Pilgrimage in Islam

Pilgrimage to the shrine of the Prophet, the Imams (AS), religious scholars and even relatives and friends, is of the things that is seen only in Shia religion; hence many Sunnis, especially the Wahhabis consider it as heresy. While there are many Hadiths mentioned in the books of Sunni and Shiite recommending to visit such sites. Pilgrimage is a classroom indeed and pilgrimage letters from Imams and children of Imams (AS) are laden with spiritual knowledge and pure teachings that these honorable individuals were not able to propagate them in their lifetime, due to restrictions imposed on them by the suppressive governments. Visiting the graves of relatives and friends too is beneficial for both pilgrims and for those who are buried in these tombs and it has spiritual benefit for them. One way to keep the school of Ahlul-Bayt (AS) alive is to go to visit the shrines of the Imams and paying attention to the pilgrimage letters of these personages, that in practical life of eminent Shia scholars in the world of Shiism, many instances of their dedication to pilgrimage of the Holy Imams (AS) can be seen. This article along with explaining the status of pilgrimage in Shiite culture and enumerating the types of pilgrimage and their effects and benefits as well as providing traditions ascribed to Imams (AS) and practical life of religious leaders on pilgrimage, regards it to be one of the ways of keeping the school of Ahlul Bayt (as) alive.