَتِهِ عَلَىٰ ٱلْفُجَّارِ

wa niqmatihi `ala alfujjari

and Allah’s wrath on the wicked ones.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ سَيِّدِ ٱلْمُتَّقِينَ ٱلأَخْيَارِ

as-salamu `ala sayyidi almuttaqina al-akhyari

Peace be upon the leader of the pious good-doers.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ أَخِي رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ

as-salamu `ala akhi rasuli allahi

Peace be upon the brother of Allah’s Messenger,

وَٱبْنِ عَمِّهِ وَزَوْجِ ٱبْنَتِهِ

wabni `ammihi wa zawji ibnatihi

the cousin of him, the husband of his daughter,

وَٱلْمَخْلُوقِ مِنْ طِينَتِهِ

walmakhluqi min tinatihi

and the one created from the same clay of him.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ ٱلأَصْلِ ٱلْقَدِيمِ

as-salamu `ala al-asli alqadimi

Peace be upon the eternal origin

وَٱلْفَرْعِ ٱلْكَرِيمِ

walfar`i alkarimi

and the noble branch.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ ٱلَّثمَرِ ٱلْجَنِيِّ

as-salamu `ala alththamari aljaniyyi

Peace be upon the prolific fruit.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ أَبِي ٱلْحَسَنِ عَلِيٍّ

as-salamu `ala abi alhasani `aliyyin

Peace be upon Abu’l-Hasan, `Ali.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ شَجَرَةِ طُوبَىٰ وَسِدْرَةِ ٱلْمُنْتَهَىٰ

as-salamu `ala shajarati tuba wa sidrati almuntaha

Peace be upon the Tree of Tuba (bliss) and the lote-tree of the utmost boundary.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ آدَمَ صَفْوَةِ ٱللَّهِ

as-salamu `ala adama safwati allahi

Peace be upon Adam the choice of Allah,

وَنُوحٍ نَبِيِّ ٱللَّهِ

wa nuhin nabiyyi allahi

upon Noah the Prophet of Allah,

وَإِبْرَاهِيمَ خَلِيلِ ٱللَّهِ

wa ibrahima khalili allahi

upon Abraham the friend of Allah,

وَمُوسَىٰ كَلِيمِ ٱللَّهِ

wa musa kalimi allahi

upon Moses the spoken by Allah,

وَعِيسَىٰ رُوحِ ٱللَّهِ

wa `isa ruhi allahi

upon Jesus the Spirit of Allah,

وَمُحَمَّدٍ حَبِيبِ ٱللَّهِ

wa muhammadin habibi allahi

upon Muhammad the most beloved by Allah,

وَمَنْ بَيْنَهُمْ مِنَ ٱلنَّبِيِّينَ وَٱلصِّدِّيقِينَ

wa man baynahum min alnnabiyyina walssiddiqina

and upon the Prophets, the veracious ones,

وَٱلشُّهَدَاءِ وَٱلصَّالِحِينَ

walshshuhada'i walssalihina

the martyrs, and the upright ones who came among them.

وَحَسُنَ أُولٰئِكَ رَفِيقاً

wa hasuna ula'ika rafiqan

How excellent is the company of these!

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ نُورِ ٱلأَنْوَارِ

as-salamu `ala nuri al-anwari

Peace be upon the light of lights,

وَسَلِيلِ ٱلأَطْهَارِ

wa salili al-athari

the descendant of the pure ones,

وَعَنَاصِرِ ٱلأَخْيَارِ

wa `anasiri al-akhyari

and the originally righteous ones.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ وَالِدِ ٱلأَئِمَّةِ ٱلأَبْرَارِ

as-salamu `ala walidi al-a'immati al-abrari

Peace be upon the father of the virtuous Imams.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ حَبْلِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلْمَتِينِ

as-salamu `ala habli allahi almatini

Peace be upon the firm cord of Allah

وَجَنْبِهِ ٱلْمَكِينِ

wa janbihi almakini

and the strong side of Him.

وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ

wa rahmatu allahi wa barakatuhu

May Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon him, too.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ أَمِينِ ٱللَّهِ فِي أَرْضِهِ

as-salamu `ala amini allahi fi ardihi

Peace be upon Allah’s trustee on His land,

وَخَلِيفَتِهِ وَٱلْحَاكِمِ بِأَمْرِهِ

wa khalifatihi walhakimi bi-amrihi

Allah’s viceroy and the judge with His laws,

وَٱلْقَيِّمِ بِدِينِهِ

walqayyimi bidinihi

the custodian over His religion,

وَٱلنَّاطِقِ بِحِكْمَتِهِ

walnnatiqi bihikmatihi

the spokesman of His wisdom,

وَٱلْعَامِلِ بِكِتَابِهِ

wal`amili bikitabihi

the actor upon His Book,

أَخِي ٱلرَّسُولِ

akhi alrrasuli

the brother of the Messenger,

وَزَوْجِ ٱلْبَتُولِ

wa zawji albatuli

the husband of the Chaste Lady,

وَسَيْفِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلْمَسْلُولِ

wa sayfi allahi almasluli

and the unsheathed sword of Allah.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ صَاحِبِ ٱلدَّلاَلاَتِ

as-salamu `ala sahibi alddalalati

Peace be upon the owner of the indications,

وَٱلآيَاتِ ٱلْبَاهِرَاتِ

wal-ayati albahirati

the magnificent signs,

وَٱلْمُعْجِزَاتِ ٱلْقَاهِرَاتِ

walmu`jizati alqahirati

and the overcoming miracles,

وَٱلْمُنْجِي مِنَ ٱلْهَلَكَاتِ

walmunji min alhalakati

the redeemer from perdition,

ٱلَّذِي ذَكَرَهُ ٱللَّهُ فِي مُحْكَمِ ٱلآيَاتِ

alladhi dhakarahu allahu fi muhkami al-ayati

and whom Allah has mentioned in the decisive verses,

فَقَالَ تَعَالَىٰ ”وَإِنَّهُ فِي أُمِّ ٱلْكِتَابِ لَدَيْنَا لَعَلِيُّ حَكيمٌ.“

faqala ta`ala wa innahu fi ummi alkitabi ladayna la`aliyyun hakimun

saying, “And surely, in the original of the Book with Us, it is written that `Ali is wise.”

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ ٱسْمِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلرَّضِيِّ

as-salamu `ala ismi allahi alrradiyyi

Peace be upon Allah’s pleased Name,

وَوَجْهِهِ ٱلْمُضِيءِ

wa wajhihi almudi'i

His Brilliant Face,

وَجَنْبِهِ ٱلْعَلِيِّ

wa janbihi al`aliyyi

and His most elevated side.

وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ

wa rahmatu allahi wa barakatuhu

May Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon him, too.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ حُجَجِ ٱللَّهِ وَأَوْصِيَائِهِ

as-salamu `ala hujaji allahi wa awsiya'ihi

Peace be upon Allah’s Arguments, successors,

وَخَاصَّةِ ٱللَّهِ وَأَصْفِيَائِهِ

wa khassati allahi wa asfiya'ihi

prominent people, and choices,

وَخَالِصَتِهِ وَأُمَنَائِهِ

wa khalisatihi wa umana'ihi

selects, and trustees.

وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ

wa rahmatu allahi wa barakatuhu

May Allah’s mercy and blessings be upon him, too.

قَصَدْتُكَ يَا مَوْلاَيَ

qasadtuka ya mawlaya

I have come to you, O master,

يَا أَمِينَ ٱللَّهِ وَحُجَّتَهُ

ya amina allahi wa hujjatahu

O Allah’s trustee and argument,

زَائِراً عَارِفاً بِحَقِّكَ

za'iran `arifan bihaqqika

visiting (your tomb), acknowledging your right,

مُوَالِياً لأَوْلِيَائِكَ

muwaliyan li'awliya'ika

acceding to your adherents,

مُعَادِياً لأَعْدَائِكَ

mu`adiyan li'a`da'ika

incurring the hostility of your enemies,

مُتَقَرِّباً إِلَىٰ ٱللَّهِ بِزِيَارَتِكَ

mutaqarriban ila allahi biziyaratika

and seeking Allah’s nearness through my visit to you.

