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The Road from Heaven to Paradise

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The Holy place of Najaf – the sacred shrine of my Mawla Ali

The father of all Imams and the best after the last Prophet

His holy shrine sheds light to all hearts needy of guidance

And his beautiful dome sits in the soul of every devotee

His grave was dug for him long ago by Prophet Nuh

Who is also buried there in close proximity along with Adam

Ibrahim insisted that the time would come when there would be a tomb there with a shrine

Which seventy thousand people would gain absolutely undisputed entrance to Paradise

All the great kings of the world put together could not have a tomb as magnificent as his

 This is the tribute which kings have built together to enshrine the mortal remains of the great Ali

Peace and serenity encompasses the heart of the visitor to Imam Ali

And surely dissolves any feeling of worry or stress

It was a dream in itself to be invited to the land of Ghareyy

That which all the prophets visited and thousand of angels descend

The thought of leaving Najaf leaves behind a devastating fire sparked in the mind

While the dream of walking to Karbala throws ice to somewhat appease that fire of love

How can the feet convince itself to walk away from this sacred shrine?

How can the body push itself far from Heaven which it longs for?

With regret and tears I leave the place of comfort and relief

Where my heart resides and my soul yearns

As I stood there pondering over this puzzling moment

Where the mind is perplexed with mixed emotions

Suddenly I hear a voice inspiring me to seek the permission of my Master Ali

Only he can relieve your dilemma and provide you comfort

I run to the shrine looking for my Mawla Abul Hasan

To consult the Great Lion of God

I call out loud ‘Ya Ali’ hoping to hear his voice

But instead a female voice answers me

‘My husband is not here and has already left

Walking barefoot to visit our beloved son Husayn’

With a feeling of awe and excitement I realize the answer to my dilemma

Symbolized in the departure of Imam Ali to Karbala

For if my Imam himself has left heading towards the Land of Paradise

Then surely I am also given the permission to depart and tread the path of Ali

The time has come to proceed to the next sacred destination

How blessed is that place which Imam Ali himself yearns!

Calling out in the name of the Lord of Husayn

Which bears the dot signifying the essence of Abu Turab

With mixed emotions I take the first step from the door of the first wali

Bidding a sad farewell not knowing if this will be the last visit or not

With passion and determination I take the first step forward

Accompanied by the angels of the heavens and earth

Every step seeming like miles away

And every minute feeling like years

Every ache accompanied with the cry of ‘Ya Husayn!’

Hoping that every blister leaves a scar of devotion embedded with pain

The feeling of exhaustion and physical stress diluted with the passion of love

And the fervor to meet the beloved increased with every pain in this unique procession

A million-man march in rally and support of our oppressed Imam

Carrying the Flag of Fidelity and calling out ‘Labbayka Oh Husayn!’

Treading the road between Heaven and Paradise

Limping with love towards my beloved twin guides

Situated at Karbala Al Muqadassa

Its address none other than Baynul Haramain

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Jerrmein Abu Shahba

Jerrmein Abu Shahba, originally from Egypt and guided by the grace of Allah (swt) to the truth path of AhlulBayt (as), obtained masters in Chemistry and is a Clinical Research Scientist by profession. She contributes as a writer for different Islamic magazines including AIM, Muslims4peace, The Muslim Vibe, and Stand with Dignity. Jerrmein volunteers as an editor for the al-Islam.org website and translates Islamic literature to propagate the teachings of AhlulBayt (as) and serve in any capacity possible.

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