12-11-2007, 04:59 PM
Shi'as traditionally go for ziyarat before or after hajj. This can be either to Medina, Karbala, Mashad, Qom,even Al-Quds (one day inshallah). They normally do this because the hajj season is the most convenient time to do this as they may have taken time off work, they can book a transit flight etc etc. They arent doing "Hajj" in Karbala or anywhere else. I hope that answers your question.
There are no real religious obligations towards Karbala. For a Shia Karbala contains the graves of Imam Hussain(as) and other Saints amongst his companions. Hence the Shi'a consider it to be a meritorious act to visit their graves just like visiting the Grave of the Prophet(saw) in Medina.