فَٱشْفَعْ لِي عِنْدَ ٱللَّهِ رَبّي وَرَبِّكَ

fashfa` li `inda allahi rabbi wa rabbika

So, (please) intercede for me before Allah—your and my Lord—

فِي خَلاَصِ رَقَبَتِي مِنَ ٱلنَّارِ

fi khalasi raqabati min alnnari

so that He may save me from Hellfire

وَقَضَاءِ حَوَائِجِي حَوَائِجِ ٱلدُّنْيَا وَٱلآخِرَةِ

wa qada'i hawa'iji hawa'iji alddunya wal-akhirati

and respond to my requests of this world and the Next World.

 

 

You may then throw yourself on the tomb, kiss it, and say the following:

سَلاَمُ ٱللَّهِ وَسَلاَمُ مَلاَئِكَتِهِ ٱلْمُقَرَّبينَ

salamu allahi wa salamu mala'ikatihi almuqarrabina

Salutations of Allah and salutations of His Archangels,

وَٱلْمُسَلِّمينَ لَكَ بِقُلُوبِهِمْ

walmusallimina laka biqulubihim

and those who heartily yield to you,

يَا أَميرَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

ya amira almu'minina

O Commander of the Faithful,

وَٱلنَّاطِقِينَ بِفَضْلِكَ

walnnatiqina bifadlika

and those who speak of your virtue

وَٱلشَّاهِدِينَ عَلَىٰ أَنَّكَ صَادِقٌ أَمِينٌ صِدِّيقٌ

walshshahidina `ala annaka sadiqun aminun siddiqun

and those who bear witness that you are surely honest, faithful, and veracious;

عَلَيْكَ وَرَحْمَةُ ٱللَّهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ

`alayka wa rahmatu allahi wa barakatuhu

salutations as well as Allah’s mercy and blessings of all those be upon you.

أَشْهَدُ أَنَّكَ طُهْرٌ طَاهِرٌ مُطَهَّرٌ

ashhadu annaka tuhrun tahirun mutahharun

I bear witness that you are verily pure, immaculate, and purified

مِنْ طُهْرٍ طَاهِرٍ مُطَهَّرٍ

min tuhrin tahirin mutahharin

and you are the descendant of the pure, immaculate, and purified ones.

أَشْهَدُ لَكَ يَا وَلِيَّ ٱللَّهِ وَوَلِيَّ رَسُولِهِ

ashhadu laka ya waliyya allahi wa waliyya rasulihi

I bear witness for you, O Intimate servant of Allah and loyal to Allah’s Messenger,

بِٱلْبَلاَغِ وَٱلأَدَاءِ

bilbalaghi wal-ada'i

that you did convey and carry out (your mission).

وَأَشْهَدُ أَنَّكَ جَنْبُ ٱللَّهِ وَبَابُهُ

wa ashhadu annaka janbu allahi wa babuhu

I also bear witness that you are the duty that Allah has imposed (upon us) and the door to Him,

وَأَنَّكَ حَبِيبُ ٱللَّهِ

wa annaka habibu allahi

you are the beloved of Allah

وَوَجْهُهُ ٱلَّذِي يُؤْتَىٰ مِنْهُ

wa wajhuhu alladhi yu'ta minhu

and the direction from which Allah is reached,

وَأَنَّكَ سَبِيلُ ٱللَّهِ

wa annaka sabilu allahi

you are the path to Allah,

وَأَنَّكَ عَبْدُ ٱللَّهِ

wa annaka `abdu allahi

and you are the servant of Allah

وَأَخُو رَسُولِهِ صَلَّىٰ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَآلِهِ

wa akhu rasulihi salla allahu `alayhi wa alihi

and the brother of His Messenger—may Allah’s blessings be upon him and his Household.

