Benefits of Karbala soil

Here are some of the virtues, importance, and benefits of the karbala soil of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), as narrated by religious leaders and scholars:

The soil of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) has the power to heal all ailments except for certain death, provided certain conditions are met: a. The person must have faith in the healing power of the soil and consume it with the intention of seeking a cure. It is narrated, “And whoever consumes it out of mere desire will not find healing in it.” In another narration, it is said, “By God, whoever believes it will benefit them, will indeed be benefited.” b. The patient must not be at the brink of inevitable death, as certain death is beyond treatment. c. The soil should be handled while in a state of ablution (wudu). d. It should be taken with two fingers. e. The amount consumed should be the size of a chickpea, or preferably a lentil, and no more. f. The soil should be kissed and placed upon the eyes. g. When consuming or giving the soil, one should say: “In the name of Allah, and by Allah. O Allah, make it a means of ample sustenance, beneficial knowledge, and healing from every illness. Truly, You are capable of all things.” h. The soil should not be taken lightly; it should not be placed in inappropriate containers or locations, nor should it be excessively handled. i. The soil used for healing should be taken from within four miles of the holy grave, and the closer it is to the grave, the better. j. It is recommended to place the soil in the mouth and then drink a sip of water, saying: “O Allah, make it a means of ample sustenance, beneficial knowledge, and healing from every illness and ailment.”

Carrying the soil of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) provides safety, as it has been said: “If you fear a ruler or anyone else, do not leave your house without carrying the soil with you.”

Placing the soil with the deceased in the grave and writing on the shroud with it: One of the benefits of karbala soil of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) is that if it is placed with the deceased in the grave, it will protect them from the torment and darkness of the grave. It is narrated from Imam Musa (peace be upon him) that he said: “When you place the deceased in the grave, put a piece of soil from the grave of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) in front of their face, not under their head.” It is also narrated from Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) that writing the beliefs with the soil of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) on the shroud of the deceased brings light to the believer in the darkness of the grave and safety during the questioning and terrors of the Day of Judgment.

Prostrating on the soil: It is narrated that prostrating on the soil of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) tears through seven veils, meaning it causes the acceptance of prayer and its ascent to the heavens.

Making a prayer bead (misbah) from the soil: Holding and using it for recitation has great virtue. One of its features is that it performs tasbih (glorification of God) even if the person holding it is not actively doing so. This is the same tasbih mentioned in the Quran: “And there is nothing except that it glorifies His praise, but you do not understand their glorification.” (Quran 17:44). The prayer bead made from the soil of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) glorifies God, though we may not comprehend it.

Using the soil for newborns: Imam Sadiq (peace be upon him) said: “Place the soil of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him) on the palate of your children, for it will protect them from calamities.”