The Guest of Karbala: Ayatullah Shustari’s Vision of Imam Hussain (AS)

How a Dreamly Visit to the Camp of Karbala Transformed a Scholar’s Soul and Speech

Ayatullah Shaykh Ja’far Shustari (RA), the distinguished Shia scholar, philosopher, and jurist, is widely remembered for his moving sermons and for authoring the renowned book Khasais al-Hussainiyyah — a profound exploration of the unique attributes of Imam Hussain’s (AS) movement.

After completing his studies in the esteemed Hawza of Najaf, Shaykh Shustari returned to his hometown of Shustar with a mission: to revive Islamic understanding among the people through the teachings of the Quran and the Ahlul Bayt (AS). He began delivering public sermons every Friday and continued them into the sacred month of Ramadhan, often using Tafsir-e-Safi by Mulla Muhsin Fayz Kashani as his primary text.

True to the tradition of mourning and remembrance, he would always conclude his lectures with the masaib (tragedies) of Imam Hussain (AS), reciting from the book Rawdat al-Shuhada — The Garden of the Martyrs. However, one burden remained heavy on his heart: he was unable to deliver these emotional narratives from memory. No matter how much he tried, the words wouldn’t flow unless read directly from the book, which left his audience unmoved and himself disheartened.

This struggle continued for an entire year, until the next Muharram. Desiring to change, he yearned deeply to be able to recite the masaib from memory, with the heartfelt depth that could truly touch hearts. Despite all efforts, he could not find a way. One day, emotionally exhausted, he fell into sleep — and into a dream unlike any other.

In that dream, he found himself transported to the sacred land of Karbala, at the very time Imam Hussain (AS) and his caravan were encamped there. Approaching the Imam (AS), he offered his salutations. The Imam (AS), in his luminous majesty, welcomed Shaykh Shustari and seated him beside him. Turning to his loyal companion Habib ibn Mazahir, the Imam said:

"Habib! Shaykh Ja’far is our guest, and a guest must always be honoured. Though there is no water in our camp, there is flour and oil. Prepare food for our guest."

Habib (AS) immediately obeyed, returning soon with a dish and placing it before the Shaykh. Shaykh Ja’far recalled that there was even a spoon in the bowl. He took just a few spoonfuls of that divine meal—and woke up.

But he awoke transformed.

From that moment on, the blessing of that dreamly ziyarah of Imam Hussain (AS) filled him with a miraculous insight — a spiritual and intimate understanding of the lives, personalities, and inner realities of the Prophet’s family (AS). He now found himself able to speak of their virtues and sorrows without the need of a book, his words flowing from memory and heart. It was a gift only heaven could bestow.

This profound dream became a turning point in the Shaykh’s life and work, and a testimony to the generosity of Imam Hussain (AS) toward those who yearn to serve his cause.

Reference:

Khasais al-Hussainiyyah, p.8, as quoted in Karamat wa Hikayate Ashiqane Khuda — “Miracles and Anecdotes of the Close Servants of Allah”