أَتَيْتُكَ مُتَقَرِّباً إِلَىٰ ٱللَّهِ عَزَّ وَجَلَّ بِزِيَارَتِكَ

ataytuka mutaqarriban ila allahi `azza wa jalla biziyaratika

I have come to you seeking nearness to Allah, to Whom belong all might and majesty, through my visit to you,

رَاغِباً إِلَيْكَ فِي ٱلشِّفَاعَةِ

raghiban ilayka fi alshshafa`ati

seeking your intercession for me,

أَبْتَغِي بِشَفَاعَتِكَ خَلاَصَ رَقَبَتِي مِنَ ٱلنَّارِ

abtaghi bishafa`atika khalasa raqabati min alnnari

through which I hope for saving of myself from Hellfire,

مُتَعَوِّذاً بِكَ مِنَ ٱلنَّارِ

muta`awwidhan bika min alnnari

seeking your protecting of myself from the Fire,

هَارِباً مِنْ ذُنوُبِيَ ٱلَّتِي ٱحْتَطَبْتُهَا عَلَىٰ ظَهْرِي

hariban min dhunubiya allati ihtatabtuha `ala zahri

escaping my sins with which I have burdened my back,

فَزِعاً إِلَيْكَ رَجَاءَ رَحْمَةِ رَبِّي

fazi`an ilayka raja'a rahmati rabbi

and having recourse to you in the hope for my Lord’s mercy.

أَتَيْتُكَ أَسْتَشْفِعُ بِكَ يَا مَوْلاَيَ

ataytuka astashfi`u bika ya mawlaya

O my master, I have come to you seeking your intercession for me

وَأَتَقَرَّبُ بِكَ إِلَىٰ ٱللَّهِ

wa ataqarrabu bika ila allahi

and I seek nearness to Allah through you

لَيَقْضِيَ بِكَ حَوَائِجِي

liyaqdiya bika hawa'iji

so that He may grant me all of my requests.

فَٱشْفَعْ لِي يَا أَمِيرَ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ إِلَىٰ ٱللَّهِ

fashfa` li ya amira almu'minina ila allahi

So, O Commander of the Faithful, (please) intercede for me before Allah,

فَإِنِّي عَبْدُ ٱللَّهِ وَمَوْلاَكَ وَزَائِرُكَ

fa'inni `abdu allahi wa mawlaka wa za'iruka

for I am the servant of Allah, and I am your associate and visitor,

وَلَكَ عِنْدَ ٱللَّهِ ٱلْمَقَامُ ٱلْمَحْمُودُ

wa laka `inda allahi almaqamu almahmudu

and you enjoy with Allah a praiseworthy standing,

وَٱلْجَاهُ ٱلْعَظِيمُ

waljahu al`azimu

as well as a great esteem,

وَٱلشَّأْنُ ٱلْكَبِيرُ

walshsha'nu alkabiru

a high superiority,

وَٱلشَّفَاعَةُ ٱلْمَقْبُولَةُ

walshshafa`atu almaqbulatu

and an acceptable right of intercession.

اَللَّهُمَّ صَلِّ عَلَىٰ مُحَمَّدٍ وَآلِ مُحَمَّدٍ

allahumma salli `ala muhammadin wa ali muhammadin

O Allah, (please do) send blessings upon Muhammad and the Household of Muhammad,

وَصَلِّ عَلَىٰ أَمِيرِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

wa salli `ala amiri almu'minina

and send blessings upon the Commander of the Faithful—

عَبْدِكَ ٱلْمُرْتَضَىٰ

`abdika almurtada

your well-pleased servant,

وَأَمينِكَ ٱلأَوْفَىٰ

wa aminika al-awfa

your most faithful trustee,

وَعُرْوَتِكَ ٱلْوُثْقَىٰ

wa `urwatika alwuthqa

your firmest handle,

وَيَدِكَ ٱلْعُلْيَا

wa yadika al`ulya

your highest hand,

وَجَنِْبكَ ٱلأَعْلَىٰ

wa janbika al-a`la

your uppermost side,

وَكَلِمَتِكَ ٱلْحُسْنَىٰ

wa kalimatika alhusna

your most excellent word,

وَحُجَّتِكَ عَلَىٰ ٱلْوَرَىٰ

wa hujjatika `ala alwara

your claim on the creatures,

وَصِدِّيقِكَ ٱلأَكْبَرِ

wa siddiqika al-akbari

your prime all-veracious,

وَسَيِّدِ ٱلأَوْصِيَاءِ

wa sayyidi al-awsiya'i

the master of the Prophets’ successors,

وَرُكْنِ ٱلأَوْلِيَاءِ

wa rukni al-awliya'i

the pillar of the saints,

وَعِمَادِ ٱلأَصْفِيَاءِ

wa `imadi al-asfiya'i

the support of the elite ones,

أَمِيرِ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

amiri almu'minina

the commander of the faithful,

وَيَعْسُوبِ ٱلدِّينِ

wa ya`subi alddini

the leader of the religion,

وَقُدْوَةِ ٱلصَّالِحِينَ

wa qudwati alssalihina

the example of the righteous ones,

وَإِمَامِ ٱلْمُخْلِصِينَ

wa imami almukhlisina

the chief of the choice ones,

ٱلْمَعْصُومِ مِنَ ٱلْخَلَلِ

alma`sumi min alkhalali

the protected against defects,

ٱلْمُهَذَّبِ مِنَ ٱلزَّلَلِ

almuhadhdhabi min alzzalali

the precluded against flaws,

ٱلْمُطَهَّرِ مِنَ ٱلْعَيْبِ

almutahhari min al`aybi

the purified from fault,

ٱلْمُنَزَّهِ مِنَ ٱلرَّيْبِ

almunazzi min alrraybi

the saved from doubt,

أَخِي نَبِيِّكَ

akhi nabiyyika

the brother of Your Prophet,

وَوَصِيِّ رَسُولِكَ

wa wasiyyi rasulika

the successor of Your Messenger,

ٱلْبَائِتِ عَلَىٰ فِرَاشِهِ

alba'iti `ala firashihi

the one who sacrificed himself for Your Prophet [when he took his place on his bed],

وَٱلْمُوَاسِي لَهُ بِنَفْسِهِ

walmuwasi lahu binafsihi

the one who gave up his soul for Your Prophet,

وَكَاشِفِ ٱلْكَرْبِ عَنْ وَجْهِهِ

wa kashifi alkarbi `an wajhihi

the one who removed agonies from Your Prophet,

ٱلَّذِي جَعَلْتَهُ سَيْفاً لِنُبُوَّتِهِ

alladhi ja`altahu sayfan linubuwwatihi

the one whom You chose to be the sword of Your Prophet’s prophethood,

وَآيَةً لِرِسَالَتِهِ

wa ayatan lirisalatihi

the sign of his Messengership,

وَشَاهِداً عَلَىٰ أُمَّتِهِ

wa shahidan `ala ummatihi

the witness over his people,

وَدَلاَلَةً عَلَىٰ حُجَّتِهِ

wa dilalatan `ala hujjatihi

the indication of his evidences,

وَحَامِلاًَ لِرَايَتِهِ

wa hamilan lirayatihi

the bearer of his pennon,

وَوِقَايَةً لِمُهْجَتِهِ

wa wiqayatan limuhjatihi

the shield against his heart,

وَهَادِياً لأُمَّتِهِ

wa hadiyan li'ummatihi

the guide of his people,

وَيَداً لِبَأْسِهِ

wa yadan liba'sihi

the powerful hand of his might,

وَتَاجاً لِرَأْسِهِ

wa tajan lira'sihi

the crown of his head,

وَبَاباً لِسِرِّهِ

wa baban lisirrihi

the door to his secrets,

وَمِفْتَاحاً لِظَفَرِهِ

wa miftahan lizafarihi

and the key to his victory,

حَتَّىٰ هَزَمَ جُيُوشَ ٱلشِّرْكِ بِإِذْنِكَ

hatta hazama juyusha alshshirki bi'idhnika

until he defeated the armies of polytheism by Your permission,

وَأَبَادَ عَسَاكِرَ ٱلْكُفْرِ بِأَمْرِكَ

wa abada `asakira alkufri bi'amrika

annihilated the forces of infidelity by Your order,

وَبَذَلَ نَفْسَهَ فِي مَرْضَاتِ رَسُولِكَ

wa badhala nafsahu fi mardati rasulika

devoted himself to the pleasure of Your Messenger,

وَجَعَلَهَا وَقْفاً عَلَىٰ طَاعَتِهِ

wa ja`alaha waqfan `ala ta`atihi

and dedicated it to the obedience to him.

فَصَلِّ ٱللَّهُمَّ عَلَيْهِ صَلاَةً دَائِمَةً بَاقِيَةً

fasalli allahumma `alayhi salatan da'imatan baqiyatan

So, O Allah, (please do) send upon him with endless, nonstop blessings.

 

 

You may then add the following:

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا وَلِيَّ ٱللَّهِ

as-salamu `alayka ya waliyya allahi

Peace be upon you, O intimate servant of Allah,

وَٱلشَّهَابُ ٱلثَّاقِبُ

walshshahabu alththaqibu

the shining brightness,

وَٱلنُّورُ ٱلْعَاقِبُ

walnnuru al`aqibu

and the endless light.

يَا سَلِيلَ ٱلأَطَائِبِ

ya salila al-ata'ibi

O descendant of the pure ones!

يَا سِرَّ ٱللَّهِ

ya sirra allahi

O secret of Allah!

إِنَّ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَ ٱللَّهِ تَعَالَىٰ ذُنُوباً

inna bayni wa bayna allahi ta`ala dhunuban

Verily, there are between Allah and me sins

قَدْ أَثْقَلَتْ ظَهْرِي

qad athqalat zahri

that have burdened my back

وَلاَ يَأْتِي عَلَيْهَا إِلاَّ رِضَاهُ

wa la ya'ti `alayha illa ridahu

and nothing can ease them except His pleasure;

فَبِحَقِّ مَنِ ٱئْتَمَنَكَ عَلَىٰ سِرِّهِ

fabihaqqi man i'tamanaka `ala sirrihi

so, (I beg you) in the Name of Him Who has entrusted you with His secret

وَٱسْتَرْعَاكَ أَمْرَ خَلْقِهِ

wastar`aka amra khalqihi

and assigned you to manage the affairs of His creatures

كُنْ لِي إِلَىٰ ٱللَّهِ شَفِيعاً

kun li ila allahi shafi`an

to (please) be the interceder for me before Allah,

وَمِنَ ٱلنَّارِ مُجِيراً

wa min alnnari mujiran

to be my savoir from the Fire,

وَعَلَىٰ ٱلدَّهْرِ ظَهِيراً

wa `ala alddahri zahiran

and to be my supporter against the vicissitudes of my time,

فَإِنِّي عَبْدُ ٱللَّهِ وَوَلِيُّكَ وَزَائِرُكَ

fa'inni `abdu allahi wa waliyyuka wa za'iruka

for I am the servant of Allah and I am your loyalist and visitor.

صَلَّىٰ ٱللَّهُ عَلَيْكَ

salla allahu `alayka

May Allah send blessings upon you.

 

 

You may then offer a six-unit prayer, which is the Ziyarah Prayer, and supplicate for whatever you want. Then, you may say the following:

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا أَمِيرَ ٱلْمُؤمِنِينَ

as-salamu `alayka ya amira almu'minina

Peace be upon you, O Commander of the Faithful!

عَلَيْكَ مِنِّي سَلاَمُ ٱللَّهِ أَبَداً

`alayka minni salamu allahi abadan

Peace of Allah be upon you forever

مَا بَقِيتُ وَبَقِيَ ٱللَّيْلُ وَٱلنَّهَارُ

ma baqitu wa baqiya allaylu walnnaharu

as long as I am alive and as long as days and nights come after each other.

 

 

You may then turn your face towards the tomb of Imam al-Husayn (‘a), point to it, and say the following:

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا أَبَا عَبْدِ ٱللَّهِ

as-salamu `alayka ya aba `abdillahi

Peace be upon you, O Abu-`Abdullah.

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا بْنَ رَسُولِ ٱللَّهِ

as-salamu `alayka yabna rasuli allahi

Peace be upon you, O son of Allah’s Messenger.

أَتَيْتُكُمَا زَائِراً وَمُتَوَسِّلاً

ataytukuma za'iran wa mutawassilan

I have come to both of you visiting and begging you to be mediators

إِلَىٰ ٱللَّهِ تَعَالَىٰ رَبِّي وَرَبِّكُمَا

ila allahi ta`ala rabbi wa rabbikuma

between me and Allah, the All-exalted, your and my Lord,

وَمُتَوَجِّهاً إِلَىٰ ٱللَّهِ بِكُمَا

wa mutawajjihan ila allahi bikuma

and I am turning my face to Allah in your names,

وَمُسْتَشْفِعاً بِكُمَا إِلَىٰ ٱللَّهِ فِي حَاجَتِي هٰذِهِ…

wa mustashfi`an bikuma ila allahi fi hajati hadhihi…

and seeking your intercession for me before Allah to grant me this request of mine, which is…

 

 

You may then say the famous supplicatory prayer known as Du`a’ Safwan (or Du`a’ `Alqamah), which will be cited after the famous Ziyarah of `ªshura', up to its end; i.e. up to this paragraph:

إِنَّهُ قَرِيبٌ مُجِيبٌ

innahu qaribun mujibun

He is verily All-nigh, All-responding.

 

 

You may then face the kiblah direction and say the same Du`a’ Safwan from its beginning:

يَا اللَّهُ يَا اللَّهُ يَا اللَّهُ

ya allahu ya allahu ya allahu

O Allah! O Allah! O Allah!

يَا مُجِيبَ دَعْوَةِ ٱلْمُضْطَرِّينَ

ya mujiba da`wati almudtarrina

O He who gives answer to the cries of the persecuted!

يَا كَاشِفَ كُرَبِ ٱلْمَكْرُوبِينَ…

wa ya kashifa karbi almakrubina…

O He who pulls out the grief-stricken from agony

 

 

and up to the following statements:

رِفْنِي بِقَضَاءِ حَ

wasrifni biqada'i hajati

…and make me leave having my requests granted

يَةِ مَا أَهَمّنِي

wa kifayati ma ahammani hammuhu

and having all my agonies relieved,

مْرِ آخِرَتِي وَد

min amri dunyaya wa akhirati

including those of this world and those of the world to come.

ْحَمَ ٱلرَّ

ya arhama alrrahimina

O most Merciful of all those who show mercy!

 

 

You may then turn your face toward the tomb of Amir al-Mu'minin (‘a) and say the following words:

اَلسَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكَ يَا أَمِيرَ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ

as-salamu `alayka ya amira almu'minina

Peace be upon you, O Commander of the Faithful!

وَٱلسَّلاَمُ عَلَىٰ أَبِي عَبْدِ ٱللَّهِ ٱلْحُسَيْنِ

wa as-salamu `ala abi `abdillahi alhusayni

And peace be upon Abu-`Abdullah al-Husayn,

مَا بَقِيتُ وَبَقِيَ ٱللَّيْلُ وَٱلنَّهَارُ

ma baqitu wa baqiya allaylu walnnaharu

as long as I am alive and as long as day and night endure.

لاََ جَعَلَهُ ٱللَّهُ آخِرَ ٱلْعَهْدِ مِنِّي لِزِيَارَتِكُمَا

la ja`alahu allahu akhira al`ahdi minni liziyaratikuma

May Allah not make this visit of mine to be the last of my visit to both of you!

وَلاَ فَرَّقَ ٱللَّهُ بَيْنِي وَبَيْنَكُمَا

wa la farraqa allahu bayni wa baynakuma

And may Allah never separate me from you!